Broadgauge, Petersburg

2022 Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award for Adaptive Reuse

The Broadgauge Building in downtown Petersburg was constructed in 1872 and became Central Illinois’ first “megastore,” with a hardware store, grocery store and dry goods shop all under one roof. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing structure in the Petersburg Historic District, the Broadgauge Building, which had been used as a flea market in recent years, has been adaptively reused by owner Douglas Pope. The reopened Broadgauge now houses a restored restaurant and bar as well as The Talisman at the Broadgauge coffee and pastry shop on the ground level. Space on the second floor once used for storage now features a ballroom and performing arts center where weddings, class reunions and concerts can be held, and a boardroom and lounge for small business meetings, private parties and private dining. In what once served as a cigar factory in the distant past on the second floor also has been rehabbed as a banquet facility for medium-sized gatherings.

(Photo credit: Douglas Pope)

PROJECT PRINCIPALS

Owner: Douglas Pope
Development Manager: Stowe Olesen
Creative Director: Peter Olesen
Designer: William Golden
General Contractor: Ozella
Construction. Steve & Ann Ozella

(Photo credit: Douglas Pope)

LI ASKS: WHY IS THIS PLACE IMPORTANT TO YOU?

Owner Douglas Pope

The reimagined Broadgauge is vital to the sustainability of small-town life in Petersburg. Once again the Broadgauge of today is drawing people from far and wide who want to spend time in this beautiful facility and get a delicious meal. When visitors come to Petersburg they visit the other shops and businesses in town, increasing local economic activity. Broadgauge is also one of the town’s largest employers providing jobs to more than 50 people.

(Photo credit: Douglas Pope)

HOW DID SAVING THIS PLACE IMPACT PEOPLE IN YOUR COMMUNITY?

Owner Douglas Pope

The Broadgauge team is proud of our work and the positive impact it is having on downtown Petersburg. The beautiful restoration provides a wonderful and ADA accessible gathering space for locals and visitors alike. Locals have a place to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions without having to drive 25 miles to Springfield. The businesses in the building have created more than 50 well-paying jobs, allowing its employees to earn a decent living without having to leave the community and giving young professionals the opportunity to learn about a career in the hospitality industry. In addition, Broadgauge invited the local high school’s industrial arts class to participate in the construction project, giving students real-life construction experience. Broadgauge also provides space for local artists to display and sell their works of art.

Broadgauge and nonprofit Menard County Trails and Greenways also have established the Menard County Forest Fund, which is dedicated to beautifying our community by planting and preserving native trees on local public lands.

(Photo credit: Douglas Pope)