As a shining example of the depression era craftsmanship from the Civilian Conservation Corps, many of the Lodge’s features, designed by State Architect Joseph Booton in 1932, were handcrafted at the site. Although there have been a few historically insensitive modifications over the years, through careful research and thoughtful design, Bailey Edward made certain that this National Register of Historic Places structure was returned to the original Architect’s design intentions.

The restoration of the Black Hawk Lodge included a new roof system and restoration of the dormers, windows and doors. Stone throughout the Lodge was cleaned and restoration was performed on the non-historic exterior stair. The exterior light fixtures were placed with period reproduction fixtures. This project was honored with a Preservation Award from the Rock Island Historic Preservation Society and a Preservation / Restoration Award from the American Institute of Architects Central Illinois Chapter.

Rock Island, Illinois

The historic church layout was based on two side aisles with no center aisle, because the original order of service had a central pulpit with a single clergy. To address sacraments such as communion and weddings, and to accommodate universal access, Bailey Edward designed a central aisle with ramps up onto the chancel. To address the aging population, the lighting and sound system was upgraded as well. The design created a new gathering space in the back of the nave, which allows the congregation to casually gather at the back of the church. It also gives a more open perception of the church, so that visitors can pass into the back of the church without disturbing services. 

This project was honored by the Association of Licensed Architects with a Gold Award and by the Central Illinois Chapter of the American Institute of Architects with a Preservation/Restoration award.

Chicago, Illinois

The first known presence of the Illinois National Guard in Urbana was a cavalry which has transitioned over the years to accommodate infantry and deployment staging activities. Bailey Edward is providing architecture and historic preservation services for the renovation of the Urbana Readiness Center built in 1937, under the Federal Works Projects Administration program.

A design charrette was performed to verify program requirements, functionality of the facility and to accelerate the schedule. The scope of work includes a three-story interior addition; ADA and systems updates throughout; and, rehabilitating the exterior of this National Register of Historic Places eligible structure, which involved upgrades to meet Department of Defense Anti-Terrorism Force Protection standards without violating Illinois Historic Preservation Agency standards. The scope of work also provides for space for office, classroom and storage space; additional military and public parking; and, security lighting and fencing. This renovation is designed to achieve LEED Gold.

Urbana, Illinois

Lincoln Hall, a century-old icon at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, was in serious disrepair. Bailey Edward was appointed co-architect as historic preservationists, construction observers and liaison to the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IPHA) and the Capital Development Board (CDB).

A feasibility study assessed both the exterior and interior, defining the scope of work to maintain the historic integrity of the building while significantly upgrading operational efficiencies to pursue LEED Gold certification. Execution of the study involved coordination of consultants to test and analyze materials such as original paint colors, type of plaster and wood species of windows and trim, and identification of cleaning techniques for the masonry and terra cotta. Sustainability objectives also dictated an in-depth window study examining the comparative efficiency of restoring existing windows and replacing them. Commissioned by the CDB and adopted by the IHPA, this study set an industry benchmark.

Urbana, Illinois

Riverview Farmstead is home to the District’s only farmstead and homestead. In 2000, the District started restoration and stabilization efforts with the Thomas Clow Barn Restoration Project. More recently, the District started developing preserve access, picnicking opportunities, river access and a portion of the DuPage River Trail all intended to be open to the public.

This project consisted of architectural and historic preservation services for the exterior stabilization and restoration of the Thomas Clow Farmstead and Kropp-Schulenberg Prairie and Homestead. The scope involved evaluation of structures, exterior stabilization, restoration feasibility and cost studies, and construction documents for the selected restoration efforts. Considerations were made for historical integrity, building codes and accessibility.

Naperville, Illinois