Long Grove bridge’s status on National Register of Historic Places ensures its future, officials say
June 22nd, 2018Read the full story here: National Register of Historic Places
Long Grove’s Iconic Covered Bridge listed in National Register of Historic Places
June 15th, 2018PRESS RELEASE June 15, 2018
MEDIA CONTACT:
Angie Underwood, President, Long Grove Historical Society
847-478-5140; angie@longGroveHistory.org
http://savethebridge.net/
Ryan Messner,Vice-President, Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association
847-793-0041
marketing@longgrove.org
Long Grove’s Iconic Covered Bridge listed in National Register of Historic Places
The National Park Service has announced today that the Buffalo Creek Bridge, more commonly known as the Long Grove Covered Bridge, is being placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is the first property in Long Grove to receive this prestigious designation.
Originally constructed in 1906 by the Joliet Bridge and Iron Company, the bridge is one of only two remaining of its kind in the greater Chicagoland area. Grass roots efforts for historic preservation and national recognition were rekindled early in 2017 when some local officials questioned the historic value of the one-lane bridge and favored a plan that would require removal of the current structure and increase truck and auto traffic through the pedestrian friendly downtown. In April of 2017, Landmarks Illinois, named the bridge to their annual “List of Endangered Historic Places.” A change.org petition urging local officials to save the historic bridge gathered over 4,900 signatures/testimonials and a fund-raising campaign has raised over $50,000 in monetary donations and pledges. Despite these efforts, local officials remain undecided on a long term course of action to restore or replace the bridge.
“For many years, the Long Grove Historical Society has been at the forefront of efforts to receive this designation, and we are thrilled to hear the news. Achieving National Register status confirms our belief in the bridge’s historical value as well as the sentimental value we know it holds for our community. This is a source of pride for all of Long Grove and we will continue to advocate for the preservation of our beloved covered bridge,” noted Historical Society President Angie Underwood.
Ryan Messner, Vice-President of the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association added, “It’s our icon and our brand. For decades, Long Grove was a destination, and now the general feeling is that with the recent new business openings we’ve turned the corner and are solidly on our way back. It’d be foolish to destroy this treasure that has now been recognized with national historical status, and open up the quaint downtown to cut through traffic.”
An impromptu public celebration will be held in the coming weeks. Please check the Long Grove Historical Society website at longgrovehistory.org for updated details. More information about the bridge and the efforts to save it can be found online at SaveTheBridge.net
Thrilled to see 11 merchants expand/ open in 2017!
December 29th, 2017
Holidays in Long Grove on WGN
November 10th, 2017Ryan Messner, president of the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association had a great interview today on WGN during the Wintrust Business Lunch- listen here (starts around 12:55)
Long Grove Vintage Holidays Kick-Off on Nov 24th
October 30th, 2017Media Contact:
Jody Grimaldi
Grimaldi Public Relations
630-470-0044 / jody@grimaldipr.com
For Immediate Release
A Nostalgic Shop Small Alternative to Big Box Mayhem, with Four Weeks of Complimentary Carriage Rides, Costumed Carolers, a Christmas Tree Parade and More Set within a Timeless Village!
Long Grove, IL (October 30, 2017) – An annual tradition returns to its charming, small-town setting when Long Grove Vintage Holidays kick-off on Friday, November 24th. Presented by the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association, four consecutive weeks of timeless holiday happenings in Long Grove will give visitors authentic, shop small experiences. Festivities each weekend (Saturdays & Sundays through December 17th) include the famous Christmas Tree Parade, complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides, strolling costumed carolers, Victorian buildings trimmed in lights, a picturesque covered bridge and cobblestone walkways lined in luminaries, and appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
“Our goal each year is to bring back holiday spirit by giving shoppers a nostalgic alternative to the usual Big Box mayhem from Thanksgiving to Christmas,” said Ryan Messner, President of the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association. “Historic Long Grove is what the holidays are all about… the small shops, the old-world charm, the family memories. It’s a real winter wonderland that’s close to home.”
The streets of downtown Long Grove come alive for the holidays beginning with horse-drawn carriages starting Saturday, November 25th from 12pm to 5pm. Thereafter, the 30-minute carriage rides will continue every Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm through December 17th. Kids will encounter Santa Claus walking through the village, and on occasion, they can also formally meet the Jolly Old Elf and have pictures taken at the Long Grove Visitor Center. Also helping set the festive mood each weekend will be strolling holiday carolers and musicians in costume along with the popular Christmas Tree Parade that debuted last year. Once again, 80-plus fresh pine trees are being distributed to local Long Grove businesses, who hand decorate them to the tune of their store’s distinctive theme for public display throughout the season.
Historic Downtown Long Grove is home to an assortment of unique restaurants and specialty shops that will be welcoming visitors throughout the holiday season. Many of the family owned and operated, independent stores that the town is renowned for will be featuring big sales, drinks and complimentary snacks rewarding customers for shopping small. Decked out Long Grove stores, hawking everything from gourmet foods, jewelry, and fashions to antiques, art and décor, are smart options for rare gifts that can’t be found anyplace else.
For more information, visit www.longgrove.org.
Now accepting applications…
September 26th, 2017Due to a recent vacancy on the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association Board of Directors, applications to fill the remainder of the 2017 term are being accepted. The applicant must be a business owner in downtown Long Grove.
Click here for application: LG BOD 2017 Application vacancy
Congratulations to The Back Porch!
July 20th, 2017The Back Porch of Long Grove was awarded Best Windchimes award by Chicago Magazine!
Moving forward to achieve national historic status for the bridge
June 30th, 2017Historic Downtown Long Grove President Ryan Messner, Andrew Heckencamp from Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and Aaron Underwood, from the Long Grove Historical Society working together today reviewing the bridge application for National Historic Register.
