Rural historic structural survey under way in Monee Township

MONEE TOWNSHIP – The Will County Historic Preservation Commission has begun structural surveys of all pre-1960 rural structures in Monee Township.

When the survey for Monee Township is completed, it will be the end of a 20-year project to document historic rural sites in unincorporated Will County. The first surveys for Lockport, Wheatland and Plainfield townships were completed in 1999.

Consultants Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. will conduct the survey during daylight hours over the next several months. There will be a few sites documented within the municipalities.

Consultants will photograph historic structures and buildings, develop sketch site plans and gather research information from various historical organizations and property owners.

Janine Farrell, a development analyst with the Will County Land Use Department and staff liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission, said the consultants will go to the main residence to request owner/occupant consent to photograph the structures.

If permission is denied, consultants will take photographs from the public right of way.

Survey results will be used to create a record of historically significant properties in unincorporated Will County.