Press Release
“It is extremely gratifying to be recognized by our peers from across the state,” noted Chuck Pell, chair of the Sangamon County Historic Preservation Commission (SCHPC). “I think this award represents what we as a commission have been able to accomplish in regards to identifying and preserving historic resources in our County.”
During Pell’s time as chair, the SCHPC has undertaken the first comprehensive survey of historic rural sites in the county, developed the policies and procedures for county landmark status, and recently conducted an award-winning survey of pre-Civil War farmhouses that located what is believed to be the oldest standing structure in Sangamon County. Under Pell’s supervision, the commission is currently researching and developing an e-book on the historic barns of Sangamon County.
“It can’t be over emphasized that before Chuck became the commission chair, the unincorporated part of Sangamon County had virtually no historic preservation presence or visibility,” said commissioner Jerry Jacobson. “Thanks to his leadership, the county has become recognized as a downstate center of preservation activity.”
Pell, who has served as chair of the SCHPC for the last 13 years, has also served as the president of Downtown Springfield Inc. as well as a multitude of other civic boards and commissions. He is also the owner of CJP Architects
“It would be an understatement to say that I am proud of what our commission has been able to achieve,” said Pell. “I would like to thank my fellow commissioners for all their hard work over the years that has made our programs successful.”
