SPRINGFIELD – The Old State Capitol State Historic Site in Springfield is receiving a $15.1 million restoration. Years of deferred maintenance are being addressed both inside and outside of the historic building in the heart of downtown Springfield. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources manages the site, and the Illinois Capital Development Board is overseeing the work. The site is now closed to the public and will remain so for the duration of the project. The roof will be replaced, as well as interior repairs and removal of asbestos containing materials. The Old State Capitol, a reconstruction of Illinois’ statehouse from 1840 to 1876, is the building where Abraham Lincoln worked as a lawyer before the Supreme Court and delivered his famous “House Divided” speech in 1858.
“The Old State Capitol is one of the most revered historic sites in Illinois,” Governor Pritzker said. “I’m proud that our administration is investing in the preservation of the site to ensure future generations can connect to this place and to the important lessons in history that are shared here.”
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