In celebration of the continual restoration and preservation of the Old Joliet Prison, Berglund Construction took part in the inaugural beam signing ceremony with Landmarks Illinois, Klein & Hoffman, the Joliet Area Historical Museum (JAHM), the City of Joliet and leaders in the community.

During the event, Landmarks Illinois’ Regional Advocacy Manager and JAHM’s board chair, Quinn Adamowski, discussed the ongoing preservation efforts and highlighted the community's dedication to the project alongside board member, Allison Toonen-Talamo of Klein & Hoffman, and former board member, Jack Tribbia, President of the Restoration Division at Berglund. Special guests Tom Malone, an original Blues Brothers, and Blue Lou Marin were also in attendance.

In partnership with Klein & Hoffman, we are working with JAHM on stabilizing the prison's historic Administration Building, cell blocks, chapel and hospital. Since 2022, JAHM has received a $3 million Federal Community Project Grant and $7 million in state funds for the stabilization work.

“The ongoing preservation of the Old Joliet Prison is one of the largest and most visible historic preservation efforts in Illinois," stated Jack Tribbia. “We are proud to be part of the team to bring it back to life."

In 2002, the Landmarks Illinois included Old Joliet Prison on its Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois. The prison then closed and largely sat empty, subjecting it to vandalism and neglect for 15 years until the City of Joliet took control of the property in December 2017. Since then, JAHM has overseen and led preservation efforts at the site, which remains as a place of conscience that allows for a critical understanding of the experiences of incarcerated people. In 2023, Old Joliet Prison was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Click to learn more about our impact throughout Illinois as we continue to restore some of the most iconic and historical buildings in the Midwest.