The Elgin Heritage Commission will honor outstanding contributors to the city's heritage at the Mayor's Awards for Preservation Tuesday, April 29. The ceremony begins at 6 p.m. at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way. Community members are invited to attend or view the livestream on the City of Elgin's YouTube channel.

Seven individuals and organizations will be honored for their work on preserving Elgin's historic architecture, neighborhoods and cultural resources. The awards are presented annually, based on peer nominations and selected by the Heritage Commission.

2025 Mayor's Awards for Preservation Recipients:

• Chloe Burkhart: For her above and beyond sympathetic restoration of her home at 320 North St.
• Community Crisis Center:For their impressive exterior rehabilitation of the 1891 historic Franklin School.
• Debra Vruble and the Elgin National Watch Neighbors Association: For their tireless and devoted efforts in reforming the neighborhood group and advocating the benefits of preservation and sense of place.
• Efrain Zepeda: For his impactful rehabilitation of 519-521 Douglas Ave.
• Elgin History Museum - Echoes of Elgin: For their development of the history podcast Echoes of Elgin, which brings to life historian Mike Alft's columns, hosted by Elgin Museum Educator Rebecca Miller.
• Elgin Public Museum - Exhibit: The Encounter:For the museum's effort in renovating and enhancing The Encounter exhibit within the 1907 Elgin Public Museum into a powerful new teaching tool focusing on LaSalle's exploration and the impact of Native American-European trade on Indigenous Peoples, waterways, and species.
• Tricia Grosser:For her continued volunteerism, fundraising and enthusiasm for educating and promoting Elgin's history as a docent and board member of the Elgin History Museum.

In addition, nine heritage building plaques will be presented to homeowners who have researched the history and architecture of their properties. More than 500 plaques have been awarded since the program began in 1986.

2025 Heritage Building Plaque Recipients:

• First Congregational Church, 256 E. Chicago St.
• Elgin History Museum, 302 W. Chicago St.
• Angela and Kellen Smith, 43 Hamilton Ave.
• Mary Beckman, 514 Hubbard Ave.
• Mike and Kelli Howell, 527 Laurel St.
• Heidi and Shannon Carpenter, 1000 Logan Ave.
• Abby and Jack Trimble, 820 Mill St.
• Linda and Jim Hoffmann, 636 N. Spring St.
• Christine Hardwick, 229 Vincent Pl.