2013: Driehaus Award for Preservation Advocacy for Saving Pure Oil Station

Led by Geneva residents Colin and Glorianne Campbell (pictured on either side of former PPFV executive director Liz Safanda), Preservation Partners assisted in the saving and repurposing of the Pure Oil Station in 2012. A Dreihaus Award for Preservation Advocacy was awarded for those efforts in 2013.

The Pure Oil Station at 502 W. State Street in Geneva was built by prolific Geneva builder August Wilson in 1937. By the time a demolition permit was considered in 2012, the former gas station was one of the few remaining of the Tudor-Revival style.

The developer wanted to raze the structure to build a new bank but was denied a demolition permit by the City of Geneva because it was considered a contributing building to Geneva's Historic District that could be rehabilitated. Through cooperation between the developer and preservationists, a plan was developed to turn the former Pure Oil station into a drive-through for the bank (now Geneva Bank & Trust). Creativity also included the signage which remained in the same style as the original Pure Oil sign.

Landmark Illinois remarked that the resolution proved that historic preservation is "a key revitalization strategy for business, government and community purposes." While many complained that preservation hinders development, an editorial in the Geneva Republican admitted, "This shows how gridlock can sometimes lead to better results."

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SOURCES: "Say it in Unison: This Place Really Matters!" Advocate (Fall 2013): 1; "Plan for New Bank Clashes with History, Business Owner, Geneva Republican, March 1, 2012; "Pure Oil Building Will Be Saved as Bank is Constructed," Geneva Republican, September 13, 2012; "Pure Oil Building Earns Accolades," Geneva Republican, November 7, 2013.