In December of 2018, Roscoe Township purchased nearly 17 acres on Hononegah Road for just over half the original asking price. The property contains the original home of Roscoe Township’s first non-native settlers, Robert and Hannah Cross.
The Township leased the home and quonset garage to the Roscoe Township Historical Society, which is raising private funds to restore the home. The Society has received donated materials and hundreds of hours of labor from local building trades unions and construction companies, including a new roof, new electrical service to the home and quonset garage, garage doors, water heater, and insulation. A private donor stepped up to assist with the paint removal on the estimated 180 year old brick.
The Society, through various fundraising efforts, has painted the exterior trim, rebuilt the chimney, replaced the garage doors, gutted the addition and remodeled to be the future reception room, and installed a new handicap accessible restroom.
The community support has been outstanding.
Adjacent to the historic home, the Township has built a 3370sf community center with existing Township funds and a $704,000 State of Illinois Park and Recreational Facility Construction Program (PARC) grant, awarded in March of 2021.
Completed in 2024, with assistance from a $337,300 grant through Illinois’ Open Space Land Aquisition and Development (OSLAD) program, the Township has built a multi-purpose pavilion on the site with a concession area and baths, added additional handicapped parking, and a 5000 foot limestone walking path. In addition, over 10 acres of prairie and pollinators have been planted already, along with a 20×20 foot Memorial Plaza.
3370 SF COMMUNITY CENTER FLOOR PLAN
CC Floor Plan
360° view of interior of Community Center: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=B92aVWHBJCb
ROBERT J. CROSS HISTORICAL HOME – In process of renovation
Cross Home
PAVILION RENDERING
Pavilion Floor Plan