Carbondale recognizes Elks Lodge, SIMMS with Historic Preservation Awards

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — Two Carbondale landmarks were recognized during a recent City Council meeting with 2026 Historic Preservation Awards from the city’s Historic Preservation Commission.

The Carbondale Elks Lodge No. 1243, located at 211 W. Oak St., received an award in the Preservation category. The Tudor Revival-style building was constructed in 1910 and has served as the Elks Lodge’s home since its completion. A community center addition was added in the 1950s.

The Southern Illinois Multimodal Station, or SIMMS, received recognition in the Compatible New Construction category. Award recipients included the City of Carbondale, City Council, Thad Heckman of Design Works and Mark Bollman.

The station, located at 401 S. Illinois Ave., opened in 2025 and was designed to reflect the appearance of traditional railroad stations from the early 20th century. Features include red brick designed to match the city’s original train station and a 60-foot tower intended to serve as a visual landmark for travelers.

The Historic Preservation Awards Program was established by the commission in 2006 to recognize individuals and organizations that contribute to preserving Carbondale’s architectural and cultural heritage.

Community members may nominate eligible properties each year in categories including preservation, restoration, sympathetic addition, compatible new construction and adaptive reuse.