The Committee was established in 1996 to advise the City Council on matters such as creation of a preservation policy and designation of landmarks and historic districts.
The city ordinance creating the committee states that Chicago Heights has distinctive features in architecture, craftsmanship, landscape design, and pertinent social, economic and cultural history thereby making it important to preserve, enhance, foster and perpetuate these distinctive features as well as any future historic districts.
Because of Chicago Heights' commitment to historic preservation, the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency approved the city for Certified Local Government (CLG) status.
State recognition of Chicago Heights as a CLG municipality entitles the city to:
The Historic Preservation Committee is undertaking a major project to survey all city buildings erected prior to World War II. Volunteers are needed to assist with the survey. Persons interested in helping with the project may call Dr. Dominic Candeloro in the Mayor's Office at 708-756-5315.
The local committee also is sponsoring lectures and workshops on preservation and plans to establish an archives. The organization created an historical exhibit that was displayed at the city's summer CrossRoadsFest event.