A Tear Down - Day 8

This poor building has been standing semi-naked since June, when the back of it unexpectedly fell down around 5:00 am. Thankfully, nobody was hurt since it was so early in the morning. It sits on one of our most busy streets, Galena, and is right downtown across from the courthouse. And yet, braces remain against the building and traffic has to be rerouted for safety because the city is out of funds to tear down any more buildings.

More New Construction - Day 7

More new construction is happening at Highland. The old greenhouse is in the process of being replaced by  --  mmm, I don't know what it's going to look like. I did spend some time in the old greenhouse photographing beautiful orchids and other blooming plants but just can't locate any exterior photos. It was warm and cozy but definitely in need of repair after 30 some years in existence. The next greenhouse is one of several projects on campus with monies from a 2010 Bond Issuance. Now, the greenhouse will match the age and feel of the south side of the new nursing wing.

Freeport's Windmill - Day 6

This little pond one had so much potential. I know the previous owner and he had huge plans for the area with camping in the summer to sleigh rides in the winter. Unfortunately, he had to sell and it was purchased by somebody from Chicago, I believe. So, the little windmill sits in the distance on Forest Rd. Fenced off behind a chain with a No Trespassing sign.

Little Cub's Field - Day 5

A "happy place" in Freeport is Little Cub's Field. Built to look exactly like Wrigley field in Chicago (down to the ivy growing on the brick), it has already drawn many tourists and and lots of activity. On the day I took this photo, my nephew was meeting friends from Rockford for their annual "Wifflefest". Ron Santos visited here while he was still alive as did Harry Carey's widow.

New Construction Coming - Day 4

I had a different vision for this corner. This is the intersection as I leave Highland at Kiwanis and Pearl City Road. I think it's the perfect place for a convenience store with gas station. Since I started working at Highland fifteen years ago, so many businesses have been added along this "Kiwanis Corridor" but there still isn't a place for us to get gas, a gallon of milk or a snack. I understand it's due to a zoning problem. Then, a bank was built on one corner and on the other corner, another assisted living facility will be built. The Journal Standard has some details in this article. That's one type of business that has grown in Freeport during the last decade. The only evidence, so far, is this contractor's trailer.

French Fry - Day 3

A former coworker at Highland called this sculpture "French Fry" so I never bothered to learn the real name. Since I was out at the campus this afternoon photographing students for the Highland Foundation Awards ceremony, I decided to use this shot taken with my fisheye. Thankfully, the rain moved on while we were inside.

Another Bridge to Nowhere - Day 2

When I first "discovered" the Van Buren Street bridge it was situated in a park-like setting. The street ended here with old bricks, blooming flowers and a young Bradford pear tree. The turquoise house next door added an additional backdrop to the quaint feeling. Now, the whole area is neglected with weeds taking over the bricks, the tree is dead and the turquoise house is empty and full of junk.