New Hoopeston candy, soda shop owners among Legacy Award recipients

Oct. 7—DANVILLE — Old Town Preservation Association recognized an individual and three other building and business owners this year for their work in beautifying the area, and remodeling and maintaining antique features with local buildings.

The individual award went to Steve Lane, retired parks and public property manager with the City of Danville. Lane contributed a lot to the city, such as with planting trees and working with the Master Gardners.

Others receiving 2023 Legacy Awards were Lisa and James Thomas for their work on the Main St. Parlor Candy and Soda Shop, 218 E. Main St., Hoopeston. The shop features old time candy, bottle soda, and snacks including beef jerky and cheese.

"That was a building next to the Little Lorraine. It was in bad shape," said Old Town Preservation Association Publicity Chairwoman Spring Minier.

They renovated the front half and have plans for the back end of the building.

"That's a cool place," Minier said.

The building has unique interior features, including its ceiling and floors.

It adds to the welcoming businesses in Hoopeston. Last year's Legacy Award winners included Bob and Emily Brown who have the Bricks & Ivy Sports collectible business, 112 Wine and Coffee Shoppe and Boxcar Books and Vinyl.

Another 2023 Legacy Award winner was Shawn Davis for her and her daughter, Ashton Greer's, work on The First Place Coworking Space at 137 N. Vermilion St. in downtown Danville.

The business space opened in 2022. This year, the back of the building saw a facelift and an outdoor space was created.

Businesses located there are Adventure Awaits Toys & Games; Obsidian Coffee; CASA of Vermilion County; and Dalton Burks Agency — Farmers Insurance.

Greer has said they named it First Place because this is Greer and Davis' first commercial investment and is a place others can get their start.

The downtown Danville building formerly was the Webster-Heskett-Mauerman insurance agency.

During renovations, they uncovered a mural, exposed original brick and discovered a bank vault in the basement.

Greer has said the space has an industrial meets mid-century modern feel.

Minier said the duo next plan to work on an event center in the building where The Heron restaurant was in downtown Danville.

Old Town Preservation Association presented the final 2023 Legacy Award to Susan (Strahl) Hayes and her husband, Steve, for their restoration work at Lima Bean Glassworks, 145 N. Vermilion St., also in downtown Danville. The business opened in 2021.

Susan came back to Danville, and the group thanked her for saving the building.

Susan and Steve had to put a new roof on the building and they remodeled the inside. A unique lighting fixture on the wall came from the local Habitat ReStore. She also used yardsticks as a mid-wall border that features brick on the top half of the wall.

Susan has said she wanted to provide a shop for people to find nice gifts.

The Legacy Awards promote preservation and recognize interior and exterior renovations, landscaping, historic building additions and preservation advocates.

Recent speakers at Old Town Preservation Association meetings have included Danville Public Library Director Jennifer Hess and Danville Mayor Rickey Williams Jr.

Old Town Preservation Association has about 40 members, and averages about 20 members at its meetings.

The group's meetings are the third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. and usually at the library.

Their holiday luncheon will be Dec. 9 at Jocko's.

Old Town Preservation Association formed in June 1989 to foster and encourage the preservation and conservation of the natural and built environment of Danville and the surrounding areas. Sharing in importance to Old Town are the stately old houses and commercial buildings, and the Lincoln sites, as well as the special places connecting each of us to Danville; our neighborhoods, schools, churches, and businesses.

The group welcomes new members. Old Town Preservation Association also is on Facebook.