Another delay in the possible demolition of the Rock Island County Courthouse, and it could last a while. On Monday, the Third District Appellate Court granted a request by preservationists to extend a temporary restraining order, blocking demolition.
The new order from the court in Ottawa is in response to a petition from Landmarks Illinois and others, who want to block plans by the county board and public building commission to tear down the 122 year old courthouse.
It's vacant, the asbestos has been removed, and a large crane is parked beside the building.
Trying to block demolition are 5 historic preservation groups and two individuals. A new problem for them is the appellate court granted a request from the county forcing them to put up an appeal bond of 336,000 dollars - the cost of tearing down the courthouse - but it's not yet known if they can raise it, and what deadline there might be to post that bond.
