Frankfort Mayoral Candidate Todd Morgan calls for historic enhancements to Prairie Park and preservation of the Mech House

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Todd Morgan, 815-464-1730, Morganformayor2017@gmail.com

Frankfort Mayoral Candidate Todd Morgan calls for historic enhancements to Prairie Park, Old Plank Trail and the preservation of the Mech House

Todd Morgan, mayoral candidate in the upcoming election of April 4th, is proposing the relocation of the Village owned home at 11 White Street (known as the Mech House) onto the edge of Prairie Park just a few hundred feet away from where it sits today. He proposes this effort to not only preserve the 1890’s historic home, but also for it to become the centerpiece of a proposal for Prairie Park. He stated, “I believe that this could be accomplished by developing the interior and exterior of the home and establish it as the anchor of an historic exhibit focusing on Frankfort's rich history which we all share.”

Morgan continued, “Frankfort takes great pride in its history and we pay tribute to it throughout our Downtown with our historic Water Tower, Grainery Building, Children’s Museum, Trolley Barn, Historical Society, and the overall downtown architecture. This home could be used functionally for its beauty and to help us consolidate our history into one location next to the historic Old Plank Trail to become a part of a park setting.”

Morgan’s concept plan calls for the creation of historic exhibits both on the inside and outside the space with items that bring us back in time such as gardens and period time displays. With the Victorian home representing a powerful era in style and located next to the Old Plank Trail, Morgan feels that the opportunity exists for Frankfort’s rich history to be on display to be viewed by the hundreds of people that traverse the Old Plank Road Trail regularly. He said, “This would really highlight the Prairie Park, Trail and Downtown area and also greatly support the local businesses in Frankfort by bringing in new visitors and customers to the village.”

Morgan believes that the community feels very strongly about its village history and would help to make the new use of the historic home become a reality. He states, “We have all the talent and knowledge right here in our various historical and preservation groups and dedicated citizens which I would hope would support and spearhead the planning efforts in conjunction with the Village.” While such an endeavor would come at a cost, Morgan plans on establishing a community-wide effort to help raise funds to support the proposal along with the Village. He continued, “I want this to be a part of the community and I think it helps if everyone has an opportunity to have a stake in something that will be very special when accomplished. In order to do it right, it will take time to plan, fund, and execute, but the first step is to relocate the home and start in its preservation.” For more information, Morgan may