Historic, Cherished Wagner Building Donated to Local Nonprofit

FLOSSMOOR, IL — An historic building and Flossmoor landmark will soon take on a new purpose, after its owner donated it to a foundation dedicated to preserving the community's history.

The Foundation for the Preservation of Flossmoor History, a registered 501 c3
not-for-profit corporation, was created to bring the Flossmoor community together, past
and present, to celebrate its distinct history and understand how it shapes the village's
future. It will now be housed in the Wagner Building, 2709 Flossmoor Rd., after its owner donated it to the organization.

Built in 1889 at the comer of Flossmoor Road and Leavitt Avenue, it is Flossmoor's oldest commercial building, according to a press release from the Villag. It was initially a general store, but later became home to A.L. wagner & Co. Real Estate. The Wagners were one of the "founding families" of Flossmoor. They built the Civic Center building at Flossmoor Road and Sterling Avenue, which became the hub of downtown Flossmoor and the central business district.

Alvin Wagner Jr. owned the property since 1965 and donated it, along with thousands
of thousands of home appraisals, historical documents, and photos of Flossmoor
throughout the years, to the foundation in order to preserve the history of the village and
strengthen the community bonds of future generations of Flossmoor residents.

"It is my pleasure, on behalf of the Wagner Family (Alvin Sr., Esther, Joan, Mary Ann,
and myself) to donate the Wagner Building for preserving and educating our community
on our rich history as well as providing space for small community gatherings," Wagner said. "The Wagner House will now become everybody's house to enjoy the history of OUR
Flossmoor."

President of the Foundation Jim Tieman expressed the organization's appreciation.

"The Foundation for the Preservation of Flossmoor History is building momentum towards the establishment of a historical site, the Wagner Building, to preserve and showcase the growth of our town," Tieman said.

The foundation has begun a $500,000 fundraising effort to restore the property, which will be used as:

• A home for the collection of thousands of photographs, maps, and archival materials that highlight the history of the Village of Flossmoor
• Educational outreach to local schools
• A gathering space for smaller concerts, guest speakers, artists, and tours of our historic homes
• A meeting and event space for community use, and performance and fine arts programming
• Office space for the foundation and other community organizations

The foundation is currently looking for monetary donations as well as building materials, labor, artifacts and stories. Please visit www.flossmoorhistory.org to join the effort.