Contact Information: Mark S. Harmon, Site Director
e-mail: gaylordbuilding@att.net
Phone: 815-838-9400
Fax: 815-838-9449
Description:
The Gaylord Building played a vital role in one of the great enterprises of the 19th century: The Illinois & Michigan Canal. A landmark since 1838, its many tenants and uses exemplify the canal's commercial success as the key to mastery of the American mid-continent. This handsome limestone warehouse originally stored canal construction materials and later housed a variety of commercial ventures. Today it serves as a national example of adaptive re-use and is a gateway to the Illinois & Michiagn Canal National Heritage Corridor. Visitors will discover in the exhibition galleries the unique heritage of the site and the corridor. Gallery Hours are: Tuesdays through Saturdays 11:00AM to 5:00PM; Sundays 12:00 to 5:00pm; Mondays and Major Holidays CLOSED; group tours also available by appointment. Visitors are encouraged to take time during their visit to dine in the Public Landing Restaurant, which is located inside the site. The Gaylord Building is a historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and managed by the Canal Corridor Association.
