Has your community received a Preserve America grant? No Yes If so, what is the status?

FY 2008 Preserve America Historic Preservation Fund Grants to Preserve and Promote America s Heritage and Cultural Assets APPLICATION FORM Please follow the Guidelines and Application Instructions to complete this application. Applicants must submit one (1) signed original and seven (7) copies a total of 8 complete application packages, plus one (1) additional photocopy of this page. See additional mailing instructions on the last page of the application form. 1. GENERAL INFORMATION Project Title (10 words or less) City of Blue Island's Cultural Heritage Marketing & Outreach Strategy Applicant Organization: City of Blue Island Contact Person: Jodi Prout Title: Planning and Economic Development Director Address: 13051 Greenwood Avenue City: Blue Island State: IL Zip Code: 60406 Telephone (708) 396-7138 FAX Number (708) 597-1221 E-mail jprout@cityofblueisland.org EIN Number: 36-6005798 DUNS Number: 086905965 Applicant s Congressional District(s): 1 st and 2 nd U.S. Representative(s) Bobby Rush, Jesse Jackson Jr. Type of Applicant (Select all that apply) Preserve America Community Preserve America Neighborhood SHPO THPO CLG (must be in the process of applying for Preserve America designation or already designated) Project Category: (Select only one) Research/Documentation Marketing Training Interpretation/Education Planning Amount Requested Federal Share $ 102,250 Matching Share $ 102,925 Costs $ 205,178 Is your community in a designated National Heritage Area? No Yes If so, which NHA Does your community have an active grant or financial assistance through the NHA? No Yes Is your Resolution of Support included? Yes No (Note: all cities, counties, towns, neighborhoods, and THPOs must include a resolution of support from their city/town/county councils or appropriate governing body.) Has your community received a Preserve America grant? No Yes If so, what is the status? SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZING OFFICIAL (Original copy must have an original signature and be in ink.) Signature June 27, 2008 Date Print Name and Title Donald E. Peloquin, Mayor FY 2008 Federal Preserve America Grants Application Page 1 of 8

2. PROJECT SUMMARY A. Briefly summarize your project emphasizing the primary objectives and results. Comprehensive Cultural Heritage Marketing Strategy The City will hire a qualified consultant to develop a comprehensive heritage tourism marketing strategy that includes the development of a collective cultural heritage brand/identity for Blue Island and a marketing/outreach plan that celebrates the City s history, within the contemporary context. The objective of this strategy will be to extend the reach of existing & future programming by establishing one comprehensive identity for promoting the collaborative efforts of volunteers and businesses who, up to this point, have been working separately. The development of a collective heritage brand will also foster and strengthen partnerships between volunteer organizations, businesses and agencies, while boosting morale within the community. Community input and the incorporation of existing heritage programming and materials will be central to this strategy. Outreach Program The City will use the results of the comprehensive marketing strategy to develop outreach materials and a tour to promote its new cultural heritage brand. Materials will include historical markers, web development, the creation and placement of advertisements and brochures, and the creation of a multi-page document about Blue Island s history. A corner piece to this program is to document the oral histories of under-represented immigrant populations in Blue Island, which will seek to foster involvement from these groups. The goals of the outreach program are to raise awareness and excitement for the new cultural heritage brand with Blue Island residents and to attract heritage tourists from the metro area and beyond. 3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND BUDGET Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide answers in the spaces provided. A. Describe the historic resources affected by the project, including whether they are listed in the National Register of Historic Places and/or designated at the State or local level. Please explain how this project will aid in the preservation of the resources listed. Olde Western Historic District The Olde Western Historic District is a two block historic district, protected by city ordinance to preserve the historic character and importance of this vital neighborhood. In 1896, a fire which destroyed much of Blue Island, did not cross the Calumet-Sag Feeder Canal leaving this area intact. The two block area contains the home of first settler, Stephan Jones, and one of the first hardware stores in the City operated by Fredrich Jebens; still in business after 100 years. Old Western Avenue reflects the immigration patterns of America; succeeding waves of people have settled Old Western Avenue from the early German settlers to Mexican immigrants today. Each has left an imprint. This past summer, scenes from The Express, which tells the story of Ernie Davis, the first black college football player to win the Heisman Trophy, were filmed along Old Western. Heritage tourism will increase business to the area and influence other new businesses to locate here. Uptown Historic Residential District The Uptown Historic Residential District contains the homes of prominent Blue Islanders responsible for the development and growth of the city. It is rich with architectural styles from the late-nineteenth century to the early twentieth century, and includes homes designed by prominent architects George Washington Maher, Bertrand Goldberg, and Blue Island's very own Robert Seyfarth. The City of Blue Island along with the Historical Preservation Commission has adopted a plan to create this historical district. There are approximately 25 landmarked homes by local ordinance already in the district. One, the Joshua P. Young House (ca. 1852), is listed on the Inventory of Historic Structures in Cook County, Illinois and on the National Register of Historic Places. Increased tourism in the area will help the city and historic preservation commission expand and protect the number of homes in the district. Main Street District Main Street is Blue Island s central business district, following the pattern of a traditional downtown shopping area. It is a designated Illinois Main Street community. A landmarked commuter rail station is located just east of the district from which passengers may access rail lines to Chicago loop destinations. The Historic Commission along with Main Street Blue Island has adopted façade guidelines to be used for the rehabilitation of commercial buildings in the district. The City has partnered with the Center for Neighborhood Technology to develop a transit oriented development which involves the integrated development of homes, retail, and service businesses, a pleasant walking environment and other public amenities within the district. Tourism is critical to this development. FY 2008 Federal Preserve America Grants Application Page 2 of 8

B. Project Objectives How will the proposed project promote heritage tourism in the community and lead to the preservation of its historic resources? The City of Blue Island is fortunate to have several dedicated, community organizations engaged in historic and cultural preservation. As volunteer-based entities with limited budgets, the focus of these organizations has been on creation of programming rather than promotions. For example, each year the Historic Preservation Commission sponsors a house tour featuring an architectural theme or prominent architect in the Uptown Historic District. The Blue Island Historical Society has numerous events throughout the year such as high teas, ice cream socials, monthly speakers, and walking architectural tours. This project will promote heritage tourism by organizing and marketing the programming of existing historic organizations as a part of one collective identity/brand. It will establish one comprehensive resource for promoting Blue Island s cultural heritage programs and events. Collectively, the city and its partner organizations will be able to reach more potential visitors than have been able to individually. The City of Blue Island has created the domain, www.blueislandhistory.org, to serve as a focal point for promotions. This bilingual website will feature information about forthcoming historic and cultural events, pages for community organizations, virtual house walks of historic landmarks in the city, and a downloadable historic walking tour podcast. In addition, an oral historian will interview early residents of the city to be featured on the website. Blue Island has a diverse cultural history, which reflects the broad immigration patterns of America. Local histories have often featured prominent early residents of America s first migrants. Far too little attention has centered on the working class and minority groups. Oral histories will feature these groups to include early Black migrations from the American South and successive Mexican migrations. A large focus of this project is to increase participation of cultural and historic resources by these under-represented groups. Describe how the project meets the goals of the local or statewide preservation plan, heritage tourism plan, or other plan(s) that address heritage tourism, cultural resources, and preservation. Identify the specific goal(s) and plan(s) and state when they were developed and adopted by the community. The project reflects the goals of the City as adopted in the Historic Preservation Ordinance [2563]. This ordinance, approved by City Council in 1981, establishes mechanisms whereby the distinctive visual characteristics of buildings, structures and sites which represent and reflect elements of Blue Island s cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history may be protected. The Historic Preservation ordinance seeks to foster an awareness among its citizenry of the unique history of Blue Island as embodied in its architecture and cultural history. Secondly, the ordinance seeks to strengthen Blue Island s economy through continued utilization of Olde Western and Main Street Historic Districts as commercial centers. This project is also consistent with the objectives Blue Island s economic development plan, The Blue Island Plan for Economic Development ( created by the Center for Neighborhood Technology and adopted by City Council in 2005.) This plan seeks to develop a transit-oriented development which involves the integrated development of homes, retail, and service businesses; a pleasant walking environment and other public amenities within the Main Street Historic District. FY 2008 Federal Preserve America Grants Application Page 3 of 8

Describe the public-private partnerships involved in the project and how these partnerships will sustain and support the resource(s) after the grant project is complete? Describe/list all entities that are involved with, or affected by, the project. Attach evidence of involvement from partner organizations such as letters of support that specifically state confirmation of their contribution(s). See Supplemental Information in the guidelines for more information regarding partnership documentation. PARTNER CONTRIBUTION Blue Island Historic Preservation Commission Commissioners will develop materials for signage, brochures and website, and to staff historical tours. The Historic Preservation has obtained the commitment of a pro bono public Historian to document oral histories of Blue Islanders. Blue Island Historical Society Volunteer hours for developing historic materials. Explain how the project will engage public involvement? The public will play a pivotal role in the project. As subjects of oral histories, members of the community will be participants in the process of developing a vision of Blue Island heritage, rooted in individual experience and common identity. A primary challenge in engaging the public is in bringing people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate a common heritage. With its focus on diversity in Blue Island history, the project will engage citizens from multiple constituencies, demonstrating how people of different races and ethnicities contributed to the economic, social, and cultural development of the community. The oral histories will be mobilized in community events and exhibits that document and disseminate the history of Blue Island. C. Project Activities -- Describe the project activities necessary to achieve the Project Objectives? List and describe all tasks and products. All grant activities must be accomplished within the grant period (generally 1 to 2 years). Comprehensive Cultural Heritage Marketing & Outreach Strategy Historic Branding Marketing/Outreach Materials Development Website Development Hire marketing firm to gather historic information. Gather info and assess exiting programs. Firm will conduct public workshop and gather public feedback. From acquired info, firm will then develop historical identity for signs and other media for residents to share and take part in and visitors to easily notice. Develop a comprehensive marketing and outreach plan to advertise the historical identity and encourage residents and visitors alike to learn more about the history Blue Island has to offer. Marketing plan will also include a budget of all the media Blue Island will use to promote its history, cultural diversity and architecture. Develop and produce bilingual heritage brochures. Design newspaper and magazine advertisements. Distribute brochures. Place advertisements in local and regional newspapers and magazines. Formulate and distribute multi-page bilingual magazine about Blue Island s history. Develop a DVD to distribute that coincides with the magazine. Produce bilingual website displaying and describing Blue Island s historical and cultural heritage, including historic buildings, sites and districts, and events. FY 2008 Federal Preserve America Grants Application Page 4 of 8

Signage Oral History Design and display signs indicating Blue Island s architecture, historical events and incorporating the Historic Branding at major roads when entering Blue Island. Working with students from Blue Island s Eisenhower High School, residents will be able to view local documentaries about Blue Island s history, hear stories from longterm residents, and explore Blue Island s culture in various media formats. Residents will be able to access these histories at the Blue Island Historical Society Museum situated in the Blue Island Public Library and at the city s local history website, www.blueislandhistory.org. D. Timeline -- Show a timeline for all of the above listed activities. The timeline may be attached as a separate page. Please see attached timeline. E. Personnel & Consultant Qualifications -- List the project personnel that will administer and the types of consultants that will be hired to complete the project. Describe their responsibilities and the percentage of time each will dedicate to the project. Describe the criteria that will be used to competitively select consultants for their services. All Federal grants require consultants to be competitively selected (please see page 3 of the guidelines for more information). PERSONNEL AGENCY/ORG RESPONSIBILITIES Mary Poulsen City of Blue Island (COBI) Project Manager Marketing Director Marketing Department Rita Pacyga Special Events Coordinator, COBI COBI, Marketing Department Assist in coordination of public meetings, distribution and placement of brochures. Pam Castro, Finance Clerk Process invoices and check requests. Jodi Prout Nicholas Crite Land Use Planning Manager GIS Assistant Ken Stachulak, Public Works Director Community Development Director (COBI) COBI, Community Development Department COBI, Community Development Department COBI, Public Works Department Public Works Staff (2) COBI, Public Works Department Building Department COBI, Building & Zoning Staff Department Maintenance COBI, Maintenance Department Staff Consultant To Be Determined through Marketing RFP VOLUNTEER/DONATED SERVICES Jason Berry Historic Preservation Commission (COBI) Glen Sczypka Historic Preservation Commission (COBI) Grant and budget management, contribute to his Develop signage plan, oversee mapping of signage placement. Produce maps for signage plan. Assist with development of signage plan, coordinate and oversee signage installation. Install wayfinding signage. Verify installation sites meet code, mark installation sites. Room Setup & Cleanup for public meetings Develop heritage branding and marketing plan. Draft text and design signs and historical markers Draft text and design signs and historical markers Anne Rapp, PhD Consultant, Public Historian Offer pro bono services for collection and production of oral histories. FY 2008 Federal Preserve America Grants Application Page 5 of 8

F. What are the sources of the non-federal match? List the secured sources and other funds associated with the required dollar-for-dollar non-federal match, which can be cash, donated services, or use of equipment. Federal appropriations or other Federal grants may not be used for match, except Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. All non-federal matching funds must be used during the grant period to execute the project. If the match is not secured, explain how it will be raised. Personnel wages listed as a secured source of the non-federal match are a percentage of permanent City of Blue Island (COBI) staff time, which comes from the general operating funds of the City. Activities associated with this project will be incorporated into the work schedule of associated staff. Fringe Benefits include employer percentage for pension, FICA, and health insurance. The cost match for Office Supplies, Materials and equipment will be provided by the City of Blue Island. Web services will be offered as an in-kind services match. G. Budget -- Outline the project budget in the form below; add additional lines in a category as needed. All costs associated with the project must be eligible, reasonable, and directly relevant to the project. Each cost item must clearly show how the total charge for that item was determined (example: hours x hourly rate = total cost). All major costs must be listed, and all cost items should be explained in the narrative of the application. The budget must include at least the minimum required match (e.g., if applying for a $30,000 grant, the budget must describe a total of $60,000 in costs/work). All non-federal match must be cash expended or services donated during the grant period (generally 1 to 2 years) and not before. If including indirect costs, please make sure to include documentation supporting your Indirect Cost Rate. If you have any questions about cost categories, or how to formulate some of your budget items, please email NPS_PreserveAmerica@nps.gov. 1. Personnel. Federal Grant Match /Cost Subtotal $ 0 $ 31,235 $ 31,235 2. Fringe Benefits. Federal Grant Match / Cost Subtotal $ $ 7,583 $ 7,583 3. Consultant Fees. Maximum hourly rates charged to this grant may not exceed 120% of the salary of a Federal Civil Service GS-15, Step 10, which in Fiscal Year 2007 was $82.49 per hour or $660 per day. Name and Type of Consultant # of Days Rate of compensation or fixed rate for project Federal Grant Match/Cost TBD; Marketing Consultant $20,000 $20,000 $ 20,000 Anne Rapp, PhD; Public Historian $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 Subtotal $ 20,000 $ 15,000 $ 35,000 FY 2008 Federal Preserve America Grants Application Page 6 of 8

4. Travel and Per Diem. Indicate the number of persons traveling, the total days they will be in travel status, and the total subsistence and transportation costs. From/To # of People # of Travel Days Subsistence Costs (Lodging and Per Diem) Transportation Costs (Airfare and Mileage) Federal Grant Match/ Cost Share (if any) $ $ $ Subtotal $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 5. Office Supplies and Materials. Include consumable supplies and materials to be used in the project and any items of expendable equipment, i.e., equipment costing less than $5000 or with an estimated useful life of less than two years. Equipment costing more than that should be listed in Equipment - Category 6. Item Cost Federal Grant Match/Cost General Office Supplies (Paper, Ink, $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 Binders, etc) Postage (Includes public meeting $2,500 $2,500 $2,500 invitations, print advertising and general correspondence) Meeting Materials (Paper, Ink, folders etc) $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 Subtotal $ $ 4,500 $ 4,500 6. Equipment. List all equipment items in excess of $5000. Items worth less than $5000 or that have a useful life of less than two years must be listed in Supplies and Materials - Category 5. Item Cost Federal Grant Match/Cost Parking Lot Wayfinding Signs (10) $650 per sign $ 3,250 $ 3,250 $ 6,500 Wayfinding Signs for Street (6) $3,000 per sign $12,000 $ 6,000 $ 18,000 Freestanding Info Kiosk (3) $5,000/unit $11,000 $ 4,000 $ 15,000 Historical Markers (4) $2,500 per $ 8,000 $ 2,000 $ 10,000 marker Wooden Historic Blue Island Sign $ 5,000/sign $ 3,000 $ 2,000 $ 5,000 Audio/Visual/Editing Equipment Rental $25/hr for 80 hrs $ 2,000 $ 2,000 Subtotal $ 37,250 $ 19,250 $ 56,500 7. Other (specify). Item Cost Federal Grant Match / Cost Brochure & Postcard Production $ 8,000 $ 6,000 $ 2,000 $ 8,000 Media Kit/DVD Production $ 20,000 $ 15,000 $ 5,000 $ 20,000 Print & Online Advertising $ 30,000 $ 24,000 $ 6,000 $ 30,000 Web Hosting (24 months) $ 15/mo $ - $ 360 $ 360 Web Development $ 12,000 $ - $ 12,000 $12,000 Subtotal $ 45,000 $ 25,360 $ 70,360 BUDGET SUMMARY Enter category totals here FY 2008 Federal Preserve America Grants Application Page 7 of 8

Category Federal Grant Match/Cost Share 1. Personnel $ 0 $ 31,235 $ 31,235 2. Fringe Benefits $ 0 $ 7,583 $ 7,583 3. Consultant Fees $ 20,000 $ 15,000 $ 35,000 4. Travel and Per Diem $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 5. Supplies and Materials $ 0 $ 4,500 $ 4,500 6. Equipment $ 37,250 $ 19,250 $ 56,500 7. Other $ 45,000 $ 25,360 $ 70,360 TOTAL PROJECT COSTS $ 102,250 $ 102,925 $ 205,178 FY 2008 Federal Preserve America Grants Application Page 8 of 8