Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices Restoration Completed

A $3.9 million restoration of the historic Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices in downtown Springfield has been completed, bringing accessibility, safety and infrastructure improvements to the state historic site.

The Illinois Capital Development Board completed the project in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources using funding from the Rebuild Illinois capital program.

Work focused on restoring key architectural features to their original character. The project included repairing damaged wood, painting, restoring historic finishes, replacing floors and windows, and removing deteriorated portions of the building.

Infrastructure improvements included new air conditioning units, ductwork, lighting and closed-circuit television. Crews also removed asbestos-containing materials and upgraded the building’s security, fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems.

The Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices are located in the only remaining building where Abraham Lincoln maintained a law office. The surviving portion of the three-story brick commercial building was constructed in 1840 and 1841 and features a Greek Revival-style exterior.

Located on the Old State Capitol Plaza, the building is operated by IDNR as a state historic site.

“The Lincoln-Herndon building, where Abraham Lincoln practiced law for nearly a decade before moving on to elected office and eventually the presidency, is one of the capital city’s historic architectural treasures,” said IDNR interim Director Renee Snow. “We are excited about the completion of this restoration project and are eager to welcome visitors and the community back to this special site.”

CDB Executive Director TJ Edwards said the project balanced the need for modern improvements with the preservation of the historic building.

“To preserve historic infrastructure across our state, we must make the necessary renovations and improvements to modernize the facilities,” Edwards said. “The Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices received the required accessibility and safety upgrades, and the building’s features were carefully restored to its original beauty.”

The project is one of several investments in Springfield’s historic downtown. Improvements to the interior and exterior of the nearby Old State Capitol State Historic Site are also nearing completion. Both sites are operated by IDNR.