Under $100K Sunday – c.1897 Partially Restored Former Bank For Sale in Illinois Under $89K

If interested in a property, please contact the realtor whose link is provided in the post below, or contact an agent of your own choosing. Independent verification of details and status is recommended.

112 E Beardstown St, Virginia, IL 62691   $88,500

• Contact Realtor: Michael Finn
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• Niche

The Robertson Building in Virginia, Illinois, was a historic structure located in the heart of this small town in central Illinois. While it’s not as widely known as some larger or more prominent landmarks, it holds significant local historical value. Here’s a bit of context and history surrounding the building:

History of the Robertson Building:

1. Construction and Early Use:
   • The Robertson Building was constructed in 1897, a period of growth and expansion for Virginia, Illinois.
   • It was originally built as a commercial building, a common type of structure in small towns like Virginia during that era, often housing shops, offices, and other businesses on the ground floor, including the Framer’s National Bank, with living spaces or additional offices on the upper floors.
   • The building’s early use was as a storefront or retail space, with the specific businesses and commercial tenants changing over the years. Like many buildings of that time, it would have been a central part of the town’s downtown area.

   • History of the Robertson Building:

     1. Construction and Early Use:
        • The Robertson Building was likely constructed during the late 19th or early 20th century, a period of growth and expansion for Virginia, Illinois.
        • It was originally built as a commercial building, a common type of structure in small towns like Virginia during that era, often housing shops, offices, and other businesses on the ground floor, with living spaces or additional offices on the upper floors.
        • The building’s early use was as a storefront or retail space, with the specific businesses and commercial tenants changing over the years. Like many buildings of that time, it would have been a central part of the town’s downtown area.
     2. Named After Robertson Family:
        • The building is named after the Robertson family, who were likely prominent in the community during its construction and use. The Robertson family had a significant presence in Virginia, with some members being involved in local business, civic activities, and possibly land ownership. John Robertson was the principal owner of Farmer’s National Bank. He died in 1895, but his two sons continued the family relationship with the bank after he passed.
        • The family may have owned or commissioned the construction of the building, as was common with prominent local families who played key roles in the development of small-town infrastructure.
     3. Architectural Significance:
        • The Robertson Building is notable for its architectural style, which reflects the small-town commercial aesthetic of the time. It may feature characteristics such as large display windows, decorative brickwork, and other elements typical of the late 19th to early 20th century commercial architecture.
        • The building’s design is a good example of the functional yet attractive style used for business purposes during this period. It likely incorporates elements of Romanesque Revival or Victorian commercial design, both of which were popular in the late 1800s.
     4. Role in the Community:
        • Over the years, the Robertson Building has served as a hub for local commerce and social life. As with many historic buildings in small American towns, its role in the community has shifted over time.
        • It may have housed a variety of businesses, from retail shops to professional offices. Some of the tenants in the building over the years might have included doctors, lawyers, grocers, or general merchants. It could also have hosted community events or served as a meeting space.
     5. Preservation Efforts:
        • Like many older buildings in small American towns, the Robertson Building has likely faced challenges over time, such as the threat of demolition or deterioration. However, historic buildings like this one are often preserved due to their cultural significance and the role they play in maintaining the character of small-town downtown areas.
        • If the building is still standing and in use today, it may be part of local preservation efforts aimed at keeping the history of Virginia, Illinois, alive.

     Virginia, Illinois:

     Virginia itself is a small, rural town located in Cass County, about 25 miles west of Springfield, Illinois. The town is known for its historic architecture and its role as a local center for commerce and trade during the 19th century. Like many small towns in Illinois, Virginia has buildings dating back to the 1800s, some of which are still in use today.

     The Robertson Building, if preserved, would be a part of Virginia’s broader architectural heritage, adding to the town’s historical landscape and providing a glimpse into its past.

     Unfortunately, detailed public records or architectural studies specifically about the Robertson Building may be scarce, as many small-town buildings don’t always have comprehensive historical documentation. If you’re interested in learning more about this particular building’s history, local sources such as the Virginia Public Library or the Cass County Historical Society might have further details or archives related to the building and the Robertson family.

   • The family may have owned or commissioned the construction of the building, as was common with prominent local families who played key roles in the development of small-town infrastructure.
2. Architectural Significance:
   • The Robertson Building is notable for its architectural style, which reflects the small-town commercial aesthetic of the time. It may feature characteristics such as large display windows, decorative brickwork, and other elements typical of the late 19th to early 20th century commercial architecture.
   • The building’s design is a good example of the functional yet attractive style used for business purposes during this period. It  incorporates elements of Romanesque Revival and Victorian commercial design, both of which were popular in the late 1800s.
3. Role in the Community:
   • Over the years, the Robertson Building has served as a hub for local commerce and social life. As with many historic buildings in small American towns, its role in the community has shifted over time.
   • It may have housed a variety of businesses, from retail shops to professional offices. Some of the tenants in the building over the years might have included doctors, lawyers, grocers, or general merchants. It could also have hosted community events or served as a meeting space.
4. Preservation Efforts:
   • Like many older buildings in small American towns, the Robertson Building has likely faced challenges over time, such as the threat of demolition or deterioration. In fact, a large portion of the Robertson building has been demolished.

Virginia, Illinois:

Virginia itself is a small, rural town located in Cass County, about 25 miles west of Springfield, Illinois. The town is known for its historic architecture and its role as a local center for commerce and trade during the 19th century. Like many small towns in Illinois, Virginia has buildings dating back to the 1800s, some of which are still in use today.

The Robertson Building would be a part of Virginia’s broader architectural heritage, adding to the town’s historical landscape and providing a glimpse into its past.