You can find a listing of Rock Island Landmarks by visiting the online Rock Island Historic Structures Inventory database and selecting “Landmark” under the Category/Designation drop down menu. The homes in Highland Park Historic District are also treated like Rock Island Landmarks. Fortunately, hundreds of other Rock Island buildings are featured in this inventory, which includes constructions dates, architectural descriptions, historical narratives and locations.

A Certificate of Appropriateness is required for any construction, alteration, demolition, repair or relocation that affects the exterior appearance of any Rock Island Landmark or a property within Highland Park Historic District. Exterior building and property elements reviewed are numerous and described in detail.

Only a couple of dozen Broadway structures that are also Rock Island Landmarks receive review by the Preservation Commission. While historic preservation is recommended on all buildings in this National Register listed historic district, it is not required when private funds are utilized.

All in-print and out-of-print architectural and historical booklets, plans and publications printed by the Rock Island Preservation Commission and City of Rock Island are available to download for free from the City’s website. Hard copies of many of those publications can be found at the Rock Island Public Library, 401 19th Street; Rock Island City Hall (second floor), 1528 3rd Avenue and the Centennial Bridge Visitor Center, 201 15th Street. All the tour booklets are free, but copy charges for the larger planning publications apply.

The Preservation Commission has created a publication called “The Roots of Your House” that will assist with local research.