Source & Credit: Lake County News-Sun
By Tina Johansson | Special to The News-Sun
ZION -- The newly organized Save the Dome Committee is planning benefit concerts to preserve the city icon.
The 109-year-old Dome at Sheridan Road and 26th Street once sat atop the Zion Hotel and is in dire need of repair.
The first Save the Dome meeting was held last week, coordinated by city Commissioner Shantal Taylor. Among those attending were Bob Miller, the city's lead property maintenance inspector, and business owner Mark Alarik.
Miller, grandson of the treasurer of city founder John Alexander Dowie, has been named the treasurer of the new fund-raising committee.
Alarik, owner of Ariel Fitness and Nutrition, 2719 Elisha Ave., and marketing firm, said the meeting was a catalyst for the fund-raising efforts.
"I will be trying to rally the business community to be a part of this restoration," Alarik said. "I see (the Dome) actually as a symbol of John Dowie's vision as what businesses stand for in Zion, and that's why it should be treasured. It's a landmark with a story."
A Dec. 29 News-Sun story has generated an outpouring of support. Among them is Hasan Hakeem, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Zion, and chaplain of the Kenosha County Jail.
"As a child visiting Zion, the beauty and historical significance of the Zion Hotel left me breathless," Hakeem said. "It is understandable that the mayor and City Council do not want to use public funds for the Dome's restoration, but it must be saved to preserve Zion's unique history."
Hakeem said the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Zion, a longtime donor of scholarships and help for ailing organizations, would do whatever it could to help.
"I think it would be tragic if we allow the Dome to be obliterated," he said.
Dowie built the Zion Hotel in 1901 for workers who would help build the new city. Though the hotel was razed in 1979, the community raised money and saved the Dome.
Mayor Lane Harrison said uniting everyone interested in saving the Dome is crucial.
"I believe the council strengths lie within its unity," said the mayor. "We need as many people who are in the same place to move together in this venture."
"I believe the entire City Council is in favor of restoration of the Dome, just not with tax dollars. And I know a couple commissioners, and myself, would be willing to help," Harrison said.
Volunteers say funds are needed for restoration and repair of the Dome and its long-term maintenance.
"I will do whatever I can do to help, including going out there when work is being done," said Harrison.
The mayor explained his father was a contractor and he'd sometimes help him on construction projects. He said he would also be willing to rally others for support the cause with money, labor or materials.
Former Zion resident Larry Stried said that while growing up in Zion he always felt a sense of community and pride from the old hotel and the Dome.
"I know the economy is bad, and it may be hard to come up with money, but if people can just volunteer to give time and materials, that would be great," Stried said at his barber shop in Gurnee. "I think this is the time the community needs to get involved."
Stried has a number of construction contacts, including relatives, and Harrison said his involvement would benefit the project.
Read more here: Dome donors ready to help
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