Save Historic Reichling's Saloon

      This is Reichling's, built in 1862 it has been a staple in the Belleville, IL community. Having a central location on West Main Street it has been the host of many different businesses and home to many families. When it was first opened it was a bakery and most recently a family run tavern. My grandmother Anne Reichling ran Reichling's Tavern here for 35 years, before retiring and passing it on to my father in 2005. 
   Tragically; on July 25th, 2015 my father Jackie J. Reichling was struck and killed while riding his motorcycle by the driver of a pickup truck who failed to yeild while turning left.  I wasn't that close with my father but am still very distraught over the suddeness of the accident. See Obituary Here  
One week later, on August 1, 2015. I'm in town from where I live in Rockford, IL to plan and attend my dad's memorial services, and I find this on his business/home.My father, was a highly intelligent and compassionate man. However; due to an unfortunate turn of events he lost the liquor license and the doors to Reichling's were closed in 2007. My father lost his hopes and dreams in this business and his home above. The roof started to leak sometime in 2009 and leaked for many years until fixed, causing extensive damage to the upper living quarters. Damage that is still present today.
The windows were neglected and some are missing, which made a pleasant home for several families of pigeons and their associated messes.
After that my father gave up on it and used the building as his workshop/hoarders heaven for the past 5 plus years. Never sharing with anyone the state of the interior or allowing anyone inside. Even his closest family, and I; his daughter, werent allowed inside for several years. He was too proud to ask for help and embarrased over the state it had become. 
          No one ever expected what I would find when I entered what was once my grandmother's and father's source of livelihood and laughs.  
          This is my inheritance, and my nightmare.
       The City of Belleville has set the builiding for demolition in late October 2015. Thus far they have said I need to have eaves and gutters installed and windows repaired or replaced, as well as some tuckpointing. They havent seen the inside yet. I have been working diligently, taking every free moment, and days off work, as well as depeleted my savings to pay for funeral services and attempts at cleanout of the building. The inspector is waiting to do a walkthrough on the interior and foundation. And give me a complete report of necessary repairs. 
     With the help of 3 dumpster loads and many family volunteers we got one room mostly cleared and sorted. 
We have been able to donate many hundreds of pounds of food to Community Interfaith Food Pantry.
    I'm reaching out now for help saving this historic building that holds so much history in this city and in our hearts. My hopes are to rehab the property and run a bakery or restaurant business while living above. 
     Thank you for taking the time to read our story and if you can help finacially or with any resources i.e. contract services, etc. please do or just share this with at least one person. 
   Thank you again, Sarah Reichling on behelf of Jack Reichling and Reichling's Tavern.