Palestine, is located in southeastern Illinois about
- 5 hours south of Chicago
- 2 hours west of Indianapolis
- 3 hours northwest of Louisville
- 4 hours north of Nashville
- 2 1/2 hours east of St. Louis

Chartered in 1811, Palestine is one of the oldest towns in Illinois.

The village’s Main Street business district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and many of the storefronts date back to the early 1900s.

The Palestine Preservation Projects Society, a non-profit organization is working to restore the Fife Opera House. Restoration of the hand-painted scenery flats and curtain, as well as the renovation of the second floor theater are underway.

A group of business people and interested citizens began meeting to develop plans to build upon the existing community of artists living in the area. As a result, the Artist Relocation Project was born.

The Artist Relocation Project is constantly evolving. Organizers are working with area banks and the Village to offer assistance in the purchase and restoration of property in Palestine.

The Palestine Art Center is one of four galleries located on Main Street.

Contact the Artist Relocation Project if you would like more information about Palestine and our community of artists.

  A Few Benefits
  of Living and Working   
  in Palestine
   - Affordable Housing
   - Excellent Schools
   - Peaceful Surroundings
   - Friendly Neighbors
   - Appreciation of the Arts
   - No Traffic Jams

Goal: To develop an environment where artists and the arts can flourish.

The Artist Relocation Project encourages and enables artist ownership of some of Illinois truly magnificent historic architecture, thus giving the artists a vested interest in our Community.

Palestine’s Artist Relocation Project was started in the Summer of 2005.

The Palestine Art Center opened in the Spring of 2007. It includes a consignment gallery, the Main Street Bistro& Gallery,and the main gallery which is used for special exhibits.

Program Information

Artists of all genres may be eligible for the project. A review committee will work with each applicant to help determine if the ARP is a good fit for both the artist and the project.

Restaurant, Bed & Breakfast, and compatible retailers may also apply.

Affordable Housing/Retail Locations
Some Located in Historic District
Active Artist Community
Palestine Art Center Gallery/Studio Space
Web Site Options
Friendly People

Participating Realtors
Commercial & Residential Listings

Crawford County Real Estate, Inc.
eMail      web site     618.544.8605

Harvey, Biggs, & Co. Real Estate, Inc.
eMail      web site     618.544.8911

Main Street Realty
eMail      web site      888.546.1531

Weber Realty
eMail      web site       618.544.3156

Financing Options

 The progressive banks of Crawford County are working with the Artist Relocation Project to make financing available to qualified participants.

- Competitive Interest Rates
- Terms up to 20 Years
- Minimum Underwriting Requirements

Local and county revolving loan funds may also be available to assist in financing.

Financing Partners

First Financial Bank
618.544.8666

First Robinson Savings Bank
 web site    618.586.2244

Regions Bank
618.586.5201

Village of Palestine
 web site    618.586.2777

Crawford County Development
eMail    web site    618.546.1412