PONTIAC The former Illinois State Police District 6 headquarters, just south of Pontiac on old Route 66, has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The pistol-shaped building was constructed in 1941. It was used daily until 2004, when officers moved to a new building.

Dave Blanchette, spokesman for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, said his department recommended the building to the federal government late last year. The initial request came from people in the Pontiac area.

"It gives the building a prestige," Blanchette said.

Blanchette said the honor was given based on the building's association with government, transporting and old Route 66.

The 5,100-square-foot building was the base for state troopers who patrolled roads from Dwight to McLean.

In 2000, the Route 66 Association of Illinois put building in its hall of fame, which recognizes people and places with a connection to Route 66.

Aerial photos of the building are on display at the association's hall of fame and museum in Pontiac. The lives and careers of several officers who worked from the building are also displayed.

Blanchette said the building is an Art Moderne style that was popular in the United States from 1925 to around 1980.

Among the style's signatures are curved corners. The main entrance, where the hammer would be on the gun, is curved.

The district moved its headquarters because of a lack of space and roof and plumbing problems, which need extensive repairs.

The future ownership of the building remains unknown. In December, the state listed the headquarters as a piece of property it would auction.

The new headquarters is at the corner of Old Airport Road and Lincoln Street. It is next to the Pontiac Correctional Center and the new Livingston County Jail and Public Safety Complex.