Controversial Elmhurst Teardown Clears 1st Hurdle

ELMHURST, IL – A key Elmhurst panel on Tuesday approved a zoning change that would help clear the way for the demolition of a nearly century-old home.

In a unanimous vote, the Zoning and Planning Commission signed off on the change for 292 S. Arlington Ave.

The measure next moves to the City Council's Development, Planning and Zoning Committee. The panel is expected to next meet June 10, but it's not certain whether the issue will be on the meeting agenda.

The City Council has the final say.

In March, Richard "RJ" Parrilli bought the house at 292 S. Arlington Ave. for nearly $2 million.

Parrilli and his wife, Alyssa Parrilli, are seeking to consolidate the lot that includes the house, which is at Arlington Avenue and Adelia Street, with a smaller lot to the south. They plan a new house on the larger lot.

At a meeting two weeks ago, neighbors protested the planned demolition of the home, saying they want to preserve local history.

More than 1,100 people have signed a Change.org petition against the teardown.

A video tour of the house is available online.