Controversial Hinsdale Teardown Not Happening

HINSDALE, IL – The planned demolition of the house at 425 E. Eighth St. was the subject of a heated debate months ago.

That teardown isn't happening after all, which a Hinsdale official called a "huge win."

In December, the village's Historic Preservation Commission balked at even voting on the teardown. Members complained that the nearly 90-year-old structure was set to be replaced with a postmodern home with a glass bridge.

At one point, a commission member accused the owners of wanting to "screw" the neighborhood.

Whatever the case, the village has no power to stop a home's demolition, as long as the owner follows the local code.

With the local opposition, though, the owners may have taken a hint. They sold the property in March for $2.8 million, more than their $2.5 million purchase price a year and a half earlier.

Now, the new owners want to include the house on the village's historically significant properties list, according to village documents. At Tuesday's Village Board meeting, village staffers presented a list of four properties for the list. A vote is expected at a later meeting.

Village Trustee Alexis Braden, who previously served on the Historic Preservation Commission, said preservation efforts are proving successful.

"As you know, 425 E. Eighth was slated for demolition a few months back," Braden said. "I think the Historic Preservation Commission and this board have made a lot of headway, providing some carrots to potential buyers. That property did change hands, and it's being saved. It's a huge win."

As a result of the earlier controversy, the Village Board in April enacted new rules related to historic preservation.