Hinsdale Sees Fewer Teardowns, More Renovations: Official

HINSDALE, IL – A couple of years ago, Hinsdale enacted incentives for homeowners to preserve historic houses, rather than tear them down.

Officials said Tuesday the program is working.

"We're getting many more of these types of situations where people are renovating rather than tearing down," Bill Haarlow, a member of the Historic Preservation Commission, said at a Village Board meeting. "Occasionally, you'll see an objection to it in the paper, but overall, it's been a great turn."

Under the incentives, homeowners can propose things such as rear additions while keeping the historic character of their houses.

In return, the village grants property tax rebates, building fee waivers and sped-up processing of applications.

By contrast, the village has a slower, more involved process for reviewing proposals to demolish historic houses.

Haarlow spoke after village Trustee Alexis Braden noted progress in preserving historic homes. She said the owners of the house at 304 S. Lincoln St. have requested a rear addition.

"They are applying for landmark status, which I think is a huge win for preservation here in Hindsale," Braden said.

The owners of 425 E. Eighth St. have saved a house that was in jeopardy of being demolished, she said.

"It was a win-win. The sellers and the buyers came together to save the house," said Braden, a former Historic Preservation Commission member.

Meanwhile, the owners of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house at 121 S. County Line Road are renovating it for this day and age, Braden said. Three years ago, residents were trying to save the house from the wrecking ball.