Modern Look Downtown? No, Hinsdale Officials Say

HINSDALE, IL – Earlier this year, a Hinsdale business proposed a new facade design that village officials considered too modern-looking for downtown.

So the village had Airoom go back to the drawing board for its building at 36 S. Washington St.

In August, the Historic Preservation Commission expressed concern about the storefront design. Members said the modern appearance was inconsistent with the historic downtown and the building's colonial revival style.

On Tuesday, the Village Board approved a new design that officials perceived as more in line with the historic look of downtown.

After the vote, Trustee Luke Stifflear praised both the Historic Preservation and Plan commissions for their work downtown.

"We've seen this in a number of matters that have come before us, where they are recommending properties be more reflective of the historic district," he said. "I think in the long run that is really going to benefit the village."

Village President Tom Cauley agreed.

"I think we have all seen downtowns that have been ruined over the years by having new buildings that come in that destroy the character of the downtown," Cauley said. "I agree that those commissions are doing an excellent job in preserving downtown."

Airoom is an architectural and building firm.