Think Before You 'Destroy' Hinsdale Homes: Official

HINSDALE, IL – The Hinsdale Village Board on Tuesday approved new rules for reviewing the demolition and replacement of historic houses.

One of the rules may seem daunting – a mandated historic and architectural impact study.

In previous meetings, officials have said such reviews could be done by the Hinsdale Historical Society for amounts as low as $50 or $100. The group already performs such studies.

"It's kind of a tool to tell the homeowner that the home you want to destroy, think twice about it," Village President Tom Cauley said.

The village can change the requirement if it doesn't work, he said.

Trustee Matthew Posthuma downplayed the extent of such studies.

"I don't think the society is obligated to turn over every stone. I don't think we're expecting the society to go outside of its own doors," he said. "It's to make the homeowner who maybe is from outside the community aware of the significance of the home. The goal is to give them the overall picture, not every single detail."

The board introduced the rules after the Hinsdale Historic Preservation Commission expressed frustration that the village's ordinance has no teeth in stopping demolitions.

A few months ago, commissioners opposed the demolition of a historic house on Eighth Street and the replacement of it with a post-modern home featuring a glass bridge.

They said such a house was a bad fit, with one accusing the owner of wanting to "screw the rest of the neighborhood."

Under the new rules, the commission will review concepts earlier. Now, by the time the commission enters the process, homeowners already have spent a lot of money on designs.

The new regulations call for a Village Board vote on a demolition if the commission rejects it. Before, the board had no involvement.

All the votes would be advisory. As long as homeowners' plans meet codes, they can proceed with their projects.