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Historic Preservation
There's a lot of history in Downers Grove that can be told through architecture and the stories our founding fathers left behind. The Village encourages residents to find the history hidden in their property.
What is a Contiguous Historic District?
A contiguous historic district is a collection of historic buildings within a specific geographic area which contribute to the overall historic character of the area.
What is a Thematic Historic District?
A thematic historic district is a collection of historic buildings in separated geographic areas which share a common architectural characteristics or style
Is my home historic?
Enter your address in the Village's Historic Resources map. It pinpoints properties identified in the following sources to help property owners determine if their home is a potential Historic Landmark:
- The early 1970s State of Illinois Historic Architectural and Archaeology Resources Geographic Information System (HAARGIS) survey.
- The 2009 Village Historic Preservation Plan identifies HAARGIS buildings, designated Downers Grove Historical Society properties, and Sears Homes.
- The 2013 Village Historic Building Survey surveyed 865 properties in Denburn Woods, Shady Lane Estates, E.H. Prince Subdivision and Maple Avenue/Main Street corridor.
What is Historic Preservation?
Historic Preservation is the endeavor to preserve, conserve and protect buildings and sites that possess architectural or historical significance in Downers Grove.
What is a landmark and what are the benefits of landmark designation?
A landmark is a site or building that has been identified as an architectural, historical or cultural resource with significance to Downers Grove. The benefits of owning a landmark are recognition and protection of the landmark as a significant Downers Grove architectural, historical or cultural resource. Other benefits include participation in the nationwide effort to preserve the character of local communities, and possible tax benefits through the State of Illinois.
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a group of historic buildings that are deemed either culturally or architecturally significant. These qualities help make Downers Grove a unique and desirable place which is a benefit to both the property owners within a historic district and to the community.
What are the benefits of a Historic District?
The benefits of a historic district include the ability to preserve a collection of older homes and improve property values in neighborhoods where many older homes still have some of their original architectural characteristics.
If my home is designated a landmark or is within a historic district, what additional regulations apply?
The following exterior projects require a historic review by the Village and the Historic Preservation Design and Review Board:
- Window and door replacement on the front facade
- Demolition
- Additions that are visible from the street
- Attached garages
- Roof changes that result in a change in height or pitch
If I sell my landmarked home, can the next homeowner rescind the designation?
It is possible to rescind the designation, although the Village and the Historic Preservation Design and Review Board ( HPDRB) would encourage and assist the owner in finding alternative options and solutions.
Historic Preservation
Listen to these homeowners who have landmarked their property
Historic Sears Homes
Historical Resources
These sites may be helpful in conducting research or just learning more about Downers Grove history.
Stamp of Historical Approval
Applications for Historic Districts and Historic Landmarks are reviewed through the Historic Preservation Design and Review Board.
Historic Preservation
Listen to these homeowners who have landmarked their property
Historic Sears Homes
Historical Resources
These sites may be helpful in conducting research or just learning more about Downers Grove history.
Stamp of Historical Approval
Applications for Historic Districts and Historic Landmarks are reviewed through the Historic Preservation Design and Review Board.
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