Historic Preservation Commission
Regular MeetingGlen Ellyn, IL · April 17, 2025
Minutes
Village of Glen Ellyn
Minutes
Village of Glen Ellyn
Historic Preservation
Regular Meeting
Commission
April 17, 2025
7:00PM
Glen Ellyn Civic Center
Board or Historic Preservation Date: April 17, 2025
Commission:
Meeting: Regular Called to 7:00 p.m.
Order:
Quorum: Yes Adjourned: 8:17 p.m.
MEMBER ATTENDANCE:
Penn French Chairman Present
Nathan Darga Commissioner Present
Donna Leak Commissioner Present
Barb Lemme Commissioner Present
Robert Margetts Commissioner Absent
Jeremy Schletz Commissioner Absent
Zak Wilson Commissioner Present
Also Present:
Jordan Frahm Associate Planner
Gary Fasules Village Trustee
Jeff Anderson GE Historical Society
Ian Dawson GEHS Researcher
Elisa Pollina Recording Secretary
Public Present:
Chris Wilson 537 Phillips, GE
Donna & Brian Carroll 214 Forest Avenue
Matt Habeer 131 N. Park Blvd
Ray Whalen P.O Box 3380, GE
Leslie Beck 486 Anthony
Lily O’Reilly 289 Elm
Nina Hikooic 1566 Dundee Drive
Colton Hart 530 Wilshire Ave
Tim Loftus 296 Woodstock Ave
A. CALL TO ORDER
The April 17, 2025 regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to
order by Chairman French at 7:00 PM at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center.
Historic Preservation 2
April 17, 2025
B. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM MARCH 20, 2025 HPC MEETING
MOVE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF HPC MEETING OF 3/20/2025
RESULT: Motion Unanimously Carried
MOVER: Commissioner Lemme
SECONDER: Commissioner Wilson
AYES: 5
D. NEW BUSINESS
1. 2025 Historic Preservation Commissioner Annual Awards - Chairman French
shared that the Commission received 11 nominations this year—the highest
number in the 24-year history of the awards. There are four award categories:
Remodel of the Year, Restoration of the Year, Streetscape Compatibility, and
Architectural Details of the Year. Each category has distinct criteria, primarily
focused on the home’s exterior.
Chairman French explained the award process, noting that the HPC has the
flexibility to move nominations between categories as appropriate. While the goal
is to recognize one winner per category, co-winners or honorable mentions may
also be awarded. The Commission will deliberate on the nominations and make
formal recommendations and motions during this evening’s meeting. Final
approval will take place at the May Village Board meeting in celebration of
Preservation Month, where certificates will be presented to the award recipients.
Associate Planner Frahm presented the 2025 Historic Preservation Award
nominations to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). The presentation
included detailed background information and before-and-after photographs for
each nominated property.
A total of eleven project nominations were received across three award categories:
Remodel of the Year: 486 Anthony Street, 338 Cottage Avenue, 716 Crescent
Boulevard, 766 Hillside Avenue
Restoration of the Year: 830 Crescent Boulevard, 214 Forest Avenue, 738 May
Avenue, 285 N. Main Street
Streetscape Compatibility of the Year: 735 Forest Avenue, 504 Hawthorne
Boulevard, 675 Revere Road
The Commission reviewed each nomination and the specific criteria for each
award category. As part of the review process, the HPC agreed to reassign certain
properties to more appropriate categories based on the scope and nature of the
work completed. They decided properties 716 Crescent Blvd. and 285 N. Main
Historic Preservation 3
April 17, 2025
should be considered for Architectural Details of the Year; and property 830
Crescent Blvd. should be considered for Streetscape Compatibility of the Year.
Commissioner Lemme motioned to award the following properties:
• 486 Anthony Street as Remodel of the Year, with honorable mentions to 766
Hillside Avenue and 338 Cottage Avenue
• 214 Forest Avenue and 738 May Avenue as co-winners for Restoration of the
Year
• 504 Hawthorn Boulevard and 830 Crescent Boulevard as co-winners for
Streetscape Compatibility of the Year, with honorable mentions to 675 Revere
Road and 735 Forest Avenue
• 716 Crescent Boulevard as Architectural Details of the Year, with an honorable
mention to 285 North Main Street
Commissioner Darga seconded the motion.
E. OLD BUSINESS – None
F. HISTORICAL SOCIETY BUSINESS – Jeff Anderson from the Glen Ellyn Historical
Society provided several updates. He noted that the home at 142 Crest has been
plaqued with two additional homes being plaqued next week. A McKee House
fundraiser will take place on April 26.
Upcoming events
May 31, 2025- Leslie Goddard: Remembering Route 66 - 2:00 pm
June 7, 2025 - Glen Ellyn Vintage Auto Fest 2025 at 10:00 am and Presenting...
Chicago’s Historic Motor Row District 1:00 pm
September 18 – The HPC is invited to hold their September meeting at the GE History
Center for Fall Fest.
Chris Wilson from Citizens of Glen Ellyn Preservation provided an update on the
distribution of 300 yard signs to homes identified as historically significant. She is
seeking volunteers to assist with the distribution effort and noted that the program
originally launched in 2003.
G. CHAIRMAN REPORT – Chairman French provided an update on the incentives
program, noting that it is actively moving forward and timelines are currently being
developed. The item will be revisited at the May meeting. Jordan will present a
memorandum summarizing last month’s discussion, along with proposed cost-sharing
guidelines for the HPC’s review and approval.
Historic Preservation 4
April 17, 2025
H. VILLAGE BOARD TRUSTEE REPORT – Trustee Fasules reported that the Village Board
approved the community gardens at Ackerman Park during Monday's meeting.
I. STAFF REPORT – Frahm announced that the Village will officially launch its new
online permitting system tomorrow. Moving forward, paper applications will no longer be
accepted.
J. ADJOURNMENT & NEXT MEETING DATE – Commissioner Darga motioned to adjourn
the meeting and Commissioner Lemme seconded the motion. The meeting was
adjourned at 8:17 p.m. The next HPC meeting is May15, 2025.
Submitted by Elisa Pollina, Recording Secretary
Reviewed by Jordan Frahm, Staff Liaison
Agenda
Agenda
Village of Glen Ellyn
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
Thursday, April 17, 2025
7:00 PM
Glen Ellyn Civic Center, Galligan Board Room
Visitors are most welcome to attend all public meetings and can find copies of the Agenda online at www.glenellyn.org
prior to the meeting. Any individual with a disability requiring reasonable accommodation in order to participate in a
meeting should contact the Village of Glen Ellyn ADA Coordinator, 630-469-5000, at least five (5) business days
in advance of the next scheduled meeting.
A. Call to Order
B. Approval of Minutes
1) Approval of Minutes from the March 20, 2025 Meeting of the Historical
Preservation Commission
C. Public Comment
D. New Business
1) 2025 Historic Preservation Commission Annual Awards
E. Chairman's Report
F. Trustee's Report
G. GEHS Director's Report
H. Staff Report
I. Reminders
J. Adjourn
Village of Glen Ellyn
Packet
Agenda
Village of Glen Ellyn
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
Thursday, April 17, 2025
7:00 PM
Glen Ellyn Civic Center, Galligan Board Room
Visitors are most welcome to attend all public meetings and can find copies of the Agenda online at www.glenellyn.org
prior to the meeting. Any individual with a disability requiring reasonable accommodation in order to participate in a
meeting should contact the Village of Glen Ellyn ADA Coordinator, 630-469-5000, at least five (5) business days
in advance of the next scheduled meeting.
A. Call to Order
B. Approval of Minutes
1) Approval of Minutes from the March 20, 2025 Meeting of the Historical
Preservation Commission
C. Public Comment
D. New Business
1) 2025 Historic Preservation Commission Annual Awards
E. Chairman's Report
F. Trustee's Report
G. GEHS Director's Report
H. Staff Report
I. Reminders
J. Adjourn
Village of Glen Ellyn
Page 1 of 31
Village of Glen Ellyn
Minutes
Village of Glen Ellyn
Historic Preservation
Regular Meeting
Commission
March 20, 2025
7:00PM
Glen Ellyn Civic Center
Board or Historic Preservation Date: March 20, 2025
Commission:
Meeting: Regular Called to 7:00 p.m.
Order:
Quorum: Yes Adjourned: 9:05 p.m.
MEMBER ATTENDANCE:
Penn French Chairman Present
Nathan Darga Commissioner Present
Donna Leak Commissioner Present
Barb Lemme Commissioner Present
Robert Margetts Commissioner Present
Jeremy Schletz Commissioner Present
Zak Wilson Commissioner Present
Also Present:
Jordan Frahm Associate Planner
Jeff Anderson GE Historical Society
Elisa Pollina Recording Secretary
Public Present:
Chris Wilson 537 Phillips, GE
Mike Wilson 716 Crescent Avenue, GE
A. CALL TO ORDER
The March 20, 2025 regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to
order by Chairman French at 7:00 PM at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center.
B. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
C. ANNOUNCEMENTS – None
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 20, 2025 HPC MEETING
MOVE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF HPC MEETING OF 2/20/2025
RESULT: Motion Unanimously Carried
MOVER: Commissioner Lemme
SECONDER: Commissioner Wilson
AYES: 7
Page 2 of 31
Historic Preservation 2
March 20, 2025
E. NEW BUSINESS
1. Review of March 17, 2025 Village board Workshop Presentation on Historic
Preservation Incentive Program - Chairman French provided an update, thanking
Jordan Frahm for his assistance and Bethany from Hinsdale for her valuable
insights. The findings from the focus group and a presentation on the incentive
program were shared with the Village Board on Monday. The Village Board was
complimentary of the Commission’s work.
French noted that there are three key items the Commission needs to finalize:
Eligibility Criteria: Defining the rules for inclusion on the incentive program
list.
Project Qualifications: Determining which types of projects would qualify for
incentives.
Matching Grant Details: Refining the specifics of the matching grant
program.
Commissioner Darga inquired whether the Board provided any specific feedback.
French stated that the Board raised a few considerations:
Guardrails need to be established to prevent unintended consequences,
such as ensuring that homes receiving incentives are not ultimately torn
down.
Lot ratios were discussed, noting that the Village’s ongoing overhaul of
zoning codes, expected to continue into 2026, should be factored into the
program.
Clarification is needed regarding the rules for future incentive
applications—specifically, whether the program should apply by property or
by homeowner, and how soon after a remodel a property could reapply.
Questions were raised about whether builders who purchase homes for
flipping should be eligible for incentives.
The Board emphasized the importance of inclusivity and suggested
expanding the program’s eligibility beyond certain areas of town, including
properties south of Roosevelt Road.
Commissioner Lemme added that the presentation prepared by Penn and Jordan
was thorough, and the Board’s overall response was very positive. The next step is
to refine the program’s direction based on this feedback.
French outlined the next steps discussed with Jennifer Henaghan, emphasizing
the need for a structured approach to the incentive program and zoning updates:
Historic Overlay District: Staff will take the lead in determining whether a historic
overlay district should be established. This process will unfold over the next few
months, including identifying required Board approvals.
Page 3 of 31
Historic Preservation 3
March 20, 2025
Bulk Zoning Recommendations: Specific alternate bulk zoning
recommendations—such as lot coverage ratios, setbacks, and height restrictions—
will be analyzed and drafted in conjunction with the Village’s previously scheduled
review and overhaul of the entire zoning code. This review is set to begin in the
second half of 2025 and conclude by the end of 2026.
Rolling Launch of the Incentive Program: Staff is proposing a phased launch of the
incentive program. The initial phase, set to launch in late summer or early fall of
2025, will introduce the Matching Grant cost-share incentive, utilizing the
$50,000 already approved by the Board for 2025, which can roll over to 2026 if
necessary. A decision will also need to be made on whether to introduce permit fee
waivers during this phase or delay them until the alternate bulk zoning
component is implemented in the latter half of 2026.
Additional Considerations:
Staff Liaison Frahm emphasized that it’s important not to rush the bulk zoning
text amendments. The codes need to be thoroughly developed, and sufficient time
is required to conduct the requested research on the 500+ homes suggested by
Trustee Gould.
Commissioner Lemme added that with the Village Board’s awareness of the
incentive program, they can take these plans into account during their zoning
code review. She also highlighted that the Board’s work on the Comprehensive
Plan involves fulfilling strategic objectives that require zoning code adjustments to
achieve those goals.
Lemme further suggested presenting the incentive program as a pilot initiative to
account for its ongoing evolution and recommended identifying a dedicated staff
point person to oversee the process.
The HPC discussed the process for adding projects to the incentive list and agreed
to adopt a first-come, first-served approach during the initial phase of the
program’s launch.
The commission also reviewed eligibility criteria for the program, which includes
two main categories:
Age and Designation:
Homes that are at least 50 years old
Landmarked properties
Significant or potentially significant homes
Homes that have been plaqued by the Glen Ellyn Historical Society (GEHS)
Architectural and Historical Significance:
Master craftsmanship
Architecturally distinct features
Local or regional cultural significance, Association with historically
significant individuals
Page 4 of 31
Historic Preservation 4
March 20, 2025
Contribution to civic pride
Chairman French emphasized that these criteria would need to be clearly outlined
and published on the Village website.
The commission briefly discussed the types of projects that would qualify for
incentives. Eligible projects would include exterior improvements that enhance the
home’s appearance and contribute to improving the streetscape.
Projects not eligible for incentives include: Routine maintenance (such as painting
not part of a restoration), Landscaping, Fences, Driveways, sidewalks, and other
paved areas.
Chairman French noted that the commission will vote on the specific elements of
the incentive program at next month’s meeting.
F. OLD BUSINESS – Annual Preservation Awards Nominations – Staff Liaison Frahm
provided an update, noting that he has reached out to professional builders to
encourage additional award nomination submissions. With two weeks remaining until
the nomination deadline, there is hope for more entries in the coming weeks.
Commissioner Lemme inquired whether the applicant from last year, whom the
committee had encouraged to reapply this year, had submitted an application. Frahm
will follow up with that applicant.
G. HISTORICAL SOCIETY BUSINESS – Jeff Anderson from the Glen Ellyn Historical
Society provided several updates. He noted that the home at 569 N. Main Street has
been plaqued, and research has completed for the property at 142 Crest, with nine
additional homes currently in the research queue. A ceremony is planned at the
cemetery monument for the Hills. Anderson also highlighted last month’s event, where
the Village collaborated with Midwest Soarring and the Forest Preserve on the McKee
House, which drew over 150 attendees. An upcoming event, Palmer: A Life in Three
Acts, is scheduled for Saturday, March 22, and a large turnout is expected. Anderson
added that all programs this year have seen remarkable attendance and mentioned
ongoing Village work at Stacey's Tavern.
H. CHAIRMAN REPORT – No report
I. VILLAGE BOARD TRUSTEE REPORT – The village approved the Event Park on March
10 and will now go out for bid.
J. STAFF REPORT – Frahm mentioned that one individual, the owner of the bookstore,
has inquired about landmark eligibility.
Commissioner Lemme reminded the commission of their volunteer work last year with
Citizens of Glen Ellyn, where they assisted in placing signs in yards of historically
significant homes. She asked if the commission would like to volunteer again this year.
Chairman French volunteered to place 25 signs and suggested that the HPC consider
Page 5 of 31
Historic Preservation 5
March 20, 2025
using a portion of its budget to help fund the printing of additional signs and cover
postage costs for letters sent to residents receiving signs. Chris Wilson from Citizens of
Glen Ellyn will inform Chairman French of the estimated cost to print 75 more signs.
There are approximately 307 historically significant homes in Glen Ellyn, with
approximately 200 signs placed last year.
K. ADJOURNMENT & NEXT MEETING DATE – Commissioner Lemme motioned to
adjourn the meeting and Commissioner Leak seconded the motion. The meeting was
adjourned at 9:05 p.m. The next HPC meeting is April 17, 2025.
Submitted by Elisa Pollina, Recording Secretary
Reviewed by Jordan Frahm, Staff Liaison
Page 6 of 31
Glen Ellyn Historic Meeting 4/17/2025 7:00 PM
Preservation Commission Department: Community Development
535 Duane Street Department Head: Daniel Harper
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 Category: Award
Prepared By: Jordan Frahm
AGENDA ITEM (ID # 2025- DOC ID: 2025-328
328)
2025 Historic Preservation Commission Annual Awards
Statement of the Issue:
The Historic Preservation Commission has received submission for eleven (11) nominations for the
2025 HPC Annual Awards.
Analysis:
The eleven (11) nominations for the 2025 HPC Annual Historic Preservation Awards are listed in
alphabetical order, with nine submissions from owners or contractors directly involved with the
projects, and two submissions from residents not directly involved with preservation efforts at the
home, but with a research background on the property in general. Four (4) nominees in the
Restoration of the Year category, four (4) nominees in the Remodeling Project of the Year category,
and three (3) nominees in the Streetscape Compatibility category.
All project information, including narratives or project descriptions and photos are provided by the
submitter of the application unless otherwise noted. Within the Public Portal there will be an
abridged photo layout of the nominees and include basic submission information. HPC
Commissioners will separately receive a larger packet with all submission materials and the project
descriptions. Some submission materials have been limited if redundant.
As a reminder, please see the categories and their respective descriptions below. Due to the volume
of submissions, some nominees will be assigned awards outside their nominated category for awards
or honorable mention.
Restoration of the Year Award: This award is in recognition of an outstanding effort to restore the
exterior of a home or building in a manner fitting its historic character while adhering to Glen
Ellyn's restoration guidelines and contributing to the preservation of Glen Ellyn history. In order to
qualify for this award, a home must be 50 years or older. Entries are judged on the extent to which
the exterior restoration is in keeping with the home's historic character.
Remodeling Project of the Year Award: This award is in recognition of an outstanding effort to
remodel the exterior of a home or building in a manner maintaining or improving the architectural
integrity and contributing to the preservation of Glen Ellyn history. In order to qualify for this
award, a home must be 50 years or older. Entries are judged on the extent to which the exterior
remodel is in keeping with the home's character.
Streetscape Compatibility Award: This award is in recognition of an outstanding effort to
construct a new home or building in an architectural style and scale that contributes to the
Page 7 of 31
preservation of Glen Ellyn's historic streetscapes. A home can be of any age to qualify for this
award. Entries are judged on their compatibility with the existing streetscape, in terms of
architectural style and scale.
Architectural Details Award: This award is in recognition of an outstanding effort to restore an
exterior detail element of a home, building or property in a manner fitting its historic character, and
contributing to the preservation of Glen Ellyn history. Examples of exterior detail elements would
include but are not limited to porches, cornice work, leaded glass windows or decorative fencing. To
qualify for this award, a home must be 50 years or older. Entries are judged on the compatibility of
the element with the historic character of the home or building.
Budget Impact:
Contribution to Strategic Plan
Action Requested:
The Historic Preservation Commission is to determine award winners for Restoration, Remodeling,
Streetscape, and Architectural Detail.
Attachments:
1. HPC Awards 2025 Agenda Packet Photo Spread
Page 8 of 31
Village of Glen Ellyn
Historic Preservation
Commission
2025 Annual Awards
Nominees
486 Anthony
338 Cottage
716 Crescent
830 Crescent
214 Forest
735 Forest
504 Hawthorne
766 Hillside
285 N. Main
238 May
675 Revere
Page 9 of 31
Property Locations for nominees
Page 10 of 31
486 Anthony Street
Owner: John & Leslie Beck
Architect: Z + O architecture + interiors, inc.
Contractor: Wetmore Construction
Landscape Arch.: N/A
Nominated Category: Remodel of the Year
Before:
After:
Page 11 of 31
Above: Before;
Right: After
Page 12 of 31
338 Cottage Avenue
Owner: Richard and Eileen Lofgren
Architect: Unlisted
Contractor: Unlisted
Landscape Arch.: Unlisted
Nominated Category: Remodel of the Year
Looking Northeast
Looking Northwest
Page 13 of 31
716 Crescent Boulevard
Owner: Mike Wilson
Architect: Unlisted
Contractor: Unlisted
Landscape Arch.: Unlisted
Nominated Category: Remodel of the Year
Page 14 of 31
Page 15 of 31
Page 16 of 31
830 Crescent Boulevard
Owner: Anita & Howard Stoller
Architect: Chuck Seen – RS2 Architecture
Contractor: Renew Homes, LLC
Landscape Arch.: Keven Graham
Nominated Category: Restoration of the Year
Before:
After:
Page 17 of 31
Front: Day
Rear: Before
Rear: After
Page 18 of 31
214 Forest Avenue
Owner: Donna and Brian Carroll
Architect: Unlisted
Contractor: Moreno Carpentry
Landscape Arch.: Unlisted
Nominated Category: Restoration of the Year
Before:
After:
Page 19 of 31
Page 20 of 31
Photos sourced by Village Staff
Page 21 of 31
735 Forest Avenue
Owner: Riley and Elizabeth Blevins
Architect: Dan Marshall
Contractor: Ray Whalen Builders
Landscape Arch.: Matt Haber
Nominated Category: Streetscape Compatibility
Page 22 of 31
Page 23 of 31
504 Hawthorne Boulevard
Owner: Unlisted
Architect: Marshall Architects, Inc.
Contractor: Ray Whalen Builders, Inc.
Landscape Arch.: Western DuPage Landscaping, Inc.
Nominated Category: Streetscape Compatibility
Page 24 of 31
766 Hillside Avenue
Owner: Jason & Megan Rubin
Architect: Steve Poteracki – Studio1 Architects
Contractor: Ligman Construction Group
Landscape Arch.: Pope Landscaping
Nominated Category: Remodel of the Year
Before:
After:
Page 25 of 31
285 N. Main Street
Owner: Keaton Price
Architect: Keaton Price
Contractor: Unlisted
Landscape Arch.: Allison Brown
Nominated Category: Restoration of the Year
Photo c. 2018 sourced from Google
Maps
Before:
After:
Photo sourced by Village Staff
Page 26 of 31
Page 27 of 31
238 May Avenue
Owner: Kevin & Jennifer Evenhouse
Architect: Kevin Evenhouse
Contractor: Kevin Evenhouse
Landscape Arch.: Kevin Evenhouse
Nominated Category: Restoration of the Year
Before:
After:
Photo sourced by Village Staff Page 28 of 31
Photo sourced by Village Staff
Page 29 of 31
675 Revere Road
Owner: Connor & Danielle McCarthy
Architect: Steve Poteracki – Studio1 Architects
Contractor: Ligman Construction Group
Landscape Arch.: Dutch Barn
Nominated Category: Streetscape Compatibility
Before:
After:
Photo sourced by Village Staff
Page 30 of 31
Photo sourced by Village Staff
Page 31 of 31