Historic Preservation Commission

Village of Winnetka Historic Preservation Commission Meeting April 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM Winnetka Village Hall - 510 Green Bay Road AGENDA 1. Call to Order 2. Public Comments 3. Approval of Minutes a. Approval of March 3, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes 4. Demolition Permit Applications a. Case No. 25-05-HPC - 870 Heather Lane: Review of the demolition permit application submitted for the single-family residence at 870 Heather Lane. 5. Landmark Nomination a. Case No. 25-06-HPC - 480 Oak Street: Review of local landmark designation application for the property at 480 Oak Street. 6. Other Business a. May 5, 2025, Regular Meeting - Quorum Check b. Monthly Communications For Historic Preservation Commission - Discussion and Content Decision 7. Adjournment NOTICE Public comment is permitted on all agenda items at the meeting. If you wish to provide testimony or comments prior to the meeting, you may provide them one of two ways: (1) by sending an email to planning@winnetka.org; or by sending a letter to Community Development, Village of Winnetka, 510 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL 60093. All agenda materials are available at www.villageofwinnetka.org/agendacenter. The Village of Winnetka, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, requests that persons with disabilities, who require certain accommodations to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting or have questions about the accessibility of the meeting or facilities contact the Village ADA Coordinator at 510 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, Illinois 60093, (Telephone (847) 716-3543; T.D.D. (847) 501-6041). Page 1 of 84  1 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION 2 MARCH 3, 2025 MEETING MINUTES 3 4 Members Present: Jack Coladarci, Chairman 5 Chris Enck 6 Beth Ann Papoutsis 7 Joseph Stuart 8 Paul Weaver 9 10 Members Absent: None 11 12 Non-Voting Members Absent: Kim Handler 13 14 Junior Commissioner Absent: Louis Zaranski 15 16 Village Staff: Christopher Marx, Associate Planner 17 18 Call to Order & Roll Call: 19 Chairman Coladarci called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Roll call was taken of the Commission Members 20 present. 21 22 Public Comment: 23 No public comment was made at this time. Mr. Marx confirmed no additional public comment or materials were 24 received. 25 26 Approval of Minutes: 27 Chairman Coladarci asked if there were any comments or corrections or for a motion to approve the January 6, 28 2025 meeting minutes. A motion to approve the January 6, 2025 minutes was made by Mr. Weaver and seconded 29 by Mr. Enck. A vote was taken and the motion unanimously passed, 5 to 0: 30 AYES: Coladarci, Enck, Papoutsis, Stuart, Weaver 31 NAYS: None 32 33 Historical Architectural Impact Studies (HAIS): 34 a. Case No. 24-12-HPC - 760 Cherry Street (extended from the February 3, 2025, meeting cancellation): 35 Review of the Historic Architectural Impact Study (HAIS) attached to the demolition permit for the single-family 36 residence at 760 Cherry Street. 37 Mr. Marx confirmed the HAIS was received in January 2025 with the Historical Society determining that the HAIS is 38 complete and the home has historical significance. He stated no written comment was received and the 39 consultants are available to answer questions. Mr. Marx then asked if there were any questions. No questions 40 were raised at this time. 41 42 Jean Guarino, the HAIS author, offered to answer questions. Mr. Weaver asked with regard to the architect who is 43 prolific in the area, how many of his buildings are still standing. Ms. Guarino responded Arthur Bowen lived in 44 Wilmette and had mainly a residential practice. She stated he designed 35 buildings, 29 of which still remain and 45 he likely designed more. Ms. Guarino identified The Chimneys on Green Bay Road as his most prolific work. No 46 additional questions were raised at this time. 47 48 Chairman Coladarci asked the Commission Members if they felt the HAIS is complete. The Commission Members 49 agreed it is complete. Chairman Coladarci asked for a motion to find the HAIS for 760 Cherry Street complete. A 50 motion to find the HAIS for 760 Cherry Street complete was made by Mr. Weaver and seconded by Mr. Stuart. A 51 vote was taken and the motion unanimously passed, 5 to 0: 52 AYES: Coladarci, Enck, Papoutsis, Stuart, Weaver 53 NAYS: None Page 2 of 84  March 3, 2025 Page 2 1 2 Chairman Coladarci then asked for a motion to issue a demolition delay. No motion was made. Chairman Coladarci 3 then read findings into the record and asked for a motion to allow demolition to proceed without delay. A motion 4 was made by Mr. Weaver to allow demolition to proceed without delay. Mr. Enck seconded the motion. A vote 5 was taken and the motion unanimously passed, 5 to 0: 6 AYES: Coladarci, Enck, Papoutsis, Stuart, Weaver 7 NAYS: None 8 9 Demolition Permit Applications: 10 a. Case No. 25-03-HPC - 326 Ridge Avenue: Review of the demolition permit application for the single- 11 family residence at 326 Ridge Avenue. 12 Mr. Marx identified the property owners, its location, size and zoning classification with an approximate 1872 date 13 of construction and subsequent alterations. He stated the property does not appear on the Illinois Historic 14 Structures Listing and no public comment was received. Mr. Marx stated the Historical Society determined that the 15 property has architectural and historical significance for the main home and coach house with the findings 16 included as Attachment C. He then asked if there were any questions. 17 18 Chairman Coladarci asked if the home was on the statewide listing. Mr. Weaver confirmed that it was included in 19 the Illinois Historic Structures Listing in 1972. Mr. Marx confirmed that is correct. Chairman Coladarci asked if that 20 notation imposed any property restrictions. Mr. Marx confirmed it did not as far as the Village’s preservation code 21 is concerned and referred to the HAIS requirement criteria. Mr. Enck asked if the demolition is part of a related 22 project. Mr. Marx confirmed no lot consolidation applications have been received and the applicants can provide 23 that information. No additional questions were raised at this time. 24 25 Chairman Coladarci asked for the applicants’ presentation. Jacqueline Mitchell Magner and Patrick Casey Magner 26 introduced themselves as the property owners who are current Winnetka residents. Mrs. Magner stated they 27 purchased the smaller property in the same neighborhood with the plan to build a smaller home. She stated they 28 appreciated the property’s history and hired a structural engineer to review the home which recommended 29 demolishing the home and coach house. Mrs. Magner described the proposed plans created with their architect 30 which would honor the area and enhance the street aesthetic. 31 32 Mr. Enck asked if their initial intent was to demolish the home when it was purchased. Mrs. Magner explained 33 their reasoning for purchasing the home which included renovation consideration. Mr. Marx referred to the 34 structural engineering report included as Attachment D. Edward Deegan, the architect, described the home’s 35 various structural issues in detail and the cost prohibitive aspects. The Commission Members and architect 36 discussed the 150 year old home’s structural issues at length. Chairman Coladarci stated the report represented a 37 justification for a predetermined decision to tear the home down with the report being submitted near the 38 demolition permit application date. He commented the home is very important to the Village and is not in terrible 39 shape. Mr. Enck agreed with Chairman Coladarci’s comments and commented more thought should have been 40 given with regard to renovation. 41 42 Julie Miller, the applicants’ real estate agent, informed the Commission multiple people viewed the home which 43 had full market exposure. She commented the real estate photos made the home appear exceptional and that the 44 home had been minimally maintained. Ms. Miller also stated the applicants extensively considered renovation and 45 due to the cost to bring the home up to modern standards, it would be punitive. Chairman Coladarci explained the 46 Commission’s position to the applicants. Mr. Deegan further explained the applicants’ position. Mr. Enck stated 47 the report did not provide any justification for demolition. Mr. Deegan provided further clarification for the 48 Commission. The Commission Members and the applicants extensively discussed the condition of the home. 49 50 Chairman Coladarci then asked for public comment. 51 52 Jon Shabica informed the Commission he grew up at 326 Ridge and that his father showed the home extensively to 53 ensure the purchasers were handy and had the ability to preserve the 150 year old home. He stated they were Page 3 of 84  March 3, 2025 Page 3 1 unable to renovate the home to make it work for the family and the cost of performing updates in the 1980’s and 2 1990’s was prohibitively expensive. Mr. Shabica stated the Village is changing and asked if there were any 3 questions. He added his father was a former president of the Historical Society. No additional comments were 4 made at this time. 5 6 Chairman Coladarci called the matter in for discussion. Mr. Enck stated based on the Historical Society’s 7 comments, an HAIS would be appropriate. He asked for a motion to require an HAIS for 326 Ridge based on the 8 following criteria: (i) the property or structures have sufficient architectural or historical merit to warrant a full 9 HAIS prior to issuance of a demolition permit; and (ii) the property or structures have been included in the most 10 recent Illinois Historic Structure Survey conducted under the auspices of the Illinois Department of Conservation. 11 Mr. Stuart seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion unanimously passed, 5 to 0: 12 AYES: Coladarci, Enck, Papoutsis, Stuart, Weaver 13 NAYS: None 14 15 b. Case No. 25-04-HPC - 945 Pine Tree Lane: Review of the demolition permit application for the single- 16 family residence at 945 Pine Tree Lane. 17 Mr. Marx identified the property owners, its location, size and zoning classification with a construction date of 18 1951 and subsequent alterations. He stated the property does not appear on the Illinois Historic Structures and the 19 Historical Society indicated that the property did not have architectural and historical significance with no public 20 comment being received. He then asked if there were any questions. 21 22 Mr. Weaver asked if the property had been previously submitted for demolition. Mr. Marx confirmed it has not. No 23 additional questions were raised at this time. 24 25 Chairman Coladarci asked for the applicant’s presentation. Sohail Asmal introduced himself as the property owner 26 representative and confirmed the home has been empty since February 2025. He stated the home would be 27 replaced by new construction and described it as a transitional style home with stucco exterior with a 9 foot 28 basement. Mr. Asmal confirmed it would be a spec home. No additional questions were raised at this time. 29 30 Chairman Coladarci asked for a motion. Mr. Enck stated based on the Historical Society’s comments, an HAIS 31 would not be appropriate. The Commission Members agreed. Chairman Coladarci then asked for a motion to 32 approve demolition for 945 Pine Tree Lane without delay. A motion as stated by Chairman Coladarci was made by 33 Ms. Papoutsis and seconded by Mr. Weaver. A vote was taken and the motion unanimously passed, 5 to 0: 34 AYES: Coladarci, Enck, Papoutsis, Stuart, Weaver 35 NAYS: None 36 37 Historical Architectural Impact Studies (HAIS): 38 a. Case No. 24-20-HPC - 1099 Fisher Lane: Review of the Historic Architectural Impact Study (HAIS) 39 attached to the demolition permit for the single-family residence at 1099 Fisher Lane. 40 Mr. Marx stated the Commission required an HAIS for 1099 Fisher Lane which was provided by Benjamin Historic 41 Consultants on February 5, 2025. He noted one public comment was received at the December 2024 meeting and 42 no additional public comments were received. Mr. Marx stated the consultant would present their findings and 43 asked if there were any questions. 44 45 John Crosson introduced himself as the applicant. Mr. Weaver stated the applicant agreed to keep their options 46 open and questioned their position. Mr. Crosson responded after retaining Northworks Architects and following 47 their preliminary discussions, they are in the conceptual phase in terms of the home’s modernization. He added 48 the demolition permit was submitted as a way to keeping their options open. 49 50 Mr. Enck asked what are the architect’s general concept plans. Mr. crossen responded their initial attempts are to 51 maintain as much of the property as possible and make some improvements such as incorporating more natural 52 light while acknowledging the home has some structural issues. He explained their reasoning for submitting a Page 4 of 84  March 3, 2025 Page 4 1 demolition permit at this time. Mr. Marx further explained the applicant’s position to the Commission. Mr. Weaver 2 identified his concerns with regard to the process. No additional questions were raised at this time. 3 4 Susan Benjamin and Jean Sylvester presented the HAIS to the Commission. Ms. Sylvester referred to the 5 PowerPoint presentation and began a detailed summary of the HAIS including the history of the home’s prior 6 occupants. Ms. Benjamin then provided information with regard to the home’s architects including Frank Lloyd 7 Wright and Dennis Stephens, the surrounding properties, the home’s additions and its specific features. 8 9 The Commission Members commented the HAIS is great. Chairman Coladarci asked if there was any public 10 comment. No comments were made at this time. Chairman Coladarci called the matter in for discussion. 11 12 Chairman Coladarci asked for a motion to find the HAIS complete. A motion to find the HAIS for 1099 Fisher Lane 13 complete was made by Mr. Stuart. Mr. Enck seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion unanimously 14 passed, 5 to 0: 15 AYES: Coladarci, Enck, Papoutsis, Stuart, Weaver 16 NAYS: None 17 18 Chairman Coladarci asked the Commission Members if they felt a demolition delay should be imposed. The 19 Commission Members discussed their position in that the applicant’s plans are not finalized and a demolition 20 permit has not been filed. Mr. Marx explained the process and the options the Commission can consider. He then 21 referred to the recent preservation award for a home initially submitted for demolition with an HAIS submitted 22 and the applicant decided to preserve the front of the home. Mr. Weaver then stated he would impose a delay for 23 the applicants to consider all options as opposed to demolition although the applicants’ decision to demolish has 24 not been made. 25 26 Chairman Coladarci suggested the applicants can ask the Commission to continue the matter until a decision is 27 made by them one way or the other. Mr. Enck asked what is the procedure if a demolition delay is issued and the 28 applicants decide not to demolish the home. Mr. Marx clarified the procedure to the Commission. 29 30 Mr. Marx referred to page 279 in terms of making a motion for a demolition delay noting the applicable standards 31 that would apply as well as identifying aspects of the structure which are architecturally or historically significant 32 and suggested preservation alternatives. 33 34 Chairman Coladarci then read the findings into the record and asked for a motion noting the following standards 35 were met: (i) standard no. 1 - the structure exhibits a high quality of architectural design without regard to the 36 time built or historic associations; (ii) standard no. 2 - the structure exhibits a high quality of architectural design 37 that is not the result of a change or a series of changes in the original structure; and (iii) standard no. 4 - the 38 structure exhibits an unusual, distinctive or eccentric design or construction technique that contributes to the 39 architectural interest of its environs as an accent or counterpart. The Commission finds that the proposed 40 demolition will have a significant negative architectural or historical impact on either the Village as a whole or on 41 the immediate neighborhood due to the following architecturally or historically significant aspects of the structure: 42 a distinctive mid-century modern house designed by architect, brick exterior, pagoda roof, wrap-around porch, 43 and expansive windows. Preservation alternatives to the demolition of the structure include: renovation or 44 building addition that maintains character defining features. 45 46 A motion was made by Mr. Weaver to include the previously stated criteria and that there would be a 270 47 demolition delay from December 2, 2024 and that demolition cannot occur prior to August 29, 2025. Ms. Papoutsis 48 seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion unanimously passed, 5 to 0: 49 AYES: Coladarci, Enck, Papoutsis, Stuart, Weaver 50 NAYS: None 51 52 Other Business: 53 a. April 7, 2025 Regular Meeting – Quorum Check. Page 5 of 84  March 3, 2025 Page 5 1 The Commission Members discussed their availability. Mr. Marx advised the Commission Members of possible 2 agenda items. 3 4 b. 2025 Preservation Awards - Call For Nominations. 5 Mr. Marx advised the Commission Members nominations are now being accepted and the publication methods. 6 7 c. Monthly Communications for HPC - Discussion and Content Decision. 8 Ms. Papoutsis asked if Mr. Enck’s nomination with regard to Landmarks Illinois can be included in a future 9 publication. She offered to create a draft and speak with Bonnie McDonald to obtain additional information. Mr. 10 Marx provided a deadline of April 1, 2025 for submission. 11 12 Adjournment: 13 Chairman Coladarci asked for a motion to adjourn. A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Stuart and seconded by 14 Mr. Enck. A vote was taken and the motion unanimously passed, 5 to 0: 15 AYES: Coladarci, Enck, Papoutsis, Stuart, Weaver 16 NAYS: None 17 The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. 18 19 Respectfully submitted, 20 21 Antionette Johnson 22 Recording Secretary 23 Page 6 of 84  MEMORANDUM VILLAGE OF WINNETKA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO: HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION FROM: CHRISTOPHER, MARX, AICP, ASSOCIATE PLANNER DATE: APRIL 3, 2025 SUBJECT: 870 HEATHER LANE - DEMOLITION PERMIT (CASE NO. 25-05-HPC) INTRODUCTION Meeting Date April 7, 2025 Commission Action Preliminary historic and architectural review to determine if a Historical Architectural Impact Study (HAIS) is necessary or if demolition may proceed without delay. Property Address 870 Heather Lane (See Attachment A – Aerial Map) Property Owner Amit Prachand and Ratna Kanumury Application Submitted by Kathryn Huff, on behalf of the property owner Mail Notice to Property Owners within 250 feet Completed Public Comments as of Date of Memo As of the date of this memo, staff has received one written comment from the public for this application. (See Attachment E – Public Correspondence) PROPERTY DESCRIPTION Size 0.5 acres Location West side of Heather Lane between Tower Road and Hickory Lane Improvements Single-family residence with an attached garage Zoning R-2 Single Family Residential Surrounding Zoning R-2 Single Family Residential PROPERTY HISTORY See Attachment B, Preliminary Property History Study; See Attachment C, Winnetka Historical Society (WHS) Research Constructed 1954 Additional Construction Activity 1974 - Construct two bay windows on an existing single- family dwelling Illinois Historic Structure Survey Listing No Winnetka Historical Society (WHS) WHS research indicates that the property does not have architectural or historical significance. (See Attachment C - Historical Society Research) NEIGHBORHOOD CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY Other Permits for New Primary Structures on None Same Block (either side of the right-of-way block face and/or along the alley) Page 1 Page 7 of 84  Director’s 60-Day Delay Due to Construction Delay is not necessary to prevent undue congestion and Activity noise impacts in the neighborhood. New Construction or Site Restoration Plans Building permit application for a new single-family Submitted home has been submitted and is under review. DEMOLITION AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION The Commission may order the issuance of a demolition delay of a historic or architecturally significant structure for up to but not exceeding 270 days from the date the Commission determines that an applicant is required to submit an HAIS for the structure the applicant wishes to demolish. Should the HPC request an HAIS for the subject property at the April 7th meeting, and after reviewing the HAIS at a future meeting, the HPC determines the structure is significant and issues a delay, the Commission may issue a demolition delay up to but not exceeding 270 days from April 7th, 2025. COMMISSION REVIEW The Commission may consider one of the following motions (1) Historical Architectural Impact Study Required or (2) Building and/or Property is Not Historic or Architecturally Significant. Historical Architectural Impact Study Required The Commission finds that based upon (1) the preliminary property history study, (2) the Winnetka Historical Society comments, and (3) other information, comments, or evidence received by the HPC during its preliminary review that the building and/or property is of sufficient historic or architectural merit to warrant conducting a Historical Architectural Impact Study (HAIS) prior to issuance of the demolition permit. The Commission reached its conclusion based upon the property meeting the following criteria: [The Commission must note which of the following criteria is met] 1. The property or structures have sufficient architectural or historical merit to warrant a full HAIS prior to issuance of a demolition permit; 2. The property or structures have been designated a landmark pursuant to Chapter 15.64 of the Village Code; (Subject Property is not a landmark) 3. The property or structures have been included in the most recent Illinois Historic Structure Survey conducted under the auspices of the Illinois Department of Conservation; and (Subject Property is not on the state survey) 4. The property or structures have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the Illinois Register of Historic Places. (Subject Property is not on National Register or Illinois Register of Historic Places) Building and/or Property Lacks Historic or Architectural Significance The Commission has determined that in accordance with Section 15.52.040 of the Village Code that the building and/or property is not of sufficient historic or architectural merit to warrant a Historical Architectural Impact Study, and the demolition of the structure may proceed without delay. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: GIS Aerial Map Attachment B: Preliminary Property History Study Attachment C: Historical Society Research Attachment D: Application Materials Attachment E: Public Correspondence Page 8 of 84  ATTACHMENT A 0 100 200 ft Disclaimer: The GIS Consortium and MGP Inc. are not liable for any use, misuse, modification or disclosure of any map provided under applicable law. This map is for general information purposes only. Although the information is believed to be generally accurate, errors may exist and the user should independently confirm for accuracy. The map does not constitute a regulatory determination and is not a base for engineering design. A Registered Land Surveyor should be consulted to determine precise location boundaries on the ground. Page 9 of 84  ATTACHMENT B MEMORANDUM VILLAGE OF WINNETKA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO: WINNETKA HISTORICAL SOCIETY FROM: CHRISTOPHER MARX, ASSOCIATE PLANNER DATE: MARCH 17, 2025 SUBJECT: CASE NO. 25-05-HPC: 870 HEATHER LANE INTRODUCTION On April 7, 2025, the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is scheduled to consider a request to demolish the residence at 870 Heather Lane. Please return any available information regarding the architectural and historical significance of the structure to Christopher Marx by the end of the day on Monday, March 31, 2025. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at aklaassen@winnetka.org or (847) 716-3587. PRELIMINARY PROPERTY HISTORY STUDY/VILLAGE HALL RECORDS Building Permits Date Type Owner Architect 2-3-1954 Construct one-and-a-half story O&O Construction Co. J.C. Schour single-family residence. 7-16-1974 Construct two bay windows on an Morton Silfen James M. Goldberg existing single-family dwelling. Page 10 of 84 Page 11 of 84 Page 12 of 84 870 Heather – 2024 Page 13 of 84 Page 14 of 84  ATTACHMENT C PROPERTY RESEARCH COVERSHEET Address: 870 Heather Lane Construction Details: Original construction date: 1954 Construction type: Frame Style: Ranch OWNERSHIP HISTORY: OWNER/RESIDENT DATES INFORMATION SIGNIFICANCE NAME OCCUPIED ATTACHED O & O Construction Co. 1954 Building permit application Robert W. Sanders 1954 – at least 1956 directory, 1968 Winnetka Talk articles Maxwell D. & M. Maxine By 1969 – 1973 1969 directory, real Rudgers estate listing, Winnetka Talk article Donald Edward and Jeanne 1974 Real estate listing Arlene Smith Morton and Shirley W. 1974 – 2011 Building permit Silfen application, Cook County Recorder records, Chicago Tribune obituary Matthew Roehrborn and 2011 – 2023 Cook County Recorder Courtney Kafkis records Amit Prachand and Ratna 2023 – 2025 Cook County Recorder Kanumury records Brian and Lindsey Taich 2025 Cook County Recorder records ARCHITECTS: ARCHITECT NAME DATE AND INFORMATION DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED PROJECT J. C. Schour 1954 – construct 1 ½ story single-family residence Page 15 of 84  James M. Goldberg 1974 – construct two bay windows on an existing single-family dwelling RESEARCH SOURCES USED: Winnetka Talk, Cook County Assessor records, Cook County Recorder records, historic phone books, WHS property files, WHS digital files, Ancestry.com, Chicago Tribune Findings: Our research does not indicate that this property maintains architectural or historical significance. While it is an attractive Ranch-style home, we did not find any information about the architect, architectural details, or former residents that warrant further research. Date of Research: 3/31/2025 Submitted by: Meagan McChesney, PhD Curator, Winnetka Historical Society Mary Trieschmann, MS Ed Executive Director, Winnetka Historical Society Page 16 of 84 Page 17 of 84 Page 18 of 84 Page 19 of 84 Page 20 of 84 Page 21 of 84 Page 22 of 84 1956 directory 1969 directory Page 23 of 84 Cook County Recorder records Page 24 of 84 Page 25 of 84 Page 26 of 84 Page 27 of 84 Page 28 of 84 https://www.chicagotribune.com/obituaries/shirley-silfen-center-conway-new- hampshire-il/ Shirley Silfen OBITUARY At age 94, Shirley Silfen appeared on Oprah. The subject of the show was women aging brilliantly. The oldest guest, Shirley stunned the viewers with her charm, grace and beauty. She glowed. That was Shirley Silfen all her life. She could sing and dance, tell jokes in and out of dialect and generally wow every audience. Had she been born a little later in the century (and not called home from college by the Depression), her prospects (from real business to show business) would have seemed unlimited. As it was, she had a splendid 62 year love affair with her elegant husband, Morton Silfen. In the 1950s, at a time when suburban moms were most definitely at home, she used her early training as a stenographer to go back to work where, we all assumed, she was secretly running the show. Independent and socially aware, when dad voted for Eisenhower, mom voted for Stevenson. Her life spoke to the entire century, a thoroughly modern lady with an older kind of grace. In her last years, Shirley left beloved Chicago to live, in comfort and warmth, with her daughter’s family in the mountains of New Hampshire. To everyone’s surprise, it turned out that her big city shtick made the trip intact. A new audience, heavily populated by doctors but also new friends, adored her. Mom couldn’t cook at all, but for her unique style, it seemed the flaw that framed her brilliance. Shirley passed away on April 19, three months short of 100. Donations should be sent to Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres. Published in: Chicago Tribune from April 27, 2015 to May 3, 2015 Page 29 of 84 Page 30 of 84 Page 31 of 84  ATTACHMENT D Village of Winnetka DEMOLITION APPLICATION V I L L A G E O F W I N N E T K A, I L L I N O I S DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEMOLITION APPLICATION Permit No.___ __ _______________ Property Information 870 Heather Lane Site Address: _________________________________________________________________ _____ 051830802 Parcel Identification Number(s) (PIN): ____________________________________________________________ single family home Description of all structures to be demolished: _____________________________________________________ Current Property Owner Information Applicant Information Amit Prachand and Ratna Kanumury Kathryn Huff - Huff Group Legal Name: __________________________________ Legal Name: _____________________________ _____________________________________________ ________________________________________ Matt Huff Primary Contact: _______________________________ Matt Huff Primary Contact: __________________________ Address: Address: Northfield, IL 60093 City, State, Zip: ________________________________ Northfield, IL 60093 City, State, Zip: ___________________________ Phone Phone Email: Email: 10/13/2023 Date owner acquired property: ____________________ General Contractor Applicant’s relationship to current property owner: ________________________________________________ (As previously noted, if contract purchaser, attach copy of executed purchase agreement) Demolition Contractor Information (If known, otherwise indicate “not known at this time”) Golgroup Excavating LLC Legal Name: ____________________________________ 660 Fargo Avenue Address: _______________________________________ Elk grove Village, IL 60007 City, State, ZIP: __________________________________ 630-677-5517 Phone No: ______________________________________ golgroupllc@gmail.com Email: __________________________________________ Page 3 of 4 Page 32 of 84 Page 33 of 84 Schedule of Demolition and Construction: 870 Heather April 14 Demolition April 30 Footings/Foundation June 1 Backfill June 26 Framing July 23 Rough Plumbing/HVAC/Electrical September 1 Insulation/Roofing September 6 Drywall/Siding/Masonry October 25 Tile/Flooring November 22 Trim Carpentry December 13 Cabinetry Install/Appliances January 27 Painting February 24 Countertops/Floor finishing/Sod March 15 Grading/Hardscapes/Final exterior work April 15 Final Inspection Page 34 of 84  ATTACHMENT E From: To: Planning Subject: CASE NO. 25-05-HPC Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025 1:43:31 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello:) I am writing this email regarding the property at 870 Heather Ln in Winnetka, IL. It is our understanding that this was the first home built in this area, so we would hate to see it get demolished because of the historical value of the home. I also want to add that we have actually been in the home and it has great bones for adding on, which would permit the home to get bigger but not eliminate the historical value. Please consider the option of allowing more flexibility regarding renovations, , rather than demolishing the property so we can preserve the historical significance of the home. Thank you and take care, Maureen and Bob Kafkis who previously lived at 900 Pine Tree Ln in Winnetka. Page 35 of 84  MEMORANDUM VILLAGE OF WINNETKA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO: HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION FROM: CHRISTOPHER, MARX, AICP, ASSOCIATE PLANNER DATE: APRIL 7, 2025 SUBJECT: 480 OAK STREET - LANDMARK DESIGNATION NOMINATION (CASE NO. 24-06-HPC) INTRODUCTION Meeting Date April 7, 2025 Commission Action Determine whether the subject property meets the criteria for landmark designation, for a recommendation to the Village Council which has final approval. Property Address 480 Oak Street (See Figure 1) Property Owner Jeff and Susan Barton Application Submitted by Susan Benjamin, on behalf of the owners Mail Notice Sent to Property Owners within Completed with certified mail 250 feet Public Comments as of Date of Memo As of the date of this memo, staff has not received any written comment from the public regarding this application. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION Size 0.44 acres Location South side of Oak Street between Sheridan Road and the lakefront Improvements Single-family residence and attached garage Zoning R-2 Single Family Residential Surrounding Zoning R-2 Single Family Residential PROPERTY HISTORY See Attachment A, Application Materials Constructed 1909 Architect Benjamin Marshall Additional Construction Activity 1961 – Addition of attached garage, 1995 – Building addition and demolition of existing greenhouse, 1999 – Replacement of front and rear stairs of residence, 2007 – Construction of outdoor terrace and landscaping Illinois Historic Structure Survey Listing No Page 1 Page 36 of 84  Figure 1 – Subject Property (Aerial) Figure 2 – Subject Property – Front Entrance of House (Northwest Elevation) Figure 3 – Subject Property – Side of House Facing Lakefront (Northeast Elevation) Page 37 of 84  Figure 4 – Subject Property – Overhead View of Side of House and Courtyard (Southeast Elevation) Figure 5 – Subject Property – Side of House and Lakefront-Facing Terrace (Northeast Elevation) COMMISSION REVIEW AND FINDINGS In the attached application materials submitted by the Applicants, the Applicants have provided a history of the Subject Property identifying the architect, the ownership history, and a description of any alterations to the Subject Property. The HPC is to make findings and a recommendation to the Village Council on the application. Following receipt of testimony at the public hearing, the HPC shall make its determination and recommendation to the Village Council that, based on the evidence received at the public hearing, the Subject Property does or does not meet the criteria for designation. The criteria to consider when evaluating a potential landmark are as follows: Page 38 of 84  1. General Considerations: a. The structure, building, object or site has significant character, interest or value as part of the historic, cultural or architectural characteristics of the Village, the state or the United States; b. The structure, building, object or site is closely identified with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the culture or development of the Village, the state or the United States; c. The structure, building, object or site is the result of the notable efforts of, or is the only known example of work by, a master builder, designer, architect, architectural firm or artist whose individual accomplishment has influenced the development of the Village, the state or the United States; d. The unique location or singular physical characteristics of the structure, building, object or site make it an established and important visual feature; e. The activities associated with the structure, building, object or site make it a current or former focal point of reference in the Village; f. The structure, building or object is of a type or is associated with a use once common but now rare, or is a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian structure and possesses a high level of integrity or architectural significance. 2. Architectural Significance a. The structure, building, object or site represents certain distinguishing characteristics of architecture inherently valuable for the study of a time period, type of property, method of construction or use of indigenous materials; b. The structure, building, object or site embodies elements of design, detail, material or craftsmanship of exceptional quality; c. The structure, building, object or site exemplifies a particular architectural style in terms of detail, material, and workmanship. d. The structure, building, object or site is one of the few remaining examples of a particular architectural style; e. The structure, building, object or site is, or is part of, a contiguous grouping that has a sense of cohesiveness expressed through a similarity of style characteristics, time period, type of property, method of construction, or use of indigenous materials, and accents the architectural significance of an area. 3. Historical Significance: a. The structure, building, object or site is an exceptional example or an historic or vernacular style, or is one of the few such remaining properties in the Village; b. The structure, building, object or site has a strong association with the life or activities of a person, persons, organization or group who significantly contributed to or participated in historic or cultural events; c. The structure, building, object or site is associated with a notable historic event. To assist the HPC in the review of nominations, the Village Council adopted the System for the Evaluation of Landmarks, a copy of which is provided as Attachment B in this report. The System for the Evaluation of Landmarks is consistent with the criteria listed above and is a scoring system to determine the level of significance of the Subject Property. Page 39 of 84 Additionally, the HPC’s recommendation may include an explanation of a significant feature or features of the Subject Property that should be preserved and protected, as well as any other information the HPC may deem pertinent to the determination or recommendation. A Commission member may make one of the two following motions (a) the Building and/or Property Does Not Meet the Criteria for Designation, or (b) the Building and/or Property Does Meet the Criteria for Designation: Building and/or Property Does Not Meet the Criteria for Designation The Commission finds that the application for the Landmark Nomination for 480 Oak Street does not meet the criteria set forth for designation. Building and/or Property Does Meet the Criteria for Designation The Commission finds that the application for the Landmark Nomination for 480 Oak Street does meet the criteria set forth for designation. The Commission finds that the reasons for preservation and protection, as well as any other pertinent information to the recommendation include: 1. [Commission member to fill in] 2. __________________________________________________________________ 3. __________________________________________________________________ Based upon these findings, the HPC recommends approval of the landmark nomination. The Village has final jurisdiction regarding the designation of a local landmark. CERTIFICATION OF DESIGNATED LANDMARKS The owner(s) of a designated landmark, the alteration of which is subject to the advisory review of the HPC, may request that any alteration be subject to the binding review of the HPC. Upon approval of such request by the HPC, a declaration shall be recorded by the Village in the office of the Cook County Recorder of Deeds. Upon recordation the designated landmark becomes a certified landmark, and any proposed exterior alterations require approval by the LPC prior to the improvements being made. After a designated landmark has been certified, the certification shall not be withdrawn except for an express determination set forth in a resolution of the Village Council. At this time, the Applicants are not requesting certified landmark status. The request is to have the Subject Property recognized as a designated landmark, which requires an advisory review of proposed exterior alterations by the HPC. It should be noted that the Applicants’ request does not include any proposed exterior alterations. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: Application Materials Attachment B: System for Evaluation of Landmarks Page 40 of 84 Page 41 of 84 Page 42 of 84  WINNETKA LANDMARK DESIGNATION NOMINATION 480 Oak Street: The Benjamin Allen Estate Coach House/Garage Front Entrance, North Side of House, 2025 photo INTRODUCTION The Coach House/Garage located at 480 Oak Street is eligible for listing as a Winnetka Landmark for its significant architecture and its storied history. Built in 1909, this dressed limestone building that has been a home for 65 years was designed in an 18th Century French Neoclassical style by architect Benjamin Marshall as part of a large estate property for jewelry business executive Benjamin Allen (1848-1924). On the drawing the building is called a “garage.” A car in the first decade of the 20th Century years was a prized possession. Over the years several accomplished residents have lived in both the estate house and in the garage that was converted into a house over 50 years ago. The estate that was built for Benjamin and Mae Allen was Page 43 of 84 sold to Charles M. and Ella Hayes in 1925. Hayes was president of the Chicago Motor Club and grew the organization during a time when car ownership was surging in popularity. Under his leadership the 1929 Art Deco Motor Club building, a Chicago Landmark, was built. The property was in the Hayes family until 1959, when it was purchased, platted and subdivided into 10 lots, Winnetka Beach Estates, by Chicago realtor and developer Winfield H. Jackson. He retained Lot 1 where the garage is located, converting it into a family home. Aerial View of Benjamin Allen Estate, date unknown Estate House, 483 Sheridan Road, W. Façade, 1914 Garage, 480 Oak N. Façade, 2025 photo Like the estate house, which was demolished ca. 1960, the garage was built in a disciplined 18th Century Louis XVI Neoclassical style with detailing that bears Marshall’s original design vocabulary. The design detailing is not textbook Classicism derived from Doric, Ionic or Corinthian orders, it is unique to both this house and the estate house built for Allen. 2 Page 44 of 84  Benjamin Allen Estate House, published in The Architectural Record, October, 1914. 18th Century French Chateau in the south of France Marshall was a devoted Francophile whose designs for the Blackstone Hotel and for 1550 North State Parkway in Chicago reflect this interest. In fact, he was known to name rooms in French on apartment house floorplans. 3 Page 45 of 84  North Façade, 480 Oak: Garage repurposed to a house in 1961 with Garage addition, 2025 photo HISTORY Benjamin Allen In February, 1909, Benjamin Allen began purchasing property where he planned to build his house and garage. One entry at the Cook County Recorder of Deeds states that it included Riparian land. The last parcel he purchased was recorded in December, 1910. 1 Benjamin Allen moved from his home on Chicago’s south side at 1815 Michigan (a street along with Prairie Avenue sometimes known as “Millionaire’s Row”) to his new estate in Winnetka. He moved to be next door to the William M. Hoyt’s residence where his daughter, the widow of Phelps B. Hoyt, lived with her in-laws. 2 At the time Benjamin Allen built his estate house and garage he was 63 years old, having had a long successful career as the head of the wholesale jewelry house of Benjamin Allen & Company — one of 1 Cook County Recorder of Deeds. Block 42 in Charles B. Peck Subdivision of the NE Quarter of Section 20 and the N half of the fractional Section 21, line of that part of non-vacated Cherry Street, South of the Northerly line of the S. 10.0’ of Oak Street, and Easterly of the E. line of Sheridan Road, all in the Village of Winnetka. Book 249B, 74-75. 2 Chicago Tribune, May 2, 1909. 4 Page 46 of 84 the largest institutions of its kind in the country. Allen was born October 7, 1848, in Goderich, Canada. He came to Chicago, beginning work as a clerk for a wholesale jewelry business, married and had three children — two sons and a daughter. He worked his way up in the business, starting with a store at 109 Lake Street. After the 1871 Chicago Fire he opened his own business. At the time he moved to his new home in Winnetka, Allen continued to supervise his business but also took on positions with other companies. He served as president, treasurer and ultimately full owner of the Silversmith’s Building Company on Wabash Avenue, was a large stockholder in the Elgin National Watch Company and director of the First National Bank and First Trust & Savings Bank. In addition, he was secretary and treasurer of Spaulding & Company (jewelry) and an extensive stockholder in the Commonwealth Edison Company. He also was a Mason and member of the Chicago Club, Union League Club, Calumet Club, Mid-Day Club, Onwentsia Club and Chicago Historical Society. His wife was a member of the Woman’s Athletic Club. The following sums up his biography: Benjamin Allen Obituary 3 In an article on Allen provided by the owners of 480 Oak, Jeff and Susan Barton, Allen’s home is described. “The Allen Home, recently completed in Winnetka, constitutes one of the most beautiful homes on the North Shore. Situated on spacious grounds amid picturesque backgrounds its gentility and refinement may well be taken as an index to the character of Mr. Allen and his wife, who presides over 3 Benjamin Allen. U. S. Find a Grave Index. Ancestry.com. 5 Page 47 of 84 it.” 4 The article is from a multi-volume book by historian Seymour Curry: Chicago: Its History and Its Builders: A Century of Marvelous Growth written in 1912 and published in Chicago by the S. J. Clarke Publishing Company. 5 Benjamin Marshall, Architect Allen selected for his architect Benjamin Marchall, one of Chicago’s most respected and acclaimed architects. Marshall is best known for his luxury apartment buildings and hotels, including the Blackstone Hotel, the Drake Hotel and 1550 North State Parkway. William Westphal, writing in 1982 for the Chicago Architectural Journal, stated in his article that the Blackstone “established Marshall as Chicago’s foremost hotel designer….” 6 Since the Blackstone was built in 1908, Allen would have very likely known the building when he was selecting an architect. He also would have known the South Shore Country Club (founded in 1906) also designed by Marshall since Allen lived on the south side. Benjamin Marshall (1874-1944) was born in Chicago and attended a south side prep school, the Harvard School, in Kenwood. His family lived at 4730 Drexel Boulevard. 7 Although he received no formal architectural education, Marshall apprenticed with the firm of Marble and Wilson from 1893 to 1895. Upon the death of Marble, Wilson made Marshall a full partner. Following an extended European trip Marshall established his own firm. In 1905, he formed a partnership with Charles Eli Fox (1870-1926). Fox had studied architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and then moved to Chicago, where he worked for Holabird and Roche from 1891 to 1905. In the partnership of Marshall & Fox, Fox served as construction specialist and project manager, while Marshall used his talents as a designer as well as an entrepreneur, soliciting commissions from Chicago’s elite. They practiced together until Fox died in 1926; then Marshall worked alone. Benjamin Marshall at his studio in Wilmette 8 5 Historian Seymour Curry: Chicago: Its History and Its Builders: A Century of Marvelous Growth. Chicago: S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1912. 6 William Westfall. “Benjamin Marshall of Chicago. Chicago Architectural Journal. Vol. 2, 1982 7 1900 Census. Ancestry.com 8 Photo from the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin. Literary File 109, Call number 981:0013:0005 6 Page 48 of 84 The firm of Marshall & Fox designed a wide range of building types, including banks, theaters, office buildings, and houses, as well as elegant apartments and hotels. Among the homes he designed were country estates for Samuel Insull in Libertyville, (1937 purchased by John Cuneo, Sr.) 9 and “Mayslake,” for Francis Stuyvesant Peabody in Oakbrook. 10 The Peabody Estate is His own house, designed in 1923 across from Wilmette Harbor, was one of the most opulent and extravagant on the North Shore. Sadly, it has been demolished. Whether he was inspired by Classical, Tudor, Mediterranean or Georgian architecture, Marshall’s architecture is generally characterized by a sense of simplicity, balance and order. He began his career in 1893, the same year that the World’s Columbian Exposition was held on the south side, where he lived. The Classical “White City,” as it was called, no doubt impressed him. The house the firm designed for Allen at 480 Oak Street displays Marshall’s Neoclassical approach that embraces order, simplicity and symmetry that characterizes 18th Century French architecture. In The Architectural Record article where the house was published in 1914 titled “The Local Feeling in Country Houses” author Herbert Croly wrote, “Probably the most interesting, however, of this group of residences are those designed by Marshall and Fox.” 11 The same order, simplicity and disciplined Classicism that is seen in his estate house for Allen is clear in his site plan for Allen’s estate and in Marshall’s design for the accompanying garage. Aerial View of the property, date unknown 9 Cuneo was the founder of the Cuneo Press and Hawthorn Melody Dairy. The property remained in the Cuneo family until Mrs. Cuneo died in 1990. It then became a house museum. In 2009 the house was donated to Loyola University. 10 The Peabody Estate is part of the Mayslake Forest Preserve administered by the Forest Preserve of Du Page County.. 11 Herbert Croly. “The Local Feeling in Country Houses”, The Architectural Record, October, 1914. 7 Page 49 of 84  Boulevard leading to the garage, 2025 Both the house and the garage were approached by formal driveways. The estate house had a brick driveway that split and passed through a porte cochere. The family car would then drive north past the side of the coach house and enter it from a concrete pad on the north. The entrance to the garage was from Sheridan Road via a symmetrical boulevard with landscaped central islands. That is still the case today. The coach house access is as formal as that from Sheridan Road to the estate house. Most coach houses and garages historically were located along Sheridan Road, not east of Sheridan on the lake. The garage at 480 Oak Street occupies an unusual and more important place. Because of its high style design, its formal approach, and its unusual location on the lake, 480 Oak is a rare example of a utilitarian building that was significant when it was built, and remains so, having converted into a handsome residence 65 years ago. 8 Page 50 of 84 The site plan for the property laid out by Benjamin Marshall carefully delineates the formal approach and the relationship of the estate house and the garage. Axial symmetry dominates the approach to the house and the footprint of the house. Marshall even employs symmetry in the identification blocks. Site Plan, Benjamin Allen Estate 12 12 Marshall & Fox Records, Alexander Architectural Archives, The University of Texas at Austin. Although the collection has no drawings of the garage, it contains site plans and drawings of the estate house. 9 Page 51 of 84 Benjamin Allen died August 1, 1924. 13 He and his family are buried in an imposing mausoleum with a Classical temple front at Graceland Cemetery in Chicago. Allen’s preference for formal design is reflected in the mausoleum, a preference also expressed in his Winnetka estate house, its garage and the property’s site plan. Benjamin Allen Mausoleum, Graceland Cemetery Charles M. Hayes A few months after Allen’s death, the estate property was sold to Charles M. Hayes (1877-1957) and his wife, Ella. 14 Charles M. Hayes lived at his estate house at 483 Sheridan Road from 1925 until his death in the late 1950s. The 1930 Census valued his home at $275,000.15 Hayes made a distinguished name for himself in Chicago as head of the Chicago Motor Club. He ran the organization beginning in 1914 until his death at age 80. Hayes’s obituary traced his history, describing him as “long a leader in improving roads and driving conditions.” It noted that Mr. Hayes liked to recall that in 1901, he was the first traveling salesman in Illinois to use an automobile and that he led the Motor Club from 500 to 250,000 members. It also stated that he pioneered school safety patrols and that under his leadership, the club promoted the first hard road construction in Illinois. 16 Charles M. Hayes was born in Cincinnati on June 9, 1877, the son of a physician. He was in the bicycle business there from 1893 to 1899 before moving to Peoria in 1900 to manage a bicycle shop. The next year, in 1901, Hayes became a salesman for the Standard Oil Company, traveling out of Galesburg, where he bought his first car. In 1908 he became an auto salesman in Chicago. After a year he was 13 Cook County Recorder of Deeds. Block 42 “Invty.” 14 There is no explanation why Allen’s death is recorded before the sale of the property four months later. At the same time that they purchased the house, Hayes took out a mortgage. Cook County Recorder of Deeds. Block 42. 15 1930 Census. Ancestry.com 16 “Charles Hayes Dies; Headed Motor Club: Led Chicago Group for 43 Years,” Chicago Tribune, October 17, 1957. 10 Page 52 of 84 named president of the Chicago agency of Halliday Motor Company. He also joined the 200 member Chicago Motor Club, promoting races and endurance contests. His obituary noted, “When he became president of the club in 1914, most people regarded the auto as a plaything, but Mr. Hayes argued it would become a practical means of transportation.” In his role as president, Hayes promoted bond issues to finance the beginning of hard road construction. In 1920, the club began emergency road service for members. 17 Under his leadership, in 1914, the Motor Club became a chapter of the American Automobile Association. 18 The 1920 Census lists him living at 3254 Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Charles M. Hayes, Chicago Motor Club, 1920, Chicago Daily News 17 Ibid. 18 City of Chicago “Landmark Designation Report,” Chicago Motor Club Building, 68 E. Wacker Drive,” March 1, 1912, 11. 11 Page 53 of 84  “Chicago Motor Club,” Chicago Sunday Tribune, June 20, 1930 One of various tour maps produced by the Chicago Motor Club19 19 Landmark Designation Report, 17. 12 Page 54 of 84  Chicago Motor Club Advertisement, 1929 20 “ Landmark Designation Report,” 13. 20 13 Page 55 of 84 While Hayes was president, the Chicago Motor Club built its new headquarters, a stunning Art Deco building and today a Chicago Landmark. A 1929 advertisement announces the grand opening of the Chicago Motor Club Building. 21 Hayes passed away in his home on Sheridan Road on October 16, 1957. A few years before, in December of 1954, Charles M. Hayes et al., had sold the property to Siena Heights College. After the death of Ella Hayes in May, 1959, the property immediately transferred from the Hayes children and Siena College to Hugh Michels, a real estate agent and developer, then to a Trust, and finally to Winnetka Beach Estates, when the land was subdivided into 10 lots. 22 Hayes is buried in Acacia Park Cemetery and Mausoleum, Norwood Park Township, Cook County. Hayes tombstone 21 “Landmark Designation Report,” 19. 22 At the same time that Ella Hayes passed away, the Hayes children Eleanor and Charles M Hayes and the college transferred title to Hugh C. Michael and the property was put into a Trust at LaSalle National Bank. It then became owned by Winnetka Beach Estates. Recorder of Deeds. Block 42. 14 Page 56 of 84  Siena Heights College became Siena Heights University and is still in existence. 23 Letter from Hugh Michels about Subdivision, Winnetka Beach Estates 23 Siena University, https://www.sienaheights.edu/who-we-are/ Originally a women’s school for those who wanted to become teachers; by the 1950s it became a liberal arts school for women. 15 Page 57 of 84  Engagement Photo, Katherine Roach and Winfield Hall Jackson. 1935 24 Winfield Hall Jackson Winnetka Beach Estates was platted and subdivided by Winfield Hall Jackson, a Chicago realtor and developer who officed in Chicago at 30 North LaSalle Street. When he subdivided the property, his family moved from Glenview to Winnetka into the estate’s garage building, which he remodeled into an elegant house on Lot 1, preserving the exterior. Legal Description of houses (formerly the garage) from the Plat of Survey when the property was subdivided 24 Chicago Tribune, July 16, 1935. 16 Page 58 of 84  25 Winnetka Beach Estates Plat of Subdivision As soon as Jackson purchased the property, he pivoted the house. After turning it, the front entrance door faced north, and the garage openings faced south. Originally, the garage was entered off the boulevard through three large openings on the north. The formal entrance faced the north side of the house. 25 “480 Oak” Winnetka Beach Estates, Plat of Subdivision Permit File, Village of Winnetka. 17 Page 59 of 84  Drawing showing pivoting of the garage building 26 On March 6, 1961, 64 years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Winfield H. Jackson, who were living at 831 Woodland in Glenview, took out a permit to remodel the garage into a single-family residence and add a garage structure. The cost was estimated to be $60,000. The house was to contain 10 rooms, 4-1/2 baths and include a 3-car garage addition. The permit states that “this building is the former Hayes garage moved onto new foundations and additions made thereto.” 27 The garage addition was respectfully set back from the front façade of the historic building, has quoins at the corners mimicking the corners of the original building, includes classical pediments over the dormer windows and is topped by a flared hip roof — a characteristic detail of French architecture. The garage addition was sensitively designed to be deferential to the historic house, complementing it. 26 The drawing that shows the relocating of the garage building is in the permit file for 480 Oak at the Village of Winnetka. 27 Building Permit #7328, Occupancy Number 3219, signed by W. H. Jackson. Permit issued March 8, 1961. 18 Page 60 of 84  Building Permit for remodeling garage building into a single family residence and adding a garage 28 Ernst Benkert The architect who Jackson selected was Winnetka resident Ernst Benkert (1899-1969). Earnst August Benkert was born in Dusseldorf, Germany in 1899 and was educated there until he came to the United States in 1921. In Chicago he attended night school at the Armour Institute of Technology, which in 1940 became the Illinois Institute of Technology. Benkert worked as chief draftsman for E. Norman Bridges and the firm of Oldefest & Williams and in 1928 he opened his own practice. Benkert was registered in Illinois around 1930 and was also a licensed engineer. 29 He designed two Colonial Revival houses in 28 Ibid. 29 American Architects Directory, edited by George S. Koyl, 2nd Edition (New York: R. R. Bowker Company, 1962), 47. 19 Page 61 of 84 Kenilworth: 706 Cummings (1929) and 604 Brier (1937). He also designed Sunset Ridge School (1929). Benkert’s architectural style evolved — inspired by colonial architecture in the 1930s, but embracing a more modernist approach, designing Contemporary and Modern houses in the 1940s and 1950s. He designed a Modern Split-Level house at 991 Harvard in 1949 and a Contemporary Ranch at 1956 Elmwood in 1950 in the Sunset Terrace neighborhood of Highland Park. Benkert had an office in Winnetka and practiced there until the early 1960s. He lived at 333 Fairview, where he remodeled a farmhouse into a Georgian house and built a studio over a new garage. His son, Kyle Benkert, was also an architect and took over his father’s practice when his father moved to Tryon, North Carolina in 1961. 30 1962 Plat of Survey, showing site plan Records at the Cook County Recorder of Deeds indicate that beginning April 2, 1962, there were 10 liens filed by contractors working on the 480 Oak against Jackson and the Citizens Bank & Trust (where the Deed was held in Trust). Some of the subcontractors who recorded liens were: D. and M. Supply Company, J & L Floor covering, Plastercraft Corporation, John B. Ryan and Jeff Park Plumbing, Ideal Cabinet Co., and Brooks Excavating. On December 18, 1963, Jackson moved the trust to the First National Bank of Skokie. In January and February, 1964, all the liens Against Citizens Bank and Trust were released. On July 27, 1968, a divorce between Katherine R. Jackon and Winfield H. Jackson was recorded. On December 23, 1968, Prudential Savings and Loan filed a foreclosure against Winfield H. Jackson & Wife. Shortly thereafter, on September 12, 1969, the Jacksons sold the property to R. Edens, Jr. In 1970, Jackson relocated to 3024 Gulfstream Road, Gulfstream, Florida. His obituary in the Palm Beach Post, June 10, 1982, stated that Jackson was a graduate of the University of Illinois, a member of the Glenview 30 Susan Benjamin interviewed Kyle Benkert ca. 2002 for a report she wrote for a house in Kenilworth. He has since passed away. 20 Page 62 of 84 Golf Club and University Club of Chicago and was an active realtor in the Chicago area. It noted that he had been a resident of Florida for 12 years and formerly lived in Glenview and Winnetka. Survivors included his (second) wife, Betty Jane, a son Harris Hall Jackson of Winnetka, and a daughter Victoria Jackson of Chicago. 31 Over the years, title to the property since the Jackson’s ownership transferred several times. R. Edens sold it to D. R. Sloan on August 29, 1977; Sloan sold it to E. A. Forte, et al., on February 2, 1978; on February 1, 1984, the Fortes sold it to C.S. Kern (sp). On April 10, 1984, the property transferred to Irma Gilgor, the wife of Dr. Sheldon Gilgore, who headed the pharmaceutical companies of Pfizer and C.D. Searle. On September 8, 1998, the property transferred to Jane (Mrs. Graham D.) Kemp. There were no permits for work on the house from 1961 until the Kemps took ownership in 1998. In 1999, they remodeled the pantry, created a mud room and a guest room kitchen for $25,000. Benvenuti and Stein were the architects. 32 That year they also added to and remodeled the kitchen and gallery space and demolished an existing greenhouse. Benvenuti & Stein were the architect for this $60,000 job. In 2001, the Kemps remodeled a bathroom for $39,500 with architect Vic Nelson. 33 In 2001 they sold the property to Jacueline Ferro, who, in 2005, sold it to Robert Sherman. The next major remodeling occurred in 2007 when Barbara Bradford and Robert Sherman, executives with the Serta Mattress Company, engaged Jacobs Ryan landscape architects to construct landscaped terraces at the lake side of the house. In 2020 the property was sold to the current owners, Jeff and Susan Barton. Jacobs Ryan Jacobs Ryan is a distinguished firm, experienced in designing landscapes for historic properties. Among other jobs, the firm developed design guidelines for the redevelopment of Fort Sheridan, which was laid out by Ossian Simonds when the Fort was beginning to be constructed in the early 1890s. Their firm’s lengthy portfolio consists of private residences, parks and public spaces (including Chicago’s River Walk), governmental buildings, retail and commercial areas, industrial properties, museums, green roofs and shoreline protection projects along Lake Michigan. The firm’s stated goal is to “combine knowledge, conceptual thinking and attention to detail to produce enduring landscapes.” 34 They are well known for their designs, aiming for beauty while following function. 35 Bernie Jacobs established the firm in 1976 and in 1982 brought in Terry Warriner Ryan. Both partners are Fellows of the American Society of Landscape Architects. After completing his education in 1968, he joined the national firm of Paul Friedberg & Partners in New York, then worked with Coffey, Levine & Blumberg as a senior landscape architect. When he relocated to Chicago in 1974, he took a position as a senior landscape architect with C.F. Murphy Associates (later Murphy Jahn) and then with Skidmore Owings & Merrill. Terry was a landscape architect in Los Angeles, working for Donald M. Robers and Warren E. Lauesen & Associates designing deluxe residences from 1975 to 1979, when she moved to Chicago and became a partner of Jacobs/Ryan Associates. 31 “Winfield Hall Jackson” The Palm Beach Post, 6/30/1982. 32 Permit #R97-4515. 33 Permit dated March 8, 2001. 34 .Jacobs/Ryan Associates. http://www.jacobsryan.com/New%20Pages%202013/03%20-%20JRA%20- %20Philosophy.html 35 Ibid. 21 Page 63 of 84 Jacobs/Ryan Associates were selected in 2007 to design terraces to the Lake at the east side of 480 Oak. The balanced layout was thoughtfully designed in the spirit of the terraces that originally graced the lake side of the Benjamin Allen Estate House. They are formal and balanced, complimenting the architecture of the house. Jacobs Ryan Projects Jacobs/Ryan Associates, Lakeside Terraces Historic Lakeside Terraces of Benjamin Allen Estate 22 Page 64 of 84 CONCLUSION The house at 480 Oak Street is a rare example of a coach house/garage designed as part of an estate property to accommodate cars in the first decade of the 20th Century, when cars were an uncommon but prized possession. Its location contributes to the building’s importance. Approached by a formal boulevard and located at the lakefront, (not on Sheridan Road where coach houses/garages were typically built) it served as a gateway to the estate house, complementing its design. Today the house is surrounded by the boulevard to the north, the lake to the east, a house slated for demolition on the lot to the south and houses to the west between the home’s parking area and Sheridan Road. The house is architecturally significant. It is exceptional to find a structure built as auxiliary that is high style, designed by a prominent Chicago area architect and treated with stone detailing as artful as that found on the estate house. The building was designed by Benjamin Marshall, premier designer of Chicago hotels and apartment houses, in a style that, like the estate house, is based on 18th Century Louis XIV Neo-Classical architecture. Formal classicism is not a style that is commonly found in the design of residences or their auxiliary buildings. The building’s conversion to a single-family home, retaining and respecting the building’s architecture, is an important part of the building’s significance. Sensitive yet functional reuse was undertaken over 65 years ago and rounds out the story of the property. When changes were made in 1961, at the time the adaptive reuse took place, the house was always respected—with additions that was deferential to the building and retaining its defining architectural features The property is historically significant, associated with someone who made countless contributions to the growth of automobile use and safety--through the organization that promoted both. Charles B. Hayes served at president of the Chicago Motor Club from 1914 until his death at age 80. His family lived in the estate house from 1925 until 1961, when the land was subdivided and the garage took on particular importance in its own right, becoming a single -Family residence for the developer. Other than the terraces to the lake that complement the historic building and interior design work completed when the building was owned by Robert Sherman and Barbara Bradford, there have been few changes over the years (other than the kitchen and bath remodeling’s) to the building since Winfield H. Jackson undertook its transformation from a garage structure to an elegant home in 1961. When he made these changes, Jackson retained the garage bays and left the south wall of the building exposed, so it is visible in the kitchen. He built skylights in the atrium south of the garage bays so that the second floor stone south façade wall is visible from the interior. The additions respect the historic configuration of the building that looks much the same as it did historically from the boulevard. Jeff and Susan Barton, the current owners, who purchased the property from Robert Sherman and Barbara Branford in 2020, are excellent stewards of the house. They have made necessary repairs to the stone envelope and are currently updating the kitchen and upstairs primary suite. There have been no alterations to the building visible from the street in the last 50 years. 23 Page 65 of 84  View from Google Earth, 2025 GALLERY Entrance to the boulevard from Sheridan Road; first island 24 Page 66 of 84 The boulevard to the house, second island with house at Lake North and West facades, showing 1961 garage addition 25 Page 67 of 84 Façade of house Main entrance, on north façade View west, past north façade of house 26 Page 68 of 84 East Façade of House Detail, East Façade of House View SW East façade, family room and house 27 Page 69 of 84 Terraces designed by Jacobs Ryan Terraces designed by Jacobs Ryan 28 Page 70 of 84  View of property from Lake Michigan, showing terraces designed by Jacobs Ryan Aerial of South Façade, showing Garage addition; kitchen, atrium and family room additions 29 Page 71 of 84 South Façade, view East toward family room South Façade, view west toward kitchen, atrium addition Front Entrance, view East toward lake 30 Page 72 of 84 Entrance Hall, staircase Entrance Hall, view South View northwest into atrium, living room, showing garage bays 31 Page 73 of 84  Atrium, showing garage bays Atrium, view through skylight toward stone façade of 2nd floor of house 32 Page 74 of 84  Atrium, view west toward kitchen Kitchen, view north showing stone detailing of house 33 Page 75 of 84  Dining Room Atrium, view east past living room toward Family Room family room addition 34 Page 76 of 84 Second Floor Stairhall Second Floor Study 35 Page 77 of 84 Selected Bibliography “480 Oak” Winnetka Beach Estates, Plat of Subdivision. Permit File, Village of Winnetka. “480 Oak” Building Pemit #7328, Occupancy Number 3219, signed by W. H. Jackson. Permit issued March 8, 1961. Permit File, Village of Winnetka. “480 Oak” Building Permits, 1999-2000. Permit File, Village of Winnetka. Aerial Photograph, Files of owners, Susan and Jeff Barton. Allen, Benjamin. U. S. City Directories, Winnetka 1912. Benjamin Allen. U. S. Find a Grave Index. Ancestry.com Benkert, Ernst. American Architects Directory, edited by George S. Koyl, 2nd Edition. New York: r. R. Bowker Company, 1962. “Charles Hayes Dies; Headed Motor Club: Led Chicago Group for 43 years”. Chicago Tribune, October 17, 1957. Newspapers.com. Charles M. Hayes, Chicago Motor Club president, Peter M. Hoffman, coroner, in office. Chicago Daily News, 1920 https://explore.chicagocollections.org/image/chicagohistory/71/p84482v/ “Chicago Motor Club.” Chicago Sunday Tribune, June 20, 1930. Cook County Recorder of Deeds. Block 42 in Charles B. Peck Subdivision of the NE Quarter of Section 20 and the N half of the fractional Section 21, line of that part of non-vacated Cherry Street, South of the Northerly line of the S. 10.0’ of Oak Street, and Easterly of the E. line of Sheridan Road, All, in the Village of Winnetka. Cook County Recorder’s Office, Plat Book 249B, pp. 74-75. Croly, Herbert. “The Local Feeling in Country Houses,” The Architectural Record, October, 1914. Curry, J. Seymour Chicago: Its History and Its Builders: A Century of Marvelous Growth. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1912. “Engagement Told”. Chicago Tribune, July 16, 1935. Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin. Literary File 109, Call number 981:0013:0005. Jacobs/Ryan Associates. http://www.jacobsryan.com/New%20Pages%202013/03%20-%20JRA%20-%. Hayes, Charles M. 1930 Census. Ancestry.com. ______________. (Obituary) The Belleville News Democrat. October 17, 1957. Newspapers.com. 36 Page 78 of 84 “Hayes, Ella.” Cook County Recorder of Deeds. Block 42,“Invty”, 76. “Landmark Designation Report, “Chicago Motor Club Building, 68 E. Wacker Drive”, March 1, 1912, City of Chicago. Marshall, Benjamin, Ancestry.com. 1900 Census. Marshall & Fox Records, Alexander Architectural Archives., The University of Texas at Austin. “Siena Heights University.” https://www.sienaheights.edu/who-we-are/. U.S. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 for Charles Miller Hayes. Ancestry.com Westfall, William “Benjamin Marshall of Chicago. Chicago Architectural Journal 2, (1982). “Winfield Hall Jackson,” The Palm Beach Post, June 30, 1982. Owner: Jeff and Susan Barton. Address 480 Oak Street; Phones: Jeff, 224-216-3039; Susan, 847-910-4057 PIN: 05-21-200-002-0000; Legal Description: 37 Page 79 of 84 North facade Plat of Survey 38 Page 80 of 84  ATTACHMENT B SYSTEM FOR THE EVALUATION OF LANDMARKS TIER 1 POINT CATEGORY FACTORS VALUE WEIGHT* SCORE Rarity: -Extremely Rare 5 Architectural Type, -Rare 4 _______ _______ Style and Period -Somewhat Rare 2 -Common 0 Rarity: -Extremely Rare 5 Method of construction -Rare 4 _______ _______ and its application -Somewhat Rare 2 -Common 0 Association with an Historical -National 5 Event, Person, or Cultural -State, County or Local 5 _______ _______ Activity -None 0 Association with an Architect -National 5 or Master Builder -State, County or Local 5 _______ _______ -Architect or builder 1 identified but of no known importance -Architect or builder 0 unknown Established or Familiar -Symbol of Village as a 5 Visual Feature whole -Symbol of a neighbor- 4 _______ _______ hood or a conspicuous and familiar structure in the context of the entire Village -A conspicuous and 3 familiar structure in the context of a neighborhood -Not particularly 0 conspicuous or familiar Tier 1 Score ______________ (Add Above 5 lines) *The (or a) category with the highest point value is given a weight of 10. All other categories are weighted 1. Page 81 of 84  TIER 2 CATEGORY FACTORS POINT VALUE WEIGHT SCORE Alteration of (Originality) -Excellent 5 Design Integrity -Good 4 -Fair 3 x 10 = _______ -Poor 0 Age of Structure -pre-1900 5 -1900-1930 3 x 4 = _______ -1931-1950 2 -1951 to present 1 Alteration of Surrounding -Original 5 Properties (View from Property) -Minor Alterations 3 x 4 = _______ -Major Alterations 0 Alteration of Original Site -Original 5 (View of Property) -Minor Alterations 3 x 3 = _______ -Major Alterations 0 Structural Condition -Exceptional 5 -Good 3 x 3 = _______ -Fair 1 -Deteriorated 0 Tier 2 Score ____________ (Add Above 5 Lines) Avg. Tier 2 Score ____________ (Divide Total by 5) _______________ + _______________ = _________________________ Tier 1 Score Avg. Tier 2 Score Total Score Level of Significance Total Points Category 80-94 Unique 65-79 Significant 50-64 Important Page 82 of 84  HPC Monthly Communications Ideas – April 7, 2025 1. GFA bonus for restoring older homes 2. Architects and contractors who specialize in restoring vintage homes 3. Winnetka Preservation Award recipients’ testimonials for preservation 4. Solid Rock House, 82 Essex – materials reuse and architectural archiving 5. 1207 Whitebridge Hill Road – Landmark Nomination 6. Historic Home Preservation tools 7. Children’s architectural activities 8. Winnetka Historical Society architectural listing 9. Guest spot at farmer’s market for outreach 10. Addition to Crow Island School, a historically and architecturally significant property 11. Availability of information on homes at Winnetka Historical Society 12. Landmarks Illinois influencer highlight for HPC Member Chris Enck Page 83 of 84 Christopher Enck, a Winnetka resident and member of the Village’s Historic Preservation Commission, was recently designated a 2025 Landmarks Illinois influencer and honored at Preservation Forward, the annual Landmarks Illinois gala on March 6, 2025. President of Landmarks Illinois, Bonnie McDonald, describes Chris as “a visionary architect whose work blends innovation with tradition.” Chris Enck is a graduate of the School of Architecture at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign. He has led projects to preserve historic places in the Chicago area as well as in the cities of Champaign and Urbana in central Illinois. Chris is a member of Landmarks Illinois, Illinois Skyline Council, and has served on the Historic Preservation Commission since 2014. Congratulations to Chris for his dedication and success toward historic preservation. Page 84 of 84