In an effort to streamline the process of designating certain zones for historic preservation, the Village of Downers Grove introduced and approved a new Historic Preservation Ordinance at a recent Village Council meeting.
The result of intense community outreach by the Architectural Design Review Board (ADRB)/Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Historic Preservation and the Village Council, the new ordinance and corresponding guidelines aim to lower the risk of redevelopment projects eradicating historically significant properties and structures by cleaning up the process for property owners who apply for landmark status, reducing cumbersome regulations related to making modifications to buildings (while maintaining the character of the building) and allowing groups of properties to create thematic, non-contiguous historic districts.
Also, as part of the new process, Downers Grove will no longer require an application fee for the landmark application and will partner with various community groups to market and promote landmarks and historic districts. Property owners needing additional information about historic preservation or those interested in landmarking property should contact the Community Development Department at 630-434-5515.
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