Park Ridge Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

The Historic Preservation Commission met on May 6, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers. Chair Manningley presided. Commissioners present: Manningley, Eggert, Pierce, McNeely, Healy, Rowe. Commissioner Ponticelli was absent. A quorum was present. The meeting covered routine approvals, updates on preservation activities, grant applications, and the appointment of a vice chair.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The Commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the April 1, 2026 meeting.

Discussion Items

• Historic Preservation Month: May is National Historic Preservation Month. Chair Manningley noted that the mayor presented a proclamation at the Monday night City Council meeting (May 4, 2026). The proclamation will be posted.
• 2026 Historic Preservation Awards Program: Marketing for the awards is underway; applications are open. The ceremony is scheduled for October 14, 2026. Commissioners were encouraged to identify potential nominees (properties, gardens, or people) and reminded to obtain written consent from property owners before nominating. Commissioner Pierce noted two houses along Bell Plain Road—one at 529 Greenwood (Chinese-inspired architecture) and another with prairie style—as possible candidates. The cross at Lutheran General Hospital was also mentioned as a potential landmark.
• L. Hodges Addition – Intensive Historic Survey Update: The survey report is nearly drafted. The text draft will be completed this week (week of May 6), followed by an internal review before submission to city staff. Staff anticipates review and a final presentation to the Commission later this summer (likely before the October awards ceremony).
• Future SHPO Grants Update: Two new grant areas have been submitted to the state:
  1. Directly west of the current survey area (bounded by Courtland, Bell Plain, South Clifton, Prairie Avenue, Garden Street, and Park Ridge Community Church).
  2. On the north side of Northwest Highway (a triangle from the six corners to North Prospect Avenue, West Sibley Street, Hastings Street, the country club, Greenwood, and Northwest Highway). Staff noted a strong chance of receiving one or both grants given the city’s historical character and timely reporting.
• Vice Chair Selection: Following a discussion tabled from the previous meeting, Commissioner Jennifer Healy was nominated and unanimously appointed as Vice Chair. The role is primarily to run meetings if the Chair is absent; no additional duties were added.
• Council Liaison Report:
  • July 3rd Fountain Celebration: A ceremony at the Malone Fountain is planned for Friday, July 3, 2026 at noon. John Shea (Park District Director) has expressed interest in participating. Commissioners discussed securing a band (school bands unlikely because school is out), enlisting local clergy (e.g., from First Methodist, St. Paul at the Cross, St. Andrews, St. Mary’s), and coordinating with public works (street closure on Meachum). A coloring sheet for the farmers market was prepared to promote the event.
  • Upcoming Events: A walking tour of Eugene Romeo’s works on Sunday, May 17, 2026 (sponsored by the library, Kalo, Park Ridge History Center, and park district). An Eagle Scout project for a new interpretive sign at the library was approved by City Council.
  • Bookmark Program: Staff proposed a series of bookmarks highlighting Park Ridge landmarks. The first bookmark (likely the Pickwick) would be released annually, timed with Preservation Month in May. A template is ready.
  • Landmark Plaques: Text for plaques for two new landmarks is being finalized, with fabrication and installation to follow.
  • Landmark Incentives Tear Sheet: Commissioner Rose presented an AI-generated tear sheet summarizing tax advantages of landmarking. For income‑producing properties: Cook County Class L assessment reduction (25% to 10% for 10 years), federal 20% rehabilitation tax credit, and Illinois 25% tax credit. For homeowners: a property tax freeze during approved rehab. Common concerns (inability to renovate, cost, property value) were addressed. The tear sheet will be used at the farmers market tent and on the city website.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: Unanimous.
• Vice Chair Appointed: Commissioner Jennifer Healy appointed unanimously.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for June 3, 2026 (subject to change).
• Direction Given: Staff will finalize the bookmark design, plaque text, and tear sheet for the farmers market (June 27). Commissioners will reach out to potential award nominees, band contacts, and clergy for the July 3rd event.
• Adjournment: Motion carried, meeting ended.