Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – August 5, 2026

The Historic Preservation Commission of Park Ridge met on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The main action was a public hearing and vote to recommend city council approval of the proposed Spanish Town Historic District (HD-26-01). Commissioners also discussed the HPC Awards program, the L. Hodges Addition historic survey, a new SHPO grant, and other administrative items.

Consent Calendar

• Roll Call & Approval of Minutes: Commissioners Healy, Pierce, and Rowe were absent; a quorum was present. The minutes from the July 1, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Applicant Presentation: Emily MacArthur (1305 South Crescent) and Mike Shannon (430 Talcott Place) presented the history and architectural significance of the five homes proposed for the Spanish Town Historic District. MacArthur explained that the homes—built in the 1920s by the team of William Derschlag and Benedict Brunes—are rare Spanish Colonial Revival style in the Midwest. She advocated for protection from demolition and infill development. Shannon shared his personal renovation experience and referenced a Wall Street Journal article about Hinsdale’s historic district, arguing that historic preservation can increase property values and community interest.
• Anonymous Letter: A letter from an anonymous individual (identified only by address 1309 South Crescent) was read into the record at the discretion of the commission. The writer stated they were purchasing the home and planned to maintain and preserve its charm. The commission interpreted the letter as supportive of the district.
• Additional Written Comment: A letter from Brian Lazzaro of the Park Ridge Historical Society, dated August 5, 2026, was read. The Society expressed strong support for the historic district application, noting the uniqueness of the Spanish Town homes and the importance of preservation.

Discussion Items

• Spanish Town Historic District Public Hearing (HD-26-01): Staff presented a memorandum detailing the application received June 1, 2026. The proposed district includes five contiguous properties: 424, 428, and 430 Talcott Place, and 1305 and 1309 South Crescent Avenue. The commission had already completed a preliminary review on July 1, 2026, and scheduled the public hearing for this meeting. Commissioners discussed the requirements for a historic district (minimum of two contiguous properties; supermajority consent needed). Staff clarified that a historic district does not guarantee against demolition but requires a certificate of appropriateness from the commission. The commission also addressed questions about future expansion of the district: additional contiguous properties could apply through the same process, requiring consent of 50% plus one of the new group.
• HPC Awards Program Update: Staff reported that one application had been received and another was in progress; potentially two more properties were being considered. The commission discussed extending the nomination deadline from August 7 to August 24, 2026, to allow more submissions. Commissioner Joan proposed the extension, and staff agreed to check with the awards vendor and coordinate with the communications team to publicize the new deadline. The awards ceremony date of October 14, 2026 at the Kalo Center was to remain unchanged.
• L. Hodges Addition Intensive Historic Survey Update: Staff announced that the consultant is finalizing the document and will present the final report at the September 2, 2026 commission meeting. After commission approval, the report would go to city council for consideration. Commissioner noted satisfaction with the preliminary findings.
• Future SHPO Grants Update: The city was awarded one of two grant applications submitted. The grant will fund a historic survey in the Uptown area, roughly bounded by the six corners intersection of Northwest Highway, the southern property line of the country club, and the western portion of Prospect Avenue. Staff will issue a request for proposals (RFP) for the survey work. A similar survey was conducted in 2017 or 2019 by Margaret Guzak.
• Other Updates:
  • Plaques for the two most recent landmarks (Barry Parkway and the William H. Malone fountain) are pending coordination with Public Works.
  • Bookmarks promoting historic preservation are available at the library; distribution is being carefully managed.
  • Commissioner noted that a 100-year-old brick home at 926 Bell Plain has been sold and will be torn down to make way for two houses. The commission expressed regret and discussed the need to proactively identify at-risk properties.
  • A landmarked homeowner at 611 Cedar wishes to install a lamppost; staff must research the protocol and whether a document needs to be recorded with Cook County.
  • Staff sent the link to the HPC webpage as requested.
• Next Meeting: The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 2, 2026, with expected agenda items: final presentation on the L. Hodges Addition survey, a 100-year-old home application, and an update on the HPC Awards.

Key Outcomes

• Spanish Town Historic District – Vote to Recommend Approval: The commission voted unanimously (3-0-0, with commissioners Healy, Pierce, and Rowe absent) to recommend that the city council approve the historic district designation as shown in the submitted plans (Case HD-26-01). The motion passed on the understanding that the owner of 1309 South Crescent (who wrote a supportive letter) is in favor of inclusion. Staff will coordinate with the applicant to schedule a city council presentation.
• HPC Awards Nomination Deadline Extended: The commission approved an informal extension of the nomination deadline to August 24, 2026, subject to vendor confirmation. Staff will update the city’s social media and webpage.
• Next Steps for Surveys: The L. Hodges Addition survey will be presented for final approval in September; the Uptown survey will proceed via an RFP process once grant documents are finalized.
• Administrative Matters: Staff will follow up on the lamppost request, the filing of landmark documents with Cook County, and the production of plaques.