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Heritage
Alliance Mission
Pierce
Downer's
Heritage Alliance is dedicated to preserving the
natural and cultural heritage of Downers Grove. In the past, we have
maintained sharp focus on the natural heritage within our community.
Pierce Downer's Heritage Alliance has been instrumental in the
preservation and protection of Lyman Woods, and Belmont Prairie, which
continue as on-going projects.
We are now also committed to the preservation of cultural aspects of Downers Grove, including its rich architectural heritage. We work to accomplish our mission through education as well as community outreach. * * *
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Historic Preservation Activities
Recent changes to the
Village historic preservation program have revived interest in
landmarking homes and other historic structures.
Local architects Amy and Dave Gassen recently landmarked their own American Foursquare home. On Monday, September 26th Amy and Dave are to discuss The History & Significance of the American Foursquare
at Ballydoyles in Downers Grove. The program presented by DG FrOG
starts with a Meet & Mingle session at 6:30 PM followed by the
Gassen's talk at 7:00 PM. There is no charge for admission but
reservations are recommended. More information is available and
reservations can be made at the Friends of the Gifted website.
 On August 16th the Village Council unanimously approved landmark status for two historic homes. Fred and Cindy Zaeske have named their landmarked home at 1130 Franklin Street "The Foote House", while Chris and Patricia Patterson named their landmarked home at 4502 Prince Street "The Kruger House." On June 14th the Village Council unanimously approved landmark status for three historic buildings. Bo and Christine Martin have named their newly landmarked home at 701 Maple Avenue "The Herring House," whlie Charlotte and Byron Holtzen named their landmarked home at 5226 Carpenter Street "The Foster House." Before the unanimous vote to approve landmark status for the Village owned Main Street Train Station at 1000 Main Street, Mayor Martin Tully stated "the Village takes seriously its commitment to historic preservation." A resolution granting historic landmark status for the "Gjerde House," home of Irene Hogstrom and Mark Bragen at 1232 Gilbert Avenue was unamimously approved by the Village Council on May 17th. On February 17th, the ADRB recommended landmark status for the 92-year-old "Ehr House," home of Amy and David Gassen. The Village Council considered Gassens' petition for landmark status on March 8th. You can click here to watch the discussion of this item, which started at 29 minutes into the meeting and continued for 24 minutes. The resolution granting historic landmark status for the Gassen's home at 5320 Benton Avenue was unanimously approved at the Council's March 22nd meeting.  The house is a prime example of the American Foursquare design, which is well represented in Downers Grove. As noted in their landmarking application, “American Foursquares were a post-Victorian house type and an architectural reaction against the ornateness and complexity found in Victorian buildings. The cube-shaped massing of American Foursquares was designed to maximize square footage on small lots. Additional common characteristics of American Foursquares include a square floor plan, a central dormer in the attic, a front porch (usually, but not always, spanning across the entire front facade), a hip roof, and wide eaves.” We thank the Gassens for opting to preserve their home and congratulate them on their well-researched application and presentation to the ADRB. (It probably didn’t hurt that they’re both architects.) We are pleased that the Council voted unanimously to make their home the 3rd landmarked buildng in Downers Grove. We now look forward to many more applications coming in. - Ken Lerner & Gordon Goodman Photos of the home can be found here. Please click here for background information about updating Downers Grove's Historic Preservation and Zoning Ordinances. * * * * * |
 
Village
Council Meeting
Tuesday, October 4, 2016 Meeting Agenda 7:00 PM, Council Chamber Village Hall 801 Burlington Avenue Downers Grove, IL 60515 The History & Significance
PDHA
Annual Meetingof the American Foursquare Presented by Architects Amy & Dave Gassen Monday, September 26, 2016 Click Here for More Information 6:30 PM, Meet & Mingle 7:00 PM Talk Begins Ballydoyles 5157 Main Street Downers Grove, IL 60515 Thursday, October 13, 2016 7:00 PM, Room 304, Lincoln Center Auditorium 935 Maple Avenue Downers Grove, IL 60515 * * * * * Click here to read our 2016 Spring Newsletter * * * * * Please consider a charitable donation to support educational activities of Pierce Downer's Heritage Alliance. |
