Five stucco-faced, tile-roofed homes built in 1927 could become Park Ridge's first-ever historic district when the City Council votes Tuesday, Sept. 8.
The council is scheduled to cast a final vote on the Spanish Town Historic District, which covers homes along Talcott Place and Crescent Avenue. Journal & Topics first reported the Sept. 8 agenda. The meeting was shifted from its usual Monday slot because of the Labor Day holiday.
The Chicago Tribune reported on the Aug. 17 committee session, where the Procedures & Regulations Committee of the Whole advanced the designation 6-1. If the full council approves it, major remodeling of homes in the district would need approval from the city's historic commission. Homeowners would also gain access to restoration grants and certain federal and state tax advantages.
Community Preservation and Development Director Drew Awsumb told the committee that the city has had the authority to create a historic district for 15 years but never used it. He said all five homeowners either support the designation or have no objection.
The homes were the vision of developer William Durchslag, who was inspired by a trip to Cuba and hired local architect Benedict Bruns to design the subdivision.
Alderperson John Moran cast the lone no vote in committee. "You could be potentially forcing families out of Park Ridge because they thought it wasn't going to be a big deal and it's a big deal," Moran said at the Aug. 17 meeting, according to the Tribune.
Alderperson Fred Sanchez said he would oppose the designation if any homeowner objected before the final vote. Alderperson Lauren Rapisand said she would support the district only if every homeowner backed it. City Attorney Adam Simon noted the designation includes opt-out clauses, meaning homeowners can leave the district.
The city adopted a Historic Preservation Plan in November 2024 that identified Spanish Town as a potential area for a historic district. The city's Historic Preservation Commission has existed since 2010.
Also on the agenda
The Committee of the Whole, which meets back to back with the council, plans to discuss what the city is doing to reduce speeding and to control pests. Tuesday's meeting takes place at City Hall.
