Final Survey Report: Architectural and Historical Survey, Village of Downers Grove, November 5, 2013

From introduction: "Downers Grove’s unique historic architecture includes a diverse collection of Victorian and 20th Century vernacular architecture ranging from Queen Anne-styled farmhouses to Craftsman bungalows, Prairie Foursquares, and post-World War II modern Ranch homes. It is the Village’s desire to maintain and preserve its important architectural and historical resources for future generations. Therefore, in 2013, the Village engaged a professional preservation planning team to conduct an architectural and historical survey and inventory of four specific neighborhoods and subdivisions, including Denburn Woods, Shady Lane Estates, the E.H. Prince’s Subdivision, and the Maple Avenue residential and commercial corridor between Blodgett Avenue, Main Street and Burlington Avenue. The primary objective of the survey is to identify, document and evaluate properties that are significant to the architecture and history of Downers Grove, and potentially eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places... Other important objectives in undertaking this Architectural and Historical Survey include: Identify and recognize opportunities for potential districts listed in the National Register where significant concentrations of significant and potentially contributing historic buildings may exist. Establish priorities for future local preservation efforts in designating local landmarks and districts. Serve as a baseline of information for future research and documentation activities for individual properties. Future research may yield new information and facts allowing other buildings to become eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places as well as receive important consideration in local preservation planning activities. Encourage the use of survey information in educating residents regarding the history of their community and the legacy of the citizens, architects, and builders that shaped Downers Grove’s urban design and development. Promote a community historic preservation “ethic” that encourages the long-term stewardship of Downers Grove’s architectural legacy. The Architectural and Historical Survey should be considered a work in progress and efforts to identify other significant properties and potential districts through regular updates of the survey should be on-going mission of the Village’s Architectural Design Review Board (ADRB) and other partner organizations and agencies. Activities that disseminate survey information to the public, through regular outreach and educational activities and initiatives, should also be undertaken." Funding was provided in part by a 2013 Historic Preservation Fund grant to the Village of Downers Grove (project number IL-13-0212) administered by the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office (grant number P13AF00145) and the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Downers Grove, Illinois is a Certified Local Government.

Final Survey Report: Architectural and Historical Survey, Village of Downers Grove, November 5, 2013

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