Huntley adds Victorian-style home to historic register

A Victorian-style home is the latest addition to Huntley's growing historic district.

The village board recently authorized adding the home at 11618 Second St., built between 1906 and 1907 in Victorian architectural style.

The home still is in its original condition with modest changes to the front door and front porch, said Charles Nordman, village development services director.

The historic designation - requested by longtime resident and property owner Lonni Oldham ­- ensures any changes to the building must be approved by the Huntley Historic Preservation Commission, Nordman said.

Huntley's historic district, started in 2009, now includes seven mostly Victorian-era homes along Second Street in the older part of downtown, and an old brick road along Woodstock Street.

"The district is still fairly young, and they are still working to get additional properties in there," Nordman said. "The commission's been focusing a lot on Second Street (as) a majority are original homes."

In addition to the historic district, the village has four properties in downtown designated as landmarks, two within the district and two along West Main Street. Landmark status requires a higher standard of preservation of original features and materials of the structure.

"Not every landmark property is within the district and not all properties in the district are landmark," Nordman said. "Historic district homes may not entirely be in (their) original material or shape, but it's pretty close."

Both designations are voluntary and must be requested by the property owner.

Nordman said the historic commission conducts events throughout the year to educate residents about Huntley's history and encourage more property owners to apply for landmark status or join the historic district.

"It ensures that any changes still maintain the historic character of the house," he said.