Lake Ellyn Boathouse gets Restoration of the Year Award
The Glen Ellyn Park District's recent restoration of the Lake Ellyn Boathouse, an effort that successfully preserves the structure's historical integrity while bringing a fresh veneer to a coveted community treasure, has been recognized with the Village's Historic Preservation Commission's 2016 Restoration of the Year Award.
"The recognition reflects the commitment the Park Board made to the community. It's an honor for them to be acknowledged for their commitment to restoring this iconic local landmark," said Glen Ellyn Park District Executive Director Dave Harris.
The award was publicly presented at the June 26 Glen Ellyn Village Board of Trustees meeting.
Five years ago, the park board began the process of determining the direction and process to address the Boathouse which was in decline as well as the park, Harris said.
"The Boathouse was in need of repair and attention and further delay would only make matters more difficult to fix and improve. It is such a high-profile building, so strongly affiliated with Glen Ellyn's identity, residents are personally connected to the Boathouse as it distinguishes Glen Ellyn from other communities," Harris said.
Work on the Boathouse restoration began in late 2015. It was given a new roof, the kitchen was refreshed, interior restrooms realigned and stand-alone restrooms were built near the park's playground. Landscape enhancements were made and a flood protection wall was constructed around its perimeter.
While changes were made to keep the building up to code and augment its aesthetic appeal, attention to retain its original look and feel was prioritized.
The square footage was not increased, the color was retained and the terrazzo floors were preserved, maintaining its original character.
"The Boathouse is considered the Jewel of Glen Ellyn. The community wanted the jewel polished not changed or replaced," said Harris.
The Boathouse's renovation was identified as a top priority via a 2012 survey of community opinion.
The Historic Preservation Commission presents an annual Restoration of the Year Award for both a residential and non-residential project. The award is given for outstanding efforts to restore the exterior of a home or building in a manner fitting its historic character while adhering to Glen Ellyn's restoration guidelines and contributing to the preservation of Glen Ellyn history.
To be eligible for the award, restored buildings must be at least 50 years old.
"We had a lot of really high-quality projects that were really great," said Kelly Purvis, associate village planner and the village's liaison with the Historic Preservation Commission.
Built in 1937 as a Work Projects Administration public works project, the 1,840 square foot restored boathouse has garnered numerous awards.
It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as a Village of Glen Ellyn Landmarked property, and has achieved Gold level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the United States Green Building Council.
Solar panels atop the trellis provides up to 14 percent of the building's energy needs and its irrigation system makes use of Lake Ellyn water.
The restoration project along with park improvements, consistent with the Lake Ellyn Park master plan, was completed on time in July 2016, and under budget at a cost of $2.82 million.
The facility is available for rentals and is frequently the site of weddings, reunions, showers, anniversaries, birthday celebrations and various other parties, hosting more than 130 events each year. In addition, the facility and park host many community events including Family Fun Night, Glen Ellyn Arts Festival, Lake Ellyn Cardboard Regatta and July 4th festivities.