Careful restoration earns homeowners recognition

Like many folks who come to town, Lee Marks and his wife, Judy, moved to Glen Ellyn in 1965. They were enamored with the village and it's hilly, tree-lined streets.

"It's a beautiful blend of different periods of architecture. That makes it a picture-perfect community,"

Marks, now chairman of the Glen Ellyn Historic Preservation Commission, along with other commissioners, aim to see that the charm is maintained. During May, National Historic Preservation Month, the commission and village recognized the efforts of three Glen Ellyn homeowners who were mindful to preserve the character of their older homes.

"People who take pains to carefully preserve and renovate contribute to the beauty of the streetscapes in Glen Ellyn," Marks said. "And they contribute to the entire neighborhood."

The winners of the " Restoration of the Year" award went to Anne and Ken Kinney for the meticulous job they did on their restored craftsman bungalow at 702 Hill Ave.

"The family did a great job," Marks said. "They put up a period-style fence, but it is the whole package. You drive by and say 'Wow.' It's so well done."

For the painstaking work done on their Victorian farmhouse, Keith and Julie Heinz won the category of "Renovation of the Year." Marks said that this award differs from the restoration award in that the homeowners may take a little more license when they restore or remodel, but for the most part show a respect and appreciation for the architecture of the home. Their house at 364 Linden St. is a showplace.

"We were absolutely thrilled to see that this family had restored the home," Marks said. "They put the front porch back on and just did a great job."

Another home, a bungalow at 868 Walnut St., owned by Scott and Michelle Stastny will win the "Details" award.

"They have a wonderful wraparound porch and a period fence," added Marks.

By recognizing these homeowners, the commission seeks to encourage the pride of ownership of older homes.

"You don't have to tear down a home and build new," Marks said. "A lot of people enjoy the charm and character of an older home."

And there are advantages to choosing to restore instead of rebuild. He cites a young couple who recently bought a home near his.

"It was a wonderful Queen Anne Victorian, and it was about to be torn down. A young couple bought the house," he said. "They are going to restore it. It has all the original woodwork inside, which has never been painted," Marks added it is rare to find unpainted woodwork and "there are pocket doors separating the parlors and interior details you just never see any more. It is going to be a showplace. What a great thing that they saved this house."

According to Marks, there are available financial incentives, such as tax credits or tax freezes to add to the advantages of restoration or renovation. He added there are guidelines for the Historic Preservation Awards process. Anyone can nominate a Glen Ellyn house, including the homeowner, the builder, the architect, or a member of the general public. Sometimes a packet will be submitted including before and after photos. By late fall, ideas are turned in, and in April the Commission votes on winners that are announced in May.

Marks and other commissioners hope that these awards will help homeowners make wise choices that will benefit the community and preserve the charm and historic character that sets the village of Glen Ellyn apart.

"I am hoping that we are laying out some good groundwork. I am encouraged," said Marks.

For details about the Glen Ellyn Historic Preservation Commission, visit www.glenellyn.org.