‘It’s about love’: Historic downtown Palatine home gets a new name
A nearly 150-year-old building in downtown Palatine received its official name Sunday.
Community members joined the owners of the building at 134 W. Slade St., Carol and Jim Brandt, for a public dedication Sunday for what is now Brandt Heritage Pointe.
The building has been home to the Brandts’ business, Brandt Financial Concepts Inc., since 1986. But its long history dates back to Civil War veteran August Kimmet, who built the house in 1877, when the village’s population numbered only about 700.
Kimmet’s wife, Caroline, ran a millinery shop in the house for 36 years, and Kimmet later became the last Civil War veteran taking part in local Memorial Day ceremonies, passing away at age 84 in 1929.
“It’s always nice to have another home or business that turns 150 years old in Palatine,” said Joe Petykowski, director of history for the Palatine Historical Society.
The building has had a number of owners and was even moved back 40 feet early in the 20th century from its original spot on Slade Street.
The Brandts purchased the house in 1986 and completely remodeled it, adding a 600-square-foot, two-story addition. Carol said her husband brought the building — then vacant, paint peeling — to her attention in 1984 as a potential site for the business.
“I immediately dismissed it,” she said.
It wasn’t until the next summer, during a downtown festival, that the building “started calling me.”
By then, its owner was attempting to convert the home into a three-flat. He initially refused to sell, Carol said, but relented when the village noticed he was working without a permit.
The Brandts then discovered a significant legal hurdle: Palatine did not permit commercial use of wood-frame buildings at the time.
Rather than walk away, they contacted every village council member, hired an architect to work with the building department, and presented their case. The ordinance was changed and their project approved unanimously in a single meeting.
Since then, the building has served as the reviewing stand for parade judges; headquarters for Community Emergency Response Team members during downtown festivals; powered the sound for Palatine Cruise Nights; and more recently, provided power and water for Palatine Rotary Oktoberfest.
“It’s been a point of gathering for fun, festivities and to celebrate the heritage of the site,” said Carol Brandt said.
Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz attended Sunday’s naming ceremony and presented a certificate of recognition to the Brandts.
“I want to take a quick second to acknowledge the people who take on these historic buildings,” he said. “It’s not just taking it on — it’s an investment. It’s about care. It’s about love.”