Like it or not, Bowie house nears landmark status

Five people voted Wednesday in favor of making Ann Shirley Bowie's St. Charles house a historic landmark.

Bowie wasn't among them.

The city's historic preservation commission made the decision after about a dozen residents spoke in both support and opposition of the designation during a 90-minute public hearing.

At issue was whether Bowie should have a say in her property, at 405 S. Seventh St., being assigned landmark status.

The 67-year-old, who was recently widowed, wanted to sell the Victorian house and an adjoining lot to a developer who planned to tear it down and rebuild. But commissioners said it was their duty to try and preserve it for future generations.

"I'm doing my job by saying I want this to stay and not come down," said Commissioner Fred Norris, a St. Charles native.

Landmark status would keep the house from being demolished and equate to special structural standards for its next owner.

Bowie says it could thwart her plans to sell.

The commission's decision serves only as a recommendation, which still must be considered by the city council. And commissioners asked specifically that city officials take into account any "economic hardship" Bowie might face, in light of her husband's death July 23.

After the vote, Bowie said she didn't expect to change any minds: "I really don't have the power to fight them."

Steven Smunt, a local dentist and neighbor of Bowie, said he nominated the house after hearing of the developer's plans. For years, Smunt had tried unsuccessfully to get Bowie's late husband, Thomas, to apply for landmark status because the house -- known locally as the "Eddie Munster house" -- had an interesting story and unique architecture.

It was built in the 1890s by Charles Miller, a Civil War veteran who held four civic offices locally in the early 1900s. The house has a French tower, a third-story balcony and fish scale shingles, among other features.

More than 40 residents signed petitions advocating preservation of the house.

Commissioners agreed, 5-0. Smunt, who also is commission chairman, did not vote because he nominated the property.

"I can see their point," Bowie said. "I just wish they allowed me to make my own decision."