Title
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A Presentation on the History of Historic Preservation and its Influence on the Village of Oak Park
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Introduction
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At the direction of the Village President and Board of Trustees, staff prepared a presentation on the history of Historic Preservation. This presentation discusses a time when the United States was desiring more national identity through the present protections of the historic fabric of municipalities and regions.
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Recommended Action
This item is for discussion purposes only.
Prior Board Action
There is no prior Board action associated with this item.
Background
The Village Board of Trustees requested a presentation as part of its goals to better understand the workings and impact of Historic Preservation. The Historic Preservation Commission’s Strategic Plan calls for the development and delivery of a training program for Village Board members and various Village Commissions to provide information on HPC programs and services. Village staff coordinated this presentation with the support of the following experts; David Sokol, Historian (former Village Trustee, HPC Chair, and Plan Commission member); Frank Lipo Executive Director of the Oak Park River Forest History Museum (Former HPC Chair); Kendra Parzen, Advocacy Manager at Landmarks Illinois; Asha Andriano, HPC Chairperson; and Brenton Boitse, Urban Planner - Historic Preservation and staff liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission.
In the mid-19th Century, there was a need for national identity. These were seen through sites like Washington’s Headquarters (1850) and Mount Vernon (1853). In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Colonial Revival movement sparked interest in restoring historic homes. The Antiquities Act of 1906 introduced federal protection for archaeological sites. During the mid-20th Century at a period following WWII, the destruction of landmarks spurred preservation action, resulting in the development of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1949. In 1966, the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) was passed, creating the National Register of Historic Places and requiring federal agencies to consider the impact of their projects on historic resources.
Historic preservation in Oak Park began in earnest in the late 1960s and early 1970s, driven by the need to protect the Village’s substantial collection of Frank Lloyd Wright and Prairie School architecture. Key milestones include the 1969 Hasbrouck-Sprague survey, the 1971 designation of Unity Temple as a National Historic Landmark, and the establishment of the Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission. Today, the Village contains three major historic districts and numerous local landmarks, with over 50 years of efforts focused on integrating, preserving, and rehabilitating Oak Park’s unique built environment.
Timing Considerations
There are no specific timing considerations associated with this item.
Financial Impact
There is no budget impact associated with this item.
Operations Impact
This is a one-time presentation which generated approximately 13 staff hours and 20 external participant hours (4 participants at five hours each). This item aligns with the core services of the Development Services Department.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this presentation.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this presentation.
Staff Recommendation
Staff support Historic Preservation principles and procedures for the Village.
Advantages:
• Provides a significant tourism Industry.
• Maintains historical integrity.
• Provides a snapshot of Oak Park’s heritage.
• Offers a sense of place and pride.
• Safeguards architectural stability.
Disadvantages:
• Regulation conflicts.
• Process requirements.
Alternatives
There are no alternatives to this item.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item, unless the Village Board requests follow-up actions.
Prepared By: Mike Bruce, Village Planner / Planning and Urban Design Manager
Reviewed By: Craig Failor, Development Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. PowerPoint Presentation