HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Consider a request to amend Certificate of Appropriateness (COA 20-2321) field changes for the Kroehler Mansion relating to window color, roof shingle color, and the front porch.
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Isaac Marlott, Assistant Planner
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
Submitted for Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) review.
BACKGROUND:
The Subject Property is an approximately 6,279 square foot parcel located within the interior of the Heritage Place in Historic Naperville Subdivision with common street addresses of 126 and 128 N Wright Street. The property is zoned R2 (Single-family and Low Density Multiple-Family Residence District) and is improved with the Kroehler Mansion, with plans to be used as a duplex as part of the wider Heritage Place development.
The 2026 Ramsey Historic Consultants Survey notes the structure has features commonly attributed to the Prairie and Craftsman architectural styles. The Survey notes the side gable roof, copper shingles, and shed roof dormers as significant features, while the structure as a whole is marked as ‘Significant’ in the Local Significance Rating. The structure is described to be in good condition with minor alterations or additions made. The Historic Building Design and Resource Manual (“HBDRM”) provides the typical attributes of Prairie and Craftsman style buildings on pages 27 and 29 respectively.
The petitioner, D.J.K. Custom Homes, Inc. (DJK), is currently seeking approval to amend certain Kroehler Mansion design requirements from those stipulated in Ordinance 20-108 (An Ordinance Granting Approval of COA 20-2321) (attached).
Prior COA Approvals
*COA 20-2321
DISCUSSION:
Prior COA and Permit Approval
In 2020, DJK submitted an application seeking approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to modify the Kroehler Mansion. In conjunction with this application, DJK submitted a presentation detailing the proposed design modifications to the Mansion, including a demolition plan, Kroehler Mansion Preservation Scope, and Window Replacement/Restoration Notes. On August 27, 2020, the COA request was denied by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC); this denial was appealed to the City Council and the COA was ultimately approved per Ordinance 20-108. The detailed design plans noted above are attached to Ordinance 20-108 as a controlling exhibit.
Following approval of the COA, the applicant submitted standard building permits which underwent review by City staff in 2024. In February of 2026, Naperville Code Enforcement received a complaint that the color of the windows installed at Kroehler Mansion were inconsistent with the approved COA. In communication with the petitioner following this complaint, staff noted that DJK would need to request a field change to maintain the black window color. Staff additionally requested that the petitioner identify any other changes being requested for the Kroehler Mansion. Through this review, the petitioner identified the following significant changes: window color from white to black, roof shingle color from Weathered Wood to Moire Black, and demolition and reconstruction of the front porch in its historic style, as further described below and in the materials provided by DJK.
Proposed Changes to COA 20-2321
Windows:
- The applicant is seeking approval of a change in window color from white to black. The previously approved Preservation Scope and Window Replacement/Restoration Notes show historic imagery with white windows and describe the intent to match this style noting “Exterior window color to be white as it appears was original color”. The applicant is requesting a change in style to black “Pella Aluminum Clad Lifestyle Series” windows.
- Pages 38-41 of the HBDRM provides guidance regarding windows and notes that it is encouraged to retain and preserve windows in their original location, size, type and design with their original materials and pane division. Replacing original windows with new wood or aluminum clad windows that match the original in size, proportion, type and design is considered acceptable. Installing replacement windows that do not match the original in size, proportion type or design is considered a discouraged improvement.
Roof:
- The applicant is seeking approval of a change in shingle color from Weathered Wood to Moire Black. The previously approved Preservation Scope calls out Weathered Wood as a comparable color to the original shingles which appeared to be red or orange clay tiles. The applicant noted that Moire Black is the color used on the adjacent townhomes at Heritage Place.
- Page 45 of the HBDRM provides guidance regarding roofs and notes that it is encouraged to re-roof with materials that match the original in material, color, pattern and profile. Installing new roof materials not consistent with the original materials is listed as a discouraged improvement.
Porch:
- The front porch was identified as a feature to remain in place on the Demolition Plan. The Preservation Scope attached to Ordinance 20-2321 includes details on the proposed reintroduction and rehabilitation of certain architectural features on the porch, including rebuilding the wood lattice system, removing and replacing the existing stairs and railings with in-kind materials, and extending the brick columns.
- A note in the architectural plans submitted with the building permit indicated that the front porch had been demolished in its entirety prior to permit submittal. The detailed porch drawings therefore depicted a new construction rather than restoration. This discrepancy was not identified during the initial permit review and was later discovered by staff during a site visit.
- Per Section 6-11-6 (COA Required) of the Naperville Municipal Code, demolition and reconstruction of any property within Naperville’s Local Historic District is subject to review and approval of a COA by the HPC. Accordingly, this work cannot be administratively approved, even if staff approved the permit (in error). As a result, the applicant is now seeking approval to demolish the existing front porch (after the fact) and reconstruct the porch to match its historic form.
- Pages 52-55 of the HBDRM provides guidance regarding porches and notes that it is encouraged to maintain and repair all components of an original or historic porch and that the porch design, materials and detailing should be preserved. If replacement of porch features is required, the manual notes that it is encouraged to replace only the deteriorated or damaged components of the porch to closely match the original in scale, dimension, style, design, and material and with the same details if possible. The manual notes that when constructing a new porch, matching components to the original in dimensions, style, design and detail is an acceptable improvement.
Additional Minor Work Proposed
N/A
Factors for Consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness Application: Review of COA applications are conducted based on the compatibility with the Factors for Consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness Application (Section 6-11-8:5; Certificate of Appropriateness Required). The owner has detailed their justification of the factors considered which is included in the attachments for review by the HPC.