HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Consider the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for 235-239 S Washington St – HPC-0004-2026.
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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 6,500 square foot parcel generally located at the northwest corner of the Washington Street and Jackson Avenue intersection. The property is zoned B4 (Downtown Core District) and is currently improved with a three-story commercial building fronting both Washington St and Jackson Av and a two-story historic workshop along the north side of the Jackson Avenue right-of-way. The collection of buildings is commonly referred to as “The Beidelman Buildings” referencing the historic use for the fabrication and sale of Beidelman’s Furniture. The Beidelman Buildings are listed as “contributing” to the Local Historic District and in “good condition” in the 2025 Architectural and Historical Survey (attached).
In 2024, the Naperville City Council approved Ordinance 24-085 designating the Beidelman Buildings as a Historic Landmark under the Naperville Municipal Code. The case to landmark the Beidelman Buildings received a 7-0 vote of support from the Historic Preservation Commission and an eventual unanimous vote of approval at City Council. The Beidelman Buildings were determined as eligible for landmark designation under Section 6-11-3:5 given the date of construction exceeds 50 years, and criteria 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3 and 5.1.4 were satisfied. See Landmarking Ordinance (attached).
The Beidelman Buildings were purchased by 235 Washington, LLC in 2026; the buildings are partially vacant today. While a new tenant has not yet been identified, the owner is seeking approval for exterior renovations at this time. Staff met with the applicant following initial submi...
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