Hinsdale board approves demolition of Chandron home in Roberts Park Historic District

During a recent meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission in Hinsdale, Illinois, discussions centered on the proposed demolition of a single-family home located at 5307 East Third Street, situated within the Roberts Park Historic District. The meeting highlighted the collaboration between the homeowners, the architecture firm Moment Design, and local builders, Tiburon Builders, as they assessed the viability of the existing structure.

Patrick Fortelco, a representative from Moment Design, presented findings regarding the home's condition. He noted that both he and his partner, Reyna Bradford, conducted thorough investigations of the property. Their assessment concluded that the house was not a suitable candidate for rehabilitation due to its poor maintenance and structural integrity. This sentiment was echoed by several board members who had previously toured the home, agreeing that it was not worth saving.

The commission moved swiftly to address the demolition request. After confirming that the homeowners were present and that the board members were satisfied with their prior evaluations, a motion was made to approve the application for a certificate of appropriateness to demolish the home. The motion passed unanimously, allowing the homeowners to proceed with their plans.

Following the approval of the demolition, the focus shifted to the design of the new family home that will replace the existing structure. This transition marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to balance historic preservation with the evolving needs of the community.

The discussions at this meeting underscore the challenges faced by local preservation efforts, particularly when dealing with properties that have fallen into disrepair. As Hinsdale continues to navigate these issues, the outcomes of such meetings will play a crucial role in shaping the character and future of the village's historic districts.