Planning committee clears demolition permit for Judge William D. Berry House with 90‑day relocation window

The Saint Charles Planning & Development Committee voted to allow a certificate of appropriateness (COA) that would permit demolition of the Judge William D. Berry House at 217 Cedar Avenue, with a 90‑day voluntary window for anyone to propose moving the structure before demolition proceeds. The committee’s decision moves the item to the full City Council for final consideration on May 19.

The action reverses a recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission, which had urged denial of the COA. Preservation groups including Landmarks Illinois and local advocates urged the committee to delay demolition and pursue reuse or relocation options for the roughly 180‑year‑old stone house.

Committee staff presented background on outreach and alternatives explored with Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, the property owner. “The church was open to selling the combined property,” staff said in the presentation, but city purchase was not supported at the appraised combined value. Staff described other options discussed, including the city providing off‑site parking in exchange for preserving the Berry House and the concept of relocating the house, and said the church had asked to return to the committee to…