Hinsdale trustees reject certificate of appropriateness for proposed new home at 223 East Eighth Street

The Village of Hinsdale Board of Trustees voted to deny a certificate of appropriateness (COA) for construction of a new single‑family home at 223 East Eighth Street in the Robins Park Historic District. The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) had earlier approved demolition of the existing house but denied the COA for the new construction; the applicant submitted revised plans after the HPC meeting that addressed one major design concern but declined several other recommended changes.

At design review and HPC hearings, commissioners raised concerns about the proposed home's fenestration — specifically large vertical windows on the front facade — and the overall lack of a recognized historic architectural vocabulary. The applicant revised the plans to add a center panel of brick between a pair of front windows and added some detailing, but rejected suggestions such as shutters, double‑hung windows, changes to the center dormer and removal of large sliding doors in the front courtyard.

Trustees debated the COA and then took a roll‑call vote. The motion to approve the COA for construction failed; the clerk recorded five nays and the board rejected the application. Earlier, the HPC had approved the demolition (COA) unanimously.

Why it matters: certificates of appropriateness regulate how properties in designated historic districts alter or replace buildings to preserve the district's character. Denial of a construction COA means the applicant must revise plans further to align with historic‑district guidelines or may pursue alternate compliant designs.

Next steps: the applicant may revise architectural plans and return for reconsideration; demolition of the existing house already has HPC approval separate from construction COA action.