Hinsdale HPC approves demolition at 223 East Eighth Street but denies new‑construction COA

The Hinsdale Historic Preservation Commission on May 19 approved a certificate of appropriateness to demolish the existing house at 223 East Eighth Street but voted down a separate certificate of appropriateness for the proposed new single‑family house by a 3–1 margin.

Patrick Fortelka of Moment Design Architecture, representing owners John and Jessica Springer, presented the proposed replacement and described the design intent: the exterior uses mineral‑painted brick, a darker base‑course brick for the water table, dark‑clad windows, a slate roof, cedar‑shake siding painted to match the brick and copper accent elements. Fortelka said the plan includes a front covered porch, an interior courtyard and a pushed‑back garage to reduce the appearance of large contemporary glazing.

Fortelka told commissioners, “I think this house is kind of an outlier in that. Nobody likes it,” and said he and the owners adjusted parapet shapes and other details after design review. Commissioners raised concerns about fenestration and whether large vertical glazing aligns with the district’s historic character; one commissioner described the window arrangement as making the house appear more contemporary than the commission typically finds appropriate in Robins Park.

The demolition motion passed by roll call vote; the construction COA failed by roll call with Commissioner Harlow the lone affirmative vote and Commissioners Weinberger, Elder and Olson voting against. After the vote, staff explained the procedural next steps: a denial of a COA must be forwarded to the Village Board for further consideration no later than 60 days and that the Village Board can affirm or reverse the commission’s decision. Staff said the next Village Board meeting available to hear an appeal is June 10 and that the applicant and design team should be present for the village review.

The commission closed the public hearing following the votes.