Lake Bluff preservation commission ends demolition review for 665 Pine Court, clears way for two‑lot subdivision

The Lake Bluff Historic Preservation Commission voted to terminate the demolition review of the single‑family residence at 665 Pine Court and allowed the applicant to move forward with plans to demolish and subdivide the parcel into two lots. The commission approved the motion by roll call, with five ayes and no objections, after concluding the house did not meet criteria for landmark designation.

The vote matters because the applicant, identified in the meeting as Mr. Schnell, told commissioners he intends to tear down the existing, vacant house because of extensive water and mold damage and to divide the parcel so he can build a new home on the north lot and either sell or build a second house on the south lot. During the meeting Mr. Schnell described structural problems and said, “There’s some…