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 structural issues and in order for someone to occupy it, it would need a very substantial amount of work.”

Commissioners reviewed available history and local resources and found no persuasive evidence of architectural or social significance that would support landmarking. Chair Bergman summarized the panel’s view of the neighborhood trend, saying some existing large lots “are going to disappear,” a point used to explain why this house did not meet the commission’s landmarking standards. Commissioners discussed options to continue review for 30 days, let the review lapse, or terminate the demolition review; they chose termination.

During discussion commissioners and staff also reviewed lot‑size and subdivision procedures. Staff advised that the village has an expedited administrative process for dividing a residential lot into two parcels in cases like this (no PCZBA review required unless a variation is sought) and that design review boards would only be involved if variations are requested. Commissioners and the applicant discussed lot measurements and neighborhood scale; meeting remarks referenced a typical minimum lot size of 9,500 square feet in the area and the applicant said the parcel will be divided to create lots in that approximate range. Exact final lot dimensions and required village approvals were not provided in the record and remain subject to the village subdivision process.

The commission’s formal action cleared the way for the applicant to proceed with demolition and the subsequent subdivision and building permit process. After the vote, commissioners told the applicant to coordinate next steps with village staff; the applicant was instructed to contact Clara at village staff for details on the administrative sequence and permitting.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to terminate the demolition review of the single‑family residence at 665 Pine Court and allow the applicant to proceed: Passed (roll call: 5 ayes, 0 noes; members voting recorded as Aye: Member McGuire, Member Minor, Member Nichol, Member Tanner, Chair Bergman). Mover: not specified. Seconder: not specified.

The commission’s decision is procedural (terminating the local demolition review) and does not itself approve any building design, subdivision plat or building permits; those steps remain subject to village administrative review and any required filings with the village board or other boards if variations are requested.