Hinsdale trustees hear debate over demolition of 142 East First Street; no vote, matter set for Sept. 16

At its Sept. 2 meeting the Hinsdale Village Board of Trustees heard extended discussion about a certificate of appropriateness request to demolish the contributing historic house at 142 East First Street and build a new single‑family home. The item was presented after the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) denied the COA on Aug. 6 by a unanimous 4–0 vote; the matter was forwarded to the village board for review within the 60‑day period provided in the village code.

The house, commonly called the William Whitney House or the Hallmark House, was first constructed in 1869 and is documented as a contributing structure in the Robins Park Historic District. Village staff told trustees the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1989) and was placed on the village’s locally significant structures list in 2023. The board was told that the final decision by the village board on a COA is advisory and “shall not prohibit the applicant from proceeding with a proposed course of action upon receiving all other required approvals and permits.” The village…