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Trustees hear presentation on historic preservation incentives for 4 E. Fifth St.; HPC recommended grant and tax rebate
Summary
The applicant seeking rehabilitation of a 1922 Harold Zook house at 4 East Fifth Street described planned renovations; the Historic Preservation Commission unanimously recommended a permit fee waiver, expedited processing, minor zoning relief, a $10,000 grant and a property tax rebate over five years.
The Board of Trustees heard a presentation on Jan. 21 about a preservation and settlement award and agreement for a single‑family house at 4 East Fifth Street, a structure the staff identified as designed by Harold Zook and built in 1922.
Staff said the property was classified as a significant structure in Hinsdale’s historic surveys and was made eligible for incentives under the village’s historic preservation program (Title 14). The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) unanimously recommended that the board grant an expedited permit fee waiver, zoning relief, a $10,000 renovation grant and a property tax rebate that staff estimated would total approximately $65,100 over five years. The applicant, identified in the packet as Mimi Collins, and a contractor who identified himself as Allen described work that includes new mechanical systems, masonry repairs, and interior renovations.
Why it matters: The incentives are intended to preserve architecturally significant houses and reduce demolition pressure while subsidizing renovation costs; the HPC’s unanimous recommendation moves the item to the board for consideration of the incentive package.
Key details and clarifications presented: The HPC’s recommended zoning relief includes a modest increase in allowable floor area and an interior side‑yard setback change from the current coded 8 feet to 6 feet (the property’s existing interior side yard was described as 6 feet 8 inches, and the requested change would reduce that to 6 feet). Staff estimated the owner’s renovation budget at about $178,000. The packet included a running list of grants paid and in the queue; staff said approximately $110,000 worth of grants have been or will be distributed to date, and the village’s budget for the preservation incentives stood near $118,000 since the program’s inception.
Outcome at meeting: The board received the presentation and, by general agreement, placed the matter on the consent agenda for final action. The transcript records supportive remarks from attendees and references to prior preservation work at 420 South Park.
Quotes: "It's a great little house, but it needs a lot of updating," said the contractor who identified himself as Allen. "I'm always willing to help others..." said Mimi Collins, the property owner (as introduced in the packet).
