Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Landmarking topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Historic gatehouse at 109 Moffett designated local landmark
Summary
The Lake Bluff Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously Jan. 8 to designate the David Adler–designed gatehouse at 109 Moffett Road as a local landmark; the designation will go next to the Village Board for ordinance approval.
The Lake Bluff Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously Jan. 8 to locally designate the gatehouse at 109 Moffett Road as a landmark, finding it a well-preserved example of architect David Adler’s French eclectic work.
Owner Nicholas Davis told commissioners he and his wife, Emily, bought 109 Moffett about three years ago and are seeking landmark status to preserve the home’s historic character. “We bought 109 Moffett about 3 years ago. … My wife and I love it. We're trying to bring parts of it back to the original and are interested in making a landmark,” Davis said during the hearing.
Commission members discussed the property at length against the village’s designation criteria. Commissioners agreed the house met multiple criteria cited in the application, including connections to a master architect, high integrity of original materials and design, and its role as a familiar visual feature associated with the larger Eli estate. Chair Bergman noted she visited the property and referenced historical drawings to support the discussion.
After scoring the property on the checklist (items B1, B2 and B3 in the application), a commissioner moved to designate the property; the motion was seconded and put to a roll-call vote. Members McGuire, Minor, Nichol, Tanner and Chair Bergman all voted yes. The commission’s action advances the designation to the Village Board for adoption of the implementing ordinance.
The commission packet included a historical summary noting the main estate (the Eli mansion) dates from the 1920s, that 109 Moffett was constructed in 1916, and that 113 Moffett (the Orangery) was locally landmarked in 2008. Commission discussion emphasized the gatehouse’s preservation and the applicants’ efforts to follow Adler’s style in later additions.
The commission’s vote applies only to local landmark status; Chair Bergman told the owners the next procedural step is Village Board consideration of an ordinance to formalize the designation.
The commission did not identify or approve any preservation work or alterations as part of the designation; any future changes will follow the village’s review processes.
Local continuity: the commission’s files will be transmitted to the Village Board, and staff said they will notify the applicants about the next meeting when the ordinance is scheduled for consideration.
