Hinsdale commission votes to designate R. Harold Zook home and studio as local landmark

The Hinsdale Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously Oct. 1, 2025, to approve case HPC-17-2025 and recommend local landmark designation for the R. Harold Zook Home and Studio, now sited at Catherine Leggett Memorial Park.

The designation recommendation recognizes the property for its association with architect R. Harold Zook, its distinctive Cotswold/Tudor/Georgian-influenced design and craftsmanship, and the role of the Hinsdale Historical Society in moving and stewarding the structure. Commission staff told members the property meets the village's landmark criteria in section 14-3-1 and that the designation would make the property eligible for certain local preservation funding and give it stronger protection against demolition than a National Register listing alone.

The Hinsdale Historical Society, which filed the application, said the move of the house and studio to Catherine Leggett Memorial Park followed a fundraising effort and broad community support. A society representative summarized the group's intent: "The Hinsdale Historical Society seeks local landmark designation for the R. Harold Zook Home and Studio, both as a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped save it and as a celebration of the society's 50 years of stewardship." The applicant noted the park location is near another Zook design and said the setting is appropriate for public visitation and education.

Bethany, a community development staff member, told the commission that the application was reviewed against the village's criteria (14-3-1) and that, from staff's perspective, most criteria in sections A and B were met; some items in section C (C3-C6) could be more debatable but did not prevent a finding in favor of designation. Bethany said the likely benefit of local landmark status is expanded access to preservation funding: "By local landmark status [the property] would actually allow them to apply for potentially preservation funding in the future." She added that local landmark designation provides a stronger local protection against demolition than National Register listing alone: "It adds that extra layer of protection against demolition."

Commission discussion endorsed staff and applicant statements, and several commissioners walked through the landmark criteria on the record. Commissioners and attendees described Zook as a locally significant architect whose houses and commercial designs shaped Hinsdale's built character; the commission noted that several other Zook properties in the village already enjoy historic recognition.

The motion approved by the commission directed staff to forward the commission's findings and recommendation to the village board for final action. The commission's vote was recorded as all present voting in favor; the motion carried.

The applicant and staff said local landmark status would not only add a protective review at the local level but also open preservation- funding and easement options through organizations such as Landmarks Illinois, which has been involved with the project.

Commissioners closed the public hearing after receiving testimony from the applicant and discussion among members. The matter now proceeds to the Hinsdale Village Board for the board's decision on local landmark designation.