Commission approves large rear addition to historic Wiltonberg hotel, asks for design refinements

The Historic Preservation Commission recommended approval Monday for the rehabilitation and addition at the Wiltonberg (Newnhamacher Estate / Wiltonberg Hotel), an individually designated historic property at 3774 South 20th Street.

Staff said the project is a thorough rehabilitation of the historic building and includes a new second‑floor rear wing; the existing historic building is approximately 2,800 square feet and the proposed addition totals about 14,000 square feet. Staff recommended approval with conditions including a complete materials list, differentiation of the front patio, use of natural (non‑clad) window trim and shutters on the original building, and some refinements to the side entry and second‑floor extension (adding additional fenestration or clerestory windows to reduce vertical emphasis).

Thomas Michalak of Stack Design Group and the applicant’s representative described the change in ownership and program: the addition will make usable second-floor space and provide a banquet hall and sports-bar style area. The developer, Mandeep Dewan, was described by staff as investing in the property and having supportive aldermanic input. Commissioners discussed the size and materiality of the addition but agreed the setback and lot context made the proposal acceptable with the recommended conditions.

The commission approved the project with the staff‑recommended conditions and noted the project will also proceed through City Development and plan‑commission review for site elements outside the historic building footprint.