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Historic preservation commission presents first consolidated awards to two Villa Park homes
Summary
The Villa Park Historic Preservation Commission presented two awards — to the Kugel House (437 S. Michigan Ave.) and the Shively House (828 S. Harvard Ave.) — recognizing architectural and historical features and announced a new consolidated awards program and a historic walking tour.
The Villa Park Historic Preservation Commission presented the first awards under a new consolidated historic-preservation program at the May 12 board meeting, recognizing two local houses for age, architectural style and historical significance.
The commission honored 437 South Michigan Avenue (the Kugel House), noting the lot was purchased in 1918 by Arthur Kugel, a real-estate broker who later became president of the Chicago Real Estate Board. The home retains original doors and windows, and owners the Diver family described restoring maple floors and commissioning casement windows to match the original design.
The second award went to 828 South Harvard Avenue (the Shively House). Commission remarks said the Shively lot was purchased in 1928 and described original features including 1929 wood flooring, crystal door handles and a flagstone fireplace surround. The Stultz family, who have occupied the house for more than 20 years, compiled historical materials and original newspapers found at the property.
The commission announced it is accepting applications for the 2026 awards and promoted a new historic walking tour mapped on the village website. May is recognized nationally as Historic Preservation Month; the commission said the new plaques will mark future awardees.
No board action was required; the presentation was part of the meeting’s agenda and the commission said it will continue the awards program and maintain the walking tour information online.
