Owners of Frank Lloyd Wright–designed Bagley House seek preservation incentives from Hinsdale

Trustees considered a first read April 14 on a preservation incentive certificate and agreement for the Frank Lloyd Wright–designed house at 121 South County Line Road (referred to in the meeting as the Bagley House). The proposal would preserve original architectural elements and provide incentives that include a five‑year village tax rebate and a $10,000 matching grant — items the board said would remain unchanged from prior approvals.

Applicant Lucas Rupka, one of the owners, said the project had been scaled back from an earlier plan that included a rear addition; the current proposal focuses on restoring original features, removing non‑original additions and constructing a new detached garage designed to complement the house. Trustee Stifler noted the project is now fully code compliant and that the Historic Preservation Commission had unanimously approved a certificate of appropriateness and recommended the tax rebate and grant.

Trustees and staff discussed how to treat the prior approval and whether the new agreement should explicitly nullify the former approval; staff said they would add language in the preservation incentive agreement to address that before the second read. Rupka said engineering is complete and the owners hope to start work soon.

Why it matters: The Bagley House is a locally significant Frank Lloyd Wright design; preservation incentives aim to help restore historic character while keeping the property viable for modern use.

What’s next: Staff will prepare final language to clarify the relationship between prior and new approvals and return the matter for a second read and formal action.