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Highland Park proclaims National Historic Preservation Month, designates 670 Detambel Avenue as local landmark
Summary
The Highland Park City Council proclaimed May 2026 National Historic Preservation Month, presented preservation awards, and voted 6–0 to designate 670 Detambel Avenue as a local landmark. City leaders highlighted outreach tied to the city's 2022 preservation plan.
Mayor Nancy Rotering proclaimed May 2026 National Historic Preservation Month and urged residents to take part in city preservation events and tours.
The proclamation, read at the May 11 Highland Park City Council meeting, noted the city’s historic preservation program has expanded to include multiple historic districts and nearly 80 local landmarks. "I, Nancy Rotering, mayor of the city of Highland Park, and the city council of Highland Park, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as National Historic Preservation Month," Rotering said.
The council and staff highlighted recent preservation work and awards. Joel Fontaine, director of community development, summarized the May 7 awards ceremony at the Ward Willett House and said the awards "support the 2022 preservation plan" by celebrating rehabilitation, adaptive reuse and outreach. Fontaine singled out two award winners: a restoration at 818 Hill Street and the rehabilitation and addition at Ravinia Elementary School, noting the school project included a new library, art room and safety and accessibility improvements.
Following staff remarks and public recognition of school district leaders, the council approved an ordinance designating 670 Detambel Avenue as a local landmark. The ordinance passed by roll-call vote with six ayes and no nays. Mayor Rotering encouraged residents to view the designated property and thanked the Vetter family, the home’s original owners, for its stewardship.
Council member Bloomberg also reported that the Historic Preservation Commission completed a federally supported update to the city's Northeast architectural survey, identifying more than 400 historic properties, and that the commission has recommended voluntary landmark nominations that have increased the city's inventory of protected resources.
What happens next
The designation takes effect per the city’s local-landmark procedures. The council also discussed outreach activities for property owners, including distribution of historic-property plaques and walking tours scheduled for later in May.
Provenance: Topic introduced SEG 066; related discussion and commission report SEG 528; ordinance motion and vote SEG 1081–SEG 1108.
