Commissioners discuss landmarking Hinsdale pump houses, cite deterioration and historic value

Commissioners at the June 3 Hinsdale Historic Preservation Commission meeting raised the idea of investigating landmark status for two village pump houses and the village waterworks building, saying the structures are historically significant but showing masonry deterioration.

Several commissioners described the pump houses as early-20th-century village utility buildings with distinctive architectural character. Bethany said the pump houses date from the 1920s in the village files and that village archives and the historical society likely hold further documentation. She told the commission she would review existing files, reach out to the historical society and raise the matter with the village manager to determine next steps.

Commissioners noted visible masonry problems: cracking and spalling of decorative limestone or terracotta elements, and discussed that landmarking could open opportunities for preservation grants and incentives. One commissioner suggested adding the pump houses and the waterworks building to the village landmark list and possibly creating a plaque or interpretive signage so residents can learn the structures' history.

Members referenced local precedents for village landmarks, citing Burnsfield pavilion, the Zukoma studio and lodge, and the historical society museum on village land as examples to model. Bethany said some historic plans and materials are held in private hands and that staff will attempt to consolidate archival information.

The commission did not take a formal vote; Bethany will investigate archival records and follow up with the village manager and the historical society about whether to pursue landmark designation or grant funding.