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Hinsdale commissioners discuss landmarking 1920s pump houses, seek archival research and potential grants
Summary
Commissioners raised concerns about deterioration of two 1920s village pump houses and discussed researching their history, possible landmark designation and plaques; staff said it will check village files and coordinate with the historical society.
Commissioners at the June 3 Hinsdale Historic Preservation Commission meeting discussed the condition and history of two village water pump houses dating from the 1920s and suggested pursuing landmark designation and interpretive plaques.
The conversation began as commissioners walking the neighborhood noticed masonry deterioration and decorative elements that appear to be limestone and are cracking and spalling. Commissioners described the pump houses as architecturally and historically significant and said they could be candidates for landmarking to unlock grant opportunities for restoration.
Bethany said the village has historic information on file and that staff can reach out to the Hinsdale Historical Society to gather more documentation. "I will first look and see what historic information we have," one commissioner said; Albert added, "I will bring this up. I have it on my list now. I'll first look and see what historic information we have. I can always reach out to the historical society." (Attributed to Albert per the transcript.)
Why it matters: Commissioners said the pump houses are visible to the public and part of the village's infrastructure history; landmark designation and plaques could preserve physical fabric and provide historical context to residents and visitors.
Additional context and related items
Commissioners compared the pump houses to other village landmarks such as the Burns Field pavilion and the Zuckerman studio and noted precedent for landmarking village-owned structures. They also suggested grouping the pump houses with the broader waterworks site when pursuing documentation or interpretive signage.
Separately, the commission discussed a federal grant for Sixth Street work. Staff reported the village received the grant and that construction is expected in summer 2027; an RFP is being drafted and firm construction numbers are not yet available. Commissioners noted the need to discuss any special service area (SSA) or cost-recovery plans once construction numbers are final.
Next steps
Staff will search village archives, consult the historical society and report back; a commissioner said they will also raise the matter with the village manager. Commissioners suggested exploring plaques or markers and the potential to include the waterworks building in any landmarking effort.
