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Kenilworth commission finds 429 Warwick Road does not meet historic-properties criteria
Summary
On June 23, 2025 the Building Review Commission accepted the village historian's finding that 429 Warwick Road, built in 1893 as a coach house, has been significantly altered and does not meet the criteria for Properties of Special Importance; the motion passed 5–0.
The Village of Kenilworth Building Review Commission voted 5–0 on June 23, 2025, to accept the village architectural historian’s report that 429 Warwick Road does not meet the criteria for Properties of Special Importance.
"The house was originally built in 1893 as a coach house for Mr. and Mrs. James A. Culbertson," Susan Benjamin, the village architectural historian, told commissioners, and she said the building has been altered so extensively that "it is not significant in its current state due to all the modifications." Benjamin identified the half-timber details as the only original feature still evident.
The finding prompted questions from commissioners about historic associations and property changes. Commissioner Dick Schumacher noted Mr. Culbertson’s local role—he "started the Kenilworth Club and served as a Village President"—but Benjamin said the current building does not reflect the house’s original appearance. Commissioner Jack Kelly asked when the property was subdivided; Benjamin said only estimates were available and no firm date could be confirmed.
An applicant attending the meeting explained why replacement was sought, saying the existing structure "requires significant remodeling to bring it modern amenities," that the applicant’s family needs a different floorplan and basement, and that the applicant "intends to build a house that will better fit the character of the neighborhood." A resident in attendance asked why the building was being demolished; the applicant responded with the renovation and family-needs explanation.
Chair Mike Schwaab asked for a motion to accept the historian’s findings and conclude the structure does not meet the Properties of Special Importance criteria. Commissioner Liz Watson moved; Commissioner Dick Schumacher seconded. The voice vote was recorded as Yea: Schwaab, Schumacher, Watson, Kelly, Djuvik; Nay: none; Absent: Wyner, Mehta. Chair Schwaab declared the motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.
No further public comments were offered on the item at the meeting. The transcript does not record any subsequent permit action or administrative step taken at that same meeting.
The commission’s finding is a formal determination on historic significance under the Building Review Commission agenda; further filings, permits, or applications related to demolition or new construction were not recorded in the June 23 meeting minutes.
