Administration Committee reviews first draft of Wilmette Historic Preservation Plan

The Village of Wilmette Administration Committee reviewed the first draft of a proposed Historic Preservation Plan at its May 12, 2026 meeting, hearing a presentation from consultants the Lakota Group and staff. The committee approved related minutes and discussed next steps for refining the draft.

According to Community Development Director Emily Egan, implementation of the Plan would be directed by the Village Board. The Lakota Group presenters outlined the first-draft approach and committee members discussed various action items to be incorporated into a revised draft. Staff said the next step is to incorporate feedback into an updated draft and present that draft to the Historic Preservation Commission for a formal recommendation; the plan is anticipated to be adopted in late summer or early fall.

Chair Mark Steen and Trustees Justin Sheperd and Mike Lieber were present for the review, along with staff including Emily Egan and Planner III Adam Beaver. Consultants Matt Cole and Douglas Kaarre of the Lakota Group delivered the update and fielded committee questions about implementation timing and action-item responsibilities. The committee discussed specific action items but did not take a final vote on the Plan itself.

During the public comment period, Walter Keats addressed the draft plan and shared remarks for the committee to consider. The committee recorded that no new business items were added and noted that the meeting summary was prepared by Assistant to the Village Manager Sara Phyfer. The committee did not set a next meeting date; the next meeting was listed as TBD.