Lombard Historic Preservation Commission

2022 Annual Report

The 2022 Annual Report for the Historic Preservation Commission gives an overview of 2022 HPC activities.

About the Commission

The Commission is tasked with managing the Village’s interest in public and private historic sites throughout the community. This includes working closely with the Lombard Historical Society as well as managing the Village’s Local Landmark process.  Section 32.075 of Village Code pertains to the Commission.   The Commission meets quarterly in the Village Hall at 7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of January, April, July, and October (plus additional special meetings as necessary). Meetings are open to the public.

Local Landmarks

The Commission has the authority to recommend the designation of landmark sites or districts having a special historical or community interest or value. These sites are designated based on their character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage, or cultural characteristics of the Village, as well as their architectural significance (for buildings at least 50 years old) and/or potential archaeological importance.  

If a local landmark is altered, it may need to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Village.  The Secretary of the Interior office’s has guidelines online regarding standards for rehabilitation of historic buildings.  

The designated local landmarks in the Village of Lombard include: 

  • The Sheldon Peck Homestead (355 E. Parkside Avenue)
  • The Lombard Cemetery (460 S. Main Street)
  • Babcock’s Grove House (101 W. St. Charles Road)
  • The Lackner Building (128-132 W. St. Charles Road)
  • 125 E. Washington Boulevard
  • 241 W. Maple Street
  • 215 S. Stewart
  • 134 W. St. Charles Road
  • 515 N. West Road
  • 245 W. Maple Street
  • The Commission has also recognized a historic sign on the Dairy Queen at 205 S. Main Street

Why become a Local Landmark? Local Landmark properties are very rare, so owning and/or living in one can be a great source of Lombard Pride. In addition to the sense of community that comes from being a Local Landmark, property owners are able to solicit the advice of the Commission on proposed additions and renovations.

There can also be economic benefits to becoming a Local Landmark. Local Landmark buildings are eligible for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency’s Tax Assessment Freeze Program. According to the IHPA website, "the program can freeze the assessed value of owner-occupied, historic residences for a period of 8 years, followed by a four-year period during which the property’s assessed value steps up to an amount based upon its current market value. This results in 12 years of reduced property taxes. This program is administered free of charge as a benefit to Illinois property owners interested in rehabilitating their historic homes."

How are Local Landmarks designated?

Property owners must first submit a request to the Commission using the Local Landmark Application form. The Commission will then reach a preliminary conclusion as to whether or not the property meets the criteria set forth in Section 32.079 of the Village Code. If the criteria are met, the Commission will conduct a public hearing on the proposed designation. After the public hearing, the Commission will forward its recommendation to the Village Board and the Village Board will have the option to approve the designation.

Local History and Preservation Links

  • The Lombard Historical Society was founded in 1970 as an educational organization that studies, preserves, and promotes all variety of knowledge, records, and sites related to the history of Lombard. The Historical Society has its own program (separate from the Village’s Local Landmark program) to identify and plaque historic buildings.  
  • The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency has valuable educational information as well as details on the Property Tax Assessment Freeze program for registered historic buildings that are owner-occupied.
  • The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation, which includes the Maple Street Chapel. Their website has links to numerous preservation resources.
  • The National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior has more tools and information for preserving, rehabilitating, restoring, and reconstructing historic properties.  

  • For More Information

    If you have any questions or would like additional information about the Commission or its activities, please contact Tami Urish, Planner I at (630) 620-5967.