Village of Plainfield Illinois

When historic buildings are torn down or allowed to deteriorate, a part of our community’s heritage and unique community identity disappears forever. Landmark and District Designation promotes the preservation of important cultural, educational and economic resources essential to maintain the existing character of the Village of Plainfield.

Landmarks | Plainfield Landmarks | Districts | Plainfield Districts | Events & Activities | Grant Opportunities | Plainfield Resources | Publications | Preservation Websites | Contact Information

Landmarks - A landmark is a property reviewed by the Plainfield Historic Preservation Commission and officially designated by the Village Board for its historic and/or architectural significance.

Why landmark?
Recognition and Prestige
Technical Assistance
Record of the Village's History
Protection of Historical and Architectural Resources
Code Relief
Resale Value
Financial Incentives
Economic Revitalization

How do I designate my property? - Applications are available from Planning Staff. Call (815) 439-2824 to schedule a pre-application meeting.

How is my property evaluated? - A landmark nomination will be evaluated on its historic and/or architectural significance, the integrity of its design, workmanship, materials, location, setting and feeling, and the extent to which it meets one or more of the twelve criteria.

Plainfield Landmarks

15126 S. Fox River Street (510 N. Fox River Street)
This American Foursquare was designated a landmark based on the following criteria:
(a) Has character, interest, or value which is part of the development, heritage, or cultural character of the community, county, state, or nation.
(c) Is identified with a person who significantly contributed to the development of the community, county, state or nation.
(d) Embodies distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style valuable for the study of a period, type, method of construction or use of indigenous materials.
(e) Is identified with the work of a master builder, designer, architect, or landscape architect whose work has influenced the development of the area, the county, the state or the nation.
(h) Has a unique location or physical characteristics that make it a familiar visual feature of the community.
(i) Is a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian structure with a high level of integrity or architectural significance.
(j) Is suitable for preservation or restoration.

Prior To Rehabilitation Post Rehabilitation
24216 W. Ottawa Street (707 W. Ottawa Street)
This house is a landmark based on the following criteria:
(c) Is identified with a person who significantly contributed to the development of the community, county, state or nation.
(d) Embodies distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style valuable for the study of a period, type, method of construction or use of indigenous materials.
(j) Is suitable for preservation or restoration.

24012 W. Commercial Street (409 W. Commercial Street) - The Pioneer House
This Greek Revival vernacular home was constructed shortly after the Village of Plainfield was platted and would have been one of the first houses constructed along Commercial Street. It is associated with several prominent early families who helped settle the Village of Plainfield. It is probable that Chester Ingersoll, or one of his associates, constructed the house in 1834.
The Pioneer House is a landmark based on the following criteria:
(a) Has character, interest, or value which is part of the development, heritage, or cultural character of the community, county, state, or nation.
(c) Is identified with a person who significantly contributed to the development of the community, county, state, or nation.
(d) Embodies distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style valuable for the study of a period, type, method of construction or use of indigenous materials.
(j) Is suitable for preservation or restoration.
(l) Has yielded, or is likely to yield information important to prehistory, history, or other areas of archaeological significance.

14907 S. Bartlett Avenue (803 N. Bartlett Avenue) - The Caton-Kelly Wright House
This house is a landmark based on the following criteria:
(c) Is identified with a person who significantly contributed to the development of the community.
(d) Embodies distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style valuable for the study of a period, type, method of construction, or use of indigenous materials.
(f) Embodies elements of design, detailing, materials, or craftsmanship that are of architectural significance.
(j) Is suitable for preservation or restoration.

Districts - A district is a grouping of sites, properties and/or buildings reviewed by the Plainfield Historic Preservation Commission and officially designated by the Village Board for its historic and/or architectural value. A district may consist of individual landmarks, contributing properties and non-contributing properties.

Why join a district?
Recognition and Prestige
Technical Assistance
Application Requirements
Record of the Village's History
Protection of Historical and Architectural Resources
Code Relief
Resale Value
Neighborhood Stability
Financial Incentives
Economic Revitalization

How is a district created? - Applications are available from Planning Staff. Call (815) 439-2824 to schedule a pre-application meeting.

How is the district evaluated?

Plainfield Districts - Currently, the Village does not have any designated historic districts. There is interest in an East Side Historic District incorporating parts of Amboy, Bartlett, Center, Chicago, Dillman, and Lockport Streets. There will be an informational meeting for the proposed district on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Plainfield Academy Gym.

Events & Activities
Seminars
Selling History - On Wednesday, April 30, 2008, from 7:00 to 9:15 p.m., at the Village Hall, a seminar on “Selling History” will be sponsored by the Plainfield Historic Preservation Commission. Designed to assist local realtors and private property owners concerned with marketing historic properties, the seminar is an introduction to the history and architectural styles of the region. Additionally, local, state, and national incentives that apply to historic properties will be discussed.
Michael Lambert of Arris Architects and Chair of the Plainfield Historic Preservation Commission will be speaking on regional architectural styles and identifying elements. Preservation staff from the communities of Aurora, Joliet, and Plainfield will discuss local and other preservation incentives. Realtor Stephenie Todd of ReMax Town & Country will share her experiences with marketing historic properties.
The workshop will be held at the Plainfield Village Hall, 24401 W. Lockport Street, and is free of charge. However, seating is limited and advance registration is suggested. Please contact Sara Javoronok in the Village Planning Division at (815) 439-2824 for more information or to register.
Cable TV Programs
Preservation Doesn't Cost, It Pays! presented by Bob Yapp
Residential Architectural Styles in Illinois
Windows - Preservation Treatments
The Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation: Interpretation and Application
Neighborhood Q&A Sessions
Coming to your neighborhood soon! Call the Planning Division at (815) 439-2824 to schedule a session.