Current Projects

The Historic Preservation Commission is currently working on these projects.

1. Near West Side Historic District Addition:

For the past two years, the St. Charles Historic Preservation Commission has been working on creating a second Historic District encompassing the near west side of the City.  This area is rich in architecturally contributing and significant homes that we as a community should try and protect from incorrect modifications and or demolition.  St. Charles is aware of how losing these treasures can effect a neighborhood and the entire downtown as a whole by what can be seen happening in other suburban towns such as Hinsdale and Glen Ellyn.  These wonderful original homes of our great City, need to be maintained in their original condition because they are pieces of the story that has built St. Charles into the town that brought us here as residents, and that bring thousands here to visit each year.  Losing them, would have a devastating long term impact to our Downtown district that can never be recreated. 

The Commission has been working diligently on surveying the neighborhoods house by house to complete an "Architectural Survey" of each property in the proposed district.

This past summer, the Commission held three public meetings to allow residents to voice their concerns and to answer questions about what living in a Historic District would mean to them. The feedback at these meetings were mixed as is normal in any public venue where changes are proposed, but as whole the Commission felt the opposition to the district was a very small minority. 

The Commission held their final public meeting on October 10, 2001 at the Baker Community Center at 7:00 p.m.. 

Now that  the public forums have been completed, the Historic Commission is looking for residents of the proposed district, who would be willing to host small gatherings of residents in their homes for one on one meetings with the Commission.  These meetings are intended once again to answer questions but will also give residents a more relaxed and private forum to get to know the Commission members and actually view a draft of the new design guidelines for a better understanding of how the Commission and the City would like to see residents preserve their buildings.

Once these resident hosted meeting are finished, the Commission will then evaluate all data and hopefully proceed with their recommendation to the City Council that the district should be created.

The City Council will then have the final decision to either pass or deny the new district.

2. Residential Design Guidelines:

The Commission has long felt that St. Charles should have their own detailed residential design guidelines to both help them and residents determine the types of alterations, renovations, and changes that will help maintain and enhance the special qualities of the Historic District in St. Charles. 

These guidelines, which will only apply to a property's exterior are intended to help guide not only the Historic Commission, but also property owners on how to protect our City's unique architectural and cultural heritage.

For the past 10 months a Preservation Commission Subcommittee has spent countless hours working on these St. Charles guidelines and are nearing a completion date of early 2002.  

3. Gaining National Register Designation for Central Historic District:

Gaining National Register Designation from the Federal Government for our Historic District would be a great opportunity for both St. Charles and all residents in the Historic District.  If the Commission can get St. Charles designated, it will help residents qualify for special grants, tax credits, and low interest loan programs when renovating their homes and properties that currently are unavailable.  Designation will also mean the City will qualify for special programs that can allow further neighborhood improvements within the Historic District. 

4. Farnsworth Mansion Reconstruction:

In 1999, St. Charles became the owners of the remains of what once was the Farnsworth Mansion.  The Mansion was torn down after much controversy several years ago, to allow for the building of what is now Fox Pointe Subdivision on Rt. 31.

The Historic Commission took the initial lead in the gallant mission to try and rebuild the outer structure of the Mansion using the actual remains from the original building. At this time, how the interior will be designed is still under discussion, but the hopes are that it will be a multifunction interior possibly housing a museum, historical learning center for children and adults, and a public ballroom which could be used for meetings or private functions. 

The site of the reconstruction, which was approved by the City Council this summer, will be in South West portion of Langum Park which also was owned by General Farnsworth and was the site of "Camp Kane" a training facility during the Civil War for the 8th and 17th Illinois Calvary.  The choice of this location was made in part by looking at a location in the park that would not affect the sledding hill nor cause the removal of a lot of the wonderful trees in the park but that would also be convenient to parking and for handicapped accessibility.  

To the Commission's surprise, many local residents and businesses have already volunteered their skills and time to help make this Landmark stand proud once again.  

 Recently the non for profit "Farnsworth Mansion Foundation" was established to not only help guide the project along, but to also participate in the handling of donations and fundraising efforts. 

Already, the Historic Preservation Commission and The Farnsworth Mansion Foundation  have teamed up with the 8th Illinois Calvary to hold it's first major fundraising efforts this past October 12th & 13th.  The 8th Illinois Calvary who also plans to make the New Farnsworth Mansion it's home, came home after 139 years for a one day encampment at Langum Park on October 13th, with the 2nd Annual  Civil War Ball was held at the St. Charles American Legion Hall  the evening before on October 12th.

 During this exciting one day event, visitors were able to walk through a realistic Civil War encampment, view the troops drilling on battlefield tactics, and see the artillery drills which will include volleys across the Fox.  

Visitors were even allowed to  become part  of the encampment as a trooper by participating in  a new recruit training exercise just as they were in 1861.  Participants were trained in dismounted cavalry, infantry, and artillery tactics and drill, with all proceeds going to the rebuilding of the Farnsworth Mansion.

For further information on upcoming  events, contact  Kim Malay (630) 377-4443.

 If you would like to volunteer your time, skills, or donations to help us rebuild an integral piece of St. Charles History, please contact Kim Malay at (630) 377-4443.  Together we all can take part in bringing back a St. Charles Landmark.