Historic Preservation Commission

Historic District Designation

The Historic Preservation Commission and the Village Board of Trustees approved the Downtown Libertyville Historic District as the Village's first Historic District! To view the boundaries of the Downtown Libertyville Historic District, please CLICK HERE. The criteria utilized by the Historic Preservation Commission in determining the designation of Historic Districts includes:
 

• Containing one or more landmarks along with such other buildings, places or areas within its definable geographic boundaries, that contribute to the overall visual characteristics of the landmark(s) located in the District;
• A significant number of structures meeting any of the standards for Local Landmark Designation Criteria;
• Establishing a sense of time and place unique to the Village of Libertyville; and/or
• Exemplifying or reflecting the cultural, social, economic, political or architectural history of the nation, the state or the Village.

Local Landmark Designation

Commercial and residential structures with architectural and historical significance are eligible for Local Landmark status with the Village. Notable features that qualifies a property for local landmarking includes architectural style or design; a significant builder or architect; identification with a person or persons who have made significant contributions at the local, regional or national level; and those properties associated with important cultural or social aspects or events. The complete list of criteria for local landmark designation can be found in the Historic Preservation Ordinance.

Interested in landmarking your property? The application can be found here. Any questions about the landmarking process, including what is required for a submission and the benefits of receiving landmark status, can be directed to Chris Sandine, Associate Planner, at (847) 918-2028 or csandine@libertyville.com.

The following properties have received Local Landmark status:

• The Cook House, 413 N. Milwaukee Avenue (reviewed by the HPC on March 1, 2016, and approved by the Village Board on May 10, 2016.)
• The David Adler Estate, 1700 N. Milwaukee Avenue (reviewed by the HPC on April 5, 2016, and approved by the Village Board on May 24, 2016.)
• The Proctor Building, 520-530 N. Milwaukee Avenue (reviewed by the HPC on June 14, 2016, and approved by the Village Board on November 8, 2016.)
• Private Residence, 210 Lake Street (reviewed by the HPC on March 15, 2021, and approved by the Village Board on May 11, 2021.)

Historic Survey (2016)

The Village contracted architectural historians Lara Ramsey and Emily Ramsey of Ramsey Historic Consultants to conduct an architectural/historical survey of a portion of Libertyville's downtown. The purpose of the survey was to assess approximately 350 structures for architectural and historical significance. The survey area is roughly bounded by the Metra train tracks to the north, 1st Street to the east, Route 176 to the south, and Brainerd Avenue to the west. Click Here for the Final Survey Results, or visit www.historiclibertyville.com. The Village will use this information to make informed decisions regarding preservation planning, community development projects, and rehabilitation plans for individual buildings. Please direct any questions about the survey to Chris Sandine, Associate Planner, at (847) 918-2028 or csandine@libertyville.com.

Does your house have a history? Let us know! If your property falls within the survey area and your home has a relevant historical background (notable builder, architecture, owners, etc.) that you would like to share, please fill out this form and send back to us.

Benefits

Historic Preservation offers rewarding opportunities through both financial and social incentives.

Financial Incentives include:

• 20% Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit
• 10% Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit
• Property Tax Assessment Freezes
• Tax Benefits for Historic Preservation Easements

Social Incentives include:

• Higher Property Values
• Stablization of Residence
• Insulation from Extreme Market Fluctuations 
• Increased Connections among Neighbors and Community Involvement

Articles

• "Historic district designation sought as protection for downtown Libertyville," Mick Zawislak, Daily Herald, 11/15/2017
• "Former hotel designated as Libertyville's third local landmark," Mick Zawislak, Daily Herald, 11/15/2016
• "Libertyville grants landmark status to Cook House, Adler Estate," Rick Kambic, Chicago Tribune, 6/9/2016
• "Houses of Milwaukee Avenue: a Historical Photographic Exhibit," Community Contributor barryjk25, Chicago Tribune, 5/21/16
• "Familiar Cook House designated Libertyville's first landmark," Mick Zawislak, Daily Herald, 3/9/16
• "Historic survey of Libertyville buildings planned," Mick Zawislak, Daily Herald, 12/11/15
• "Historic commission gets started on survey of downtown Libertyville commercial buildings," Rick Kambic, Chicago Tribune, 12/7/15

Ordinances

• Ordinance 12-O-15: Historic Preservation Ordinance (adopted Feb. 14, 2012 by the Village Board)
• Ordinance 14-O-70: Ordinance Amending Chapter 2 of the Village of Libertyville Municipal Code to Add Division 18 Creating the Historic Preservation Commission (adopted Oct. 28, 2014 by the Village Board)
• Ordinance 14-O-71: Ordinance Authorizing a Moratorium for Commercial Buildings in the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District (adopted Oct. 28, 2014 by the Village Board)

Additional Resources

• Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
• Financial Incentives for Historic Preservation
• Historic Tax Credit Improvement Act of 2015
• Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society
• National Register of Historic Places in Illinois
• 10 Benefits of Establishing a Local Historic District, by Julia Rocchi
• Historic Preservation, by the WBDG Historic Preservation Subcommittee
• Sustainable Historic Preservation, by the WBDG Historic Preservation Subcommittee
• Economic Benefits of Preservation, by the National Trust for Historic Preservation
• Economics, Sustainability, and Historic Preservation, by Donovan D. Rypkema 
• Economics of Historic Preservation, by Donovan D. Rypkema 
• Economics and Historic Preservation, by Randall Mason

Frequently Asked Questions

Installing a Solar PV System within an Historic Preservation District

Questions and Comments

The Commission welcomes all comments or questions you may have. Please join one of the scheduled public meetings or contact Chris Sandine, Associate Planner, at (847) 918-2028 or csandine@libertyville.com.