Planning renovations to a building in a historic district?
The Village has more than 70 local and nationally landmark sites, one global landmark designation, and three historic districts - The Ridgeland/Oak Park Historic District, Frank Lloyd Wright-Prairie School of Architecture Historic District and Gunderson Historic District (approximately a third of the Village).
These historic districts categorize their buildings, or “resources”, into a few categories: contributing, non-contributing, and landmark.
Most of the buildings in our historic districts contribute to their significance without having the individual credentials of a landmark. These buildings are referred to as contributing resources. They help maintain the historic integrity of the districts. Buildings that do not contribute to the significance of the districts are referred to as non-contributing resources. Not sure if your building is in a historic district? Search in the historic resource database here.
The conservation of our rich cultural and historic resources is of great value; therefore, the Village has an Urban Planner for Historic Preservation, a Historic Preservation Commission and an Architectural Review Committee.
Click below to understand the two types of reviews necessary for doing work on a building in a historic district and for information on how to apply for one.
Certificate of Advisory Review (COAR)
A Certificate of Advisory Review (COAR) is required for work done on properties located within one of the Village's historic districts or for any property owner seeking advice on historic preservation design. Receiving a COAR is required for any new construction and is often coupled with a COA, however, many residents like to receive a COAR to receive help in designing with historic preservation in mind.
Click here for the online application for an Certificate for Advisory review
If your project requires both a COA and COAR, please review both categories.