Historic Preservation

The Historic Preservation Commission, an 11-member body of citizen volunteers, was created in 1972 to preserve and promote the significant historic and architectural heritage of the Village. The Commission reviews building permit applications for exterior alterations, additions, new construction and full or partial demolition of properties located within historic districts or designated as historic landmarks. The Commission also identifies new landmarks and historic districts, and seeks to enhance the attractiveness of the Village by educating property owners and citizens about the importance of preservation, restoration and rehabilitation.

In a historic district, most buildings contribute to the significance of the area without having the credentials individually of a landmark. These buildings are referred to as contributing resources. They help maintain the historic integrity of the neighborhood. Buildings that do not contribute to the significance of the historic district are usually less than 50 years old or have been altered significantly in the recent past.  These buildings are referred to as non-contributing resources.

A Certificate of Advisory Review is for properties located within one of the Village’s historic districts or for any property owner seeking advice. A Certificate of Appropriateness review is for historic landmarks, projects that propose full or partial demolition in a historic district or properties being altered with Village funding. The Historic Preservation Commission does not review ordinary maintenance and repairs that do not require a building permit, such as exterior painting. The Commission bases it reviews on the Village of Oak Park’s Architectural Review Guidelines. These guidelines follow the review criteria set forth in the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. In addition, owners of historic buildings may be eligible for tax incentives.

Application for Certificate of Appropriateness

Finding the history of your house and the land on which it sits can be both entertaining and rewarding. It can help you understand your building’s part in Oak Park’s history and may inform future preservation or restoration efforts. 

Click here for information on how to trace the history of your house

The Village of Oak park maintains a historic resources database that includes information such as construction date, architect, builder, architectural style and description and significant owners for properties in Oak Park historic districts.

Click here to access the Historic Resource Database

Each year the Village, through its Historic Preservation Commission, recognizes outstanding preservation efforts with a special award. Single-family residences, apartment buildings, commercial buildings, public/institutional buildings and religious structures are nominated in the categories of restoration, rehabilitation, adaptive use and additions/new construction.  Additional awards are presented for stewardship, detail and design. Nominations need not be in an historic district. Interior work also may be considered in conjunction with exterior work. Any resident, owner or tenant of eligible structures, members of local preservation and historical societies, and members of the Oak Park Community Design Commission and Historic Preservation Commission may make nominations. Nominations may be made online or via mail.

• Click here to begin the nomination process.

The judges’ decisions will be based upon the Historic Preservation Commission’s Architectural Review Guidelines, which are based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, as well as considerations of contextual and design appropriateness.