Know someone who’s done a notable historic preservation or green home project in Oak Park? The nomination deadline is right around the corner — Aug. 28 — for a couple of awards.
The Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission and the village’s Environmental and Energy Advisory Commission will present the 2015 Historic Preservation Awards on Nov. 19 at the Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest Ave.
You can pretty much nominate anyone living within the boundaries of Oak Park for projects in restoration, rehabilitation, adaptive use and additions/new construction, on single-family residences, apartment buildings, commercial buildings, public/institutional buildings and religious structures. Additional awards are presented for stewardship, detail and design.
“The awards are an important and enjoyable way to recognize property owners, contractors and architects who make significant contributions to preserving their properties and thereby preserving Oak Park’s historic character,” said Doug Kaarre, the village’s urban planner specializing in historic preservation. “Historic Preservation is important to Oak Park’s quality of life and economic vitality, and award-winning projects can serve as inspiration for others.”
Anyone who lives in Oak Park, owns an eligible building, is a member of a local preservation and historical society, or is a member of a local board or commission can make a nomination. Nominated projects do not have to be in a historic district but should have been created within the past five years. Interior work also may be considered in conjunction with exterior work, Kaarre said.
The judges’ decisions will be based on 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, Kaarre said.
Although this year’s jury has not yet been selected, “they are always people associated with historic preservation in some way from other communities in the Chicago area,” said Kaarre.
The Historic Preservation Commission and the Environment and Energy Commission also are seeking applicants for a joint award for projects that address both historic preservation and sustainability issues. The Environment and Energy Commission offers Green Awards to projects or people that make a contribution to the sustainability of the village, said Karen Rozmus, environmental services manager for Oak Park. Nominations are reviewed and voted on by commission members, usually at their September or October meeting.
The members look for a description of how the subject is unique and/or replicable, if the benefits of the project are lasting and/or measurable, or how the subject contributes to community sustainability, Rozmus said. The commission usually receives between 10 and 12 nominations and recognizes between six and 10 award recipients, she said.
This is the seventh year for the Green Awards, which in the past have been given out for reasons including neighbors forming the first, “Green Block,” building an energy efficient home, and starting an environmentally friendly retail store. There is no specific criteria but members look for projects that are unique and/or replicable, have lasting benefits that are measurable, or projects that contribute to community sustainability, Rozmus said.
“I believe it is important to recognize people for the choices that they make — many times at a large investment of time and money,” Rozmus said of the Green Awards. “It is important to recognize projects to show others what can be achieved to help make a difference. While the village’s PlanItGreen Sustainability plan outlines goals to reduce and divert waste from landfills, to decrease energy usage and otherwise provide a more healthy environment, these projects actually demonstrate how those goals can be accomplished.”
A third award, the Cavalcade of Pride Commercial Building Award, is also given out that night for commercial properties. Nominations for all awards can be submitted online at www.oak-park.us, in person, by U.S. Mail or via email at [email protected]. Nomination forms are available in Village Hall, 123 Madison St., by calling 708-358-5417 or by email at [email protected]
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.Hulbert update… The Historic Preservation Commission will soon be mailing a survey to all property owners in the Hulbert Subdivision to get their direct feedback on whether they support or oppose a local landmark historic district and/or a National Register historic district.
“We should have the results back by mid-August, which will determine the Commission’s recommendation to the board on whether to move forward,” Doug Kaare said.
Felicia Dechter is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press. Got a real estate-related story tip? Email her at [email protected].