Scott House needs protection — will the city step up?
For several months the historic Willard Scott House has been for sale. This letter explains why this building is important, why it is in danger and what the city of Naperville can do to help.
When Naperville Preservation Inc. decided to produce videos about important buildings in Naperville, we knew where to start: the Willard Scott House at the northwest corner of Washington and Franklin streets. Why? Because it’s an architectural masterpiece at a prominent location.
The Fawell family takes great pride in the building and keeps it in excellent condition. Though built as a single-family home, for many years 101 N. Washington St. has served as an office building, primarily for the law firm started by the late U.S. Rep. Harris Fawell.
The Fawell heirs have decided to sell the property. This is common with older buildings, and it always raises the question: Now what?
Visitors to Naperville have long cited its downtown “charm” as a key attraction, but we have demolished many of our charming buildings. Naperville Preservation believes this house, which is at a key entrance to Naperville’s downtown, is probably the most important remaining historic building in the city.
Therefore, it is appropriate for the public sector — in this case the city — to protect it. Demolition of the Scott house would be a terrible loss.
Throughout the country, old buildings are reused. Local examples include Meson Sabika, Old Nichols Library and the Jefferson Hill Shops. As of the date of this letter, the sellers have not found a buyer.
There is a clear public purpose in supporting preservation of the city’s most important properties. It happens often, and the philosophy is akin to that of groups like the Nature Conservancy and the Conservation Foundation. In a case like this, it is appropriate for the public sector to intervene, either by helping market the property or by purchasing it with the intention of selling it to a new owner for a use that serves the public interest.
We conclude with a simple question: Will the city be better off if the Scott house is preserved? The answer should be obvious.
Becky Simon, Naperville
Naperville Preservation Inc.
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