Discovering the Stories in Our Streets: Historic Survey Underway in West Chicago

This week, the City of West Chicago will begin a comprehensive architectural and historical survey of properties in the community's historic downtown and select residential neighborhoods. The survey, conducted by professional preservation consultants from MKSK, Inc., was approved by the City Council at its May 19, 2025 meeting following a recommendation of approval by the Public Affairs Committee. This effort will update and expand upon the previous architectural and historical survey completed in 1991.

What To Expect

Survey teams will begin work this week in the Downtown district before moving into neighborhoods including East Washington Street, Town of Turner, Town of Junction, Old Heidelberg, and Elmwood/Highland. The work is expected to take about one month.

Surveyors will document buildings from the public right-of-way only. This means photography and notes will be taken from sidewalks or streets, and no entry onto private property will occur. Each surveyor will carry City-issued identification with their name and photo and will have informational flyers available upon request.

What Information Will Be Collected

The team will photograph building exteriors and record visible architectural characteristics such as building form, materials, stylistic details, and the degree to which original features have been retained. The survey also includes a general assessment of building condition to understand how the structure has changed over time and how intact its historic elements remain. This information helps describe the architectural character of each area and contributes to understanding West Chicago's development story.

The final report, expected in early 2026, will include context essays, maps, and a database of inventoried buildings. The findings in the report could support the voluntary designation of surveyed properties but will primarily serve as a foundation for recognizing West Chicago's architectural heritage, informing local planning efforts, and sharing community history.

Why This Matters for West Chicago

Preserving and understanding the City's past is a key part of shaping its future. The survey was identified as one of the notable initiatives in the 2025 budget summary, highlighting a range of priority projects that demonstrate the City's commitment to revitalization and community vitality. This historic resources survey builds on that momentum by connecting future growth with the stories and places that define West Chicago's past.

By documenting the stories told through its buildings, the Historic Resources Survey will help ensure that the City's past remains visible for generations to come, even as new development opportunities emerge.

Questions?

For more information, contact John Sterrett, Interim Community Development Director, at (630) 293-2247 or by email at [email protected].