Historic Preservation

Historic Preservation Award Applications Due March 30, 2012.

River Forest is an historic community committed to protecting, preserving and promoting its rich heritage. Structures in River Forest include historical styles such as Gothic Revival, Victoria, Prairie School, Tudor Revival, Bungalows, Buurma Built, Art Deco, and Moderne. Some of these homes were designed by architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, William Drummond, Spencer and Powers, E.E. Roberts, and their contemporaries.

See below for additional information regarding historic preservation including:

Historic Preservation Ordinance
Significant Properties List
Landmark Designation Process
Historic District
Preservation Resources

Historic Preservation Ordinance

The Village's Historic Preservation Ordinance establishes the Historic Preservation Commission, identifies the landmark designation and certificate of appropriateness process, and requires the review of Significant Properties for which repair, rehab, reconstruction, restoration, or demolition is proposed prior to permit approval.

Click here to view the Historic Preservation Ordinance.

Significant Properties

The Historic Preservation Commission has designated approximately 220 homes as Significant Properties. Any construction work on these properties must be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission. While the Commission cannot prevent construction or alter proposed plans, the Commission has 45 days to review the application and make recommendations in order to preserve the historical and architectural significance of the property and neighborhood.

Click here to see if your home is on the Significant Property list.

Landmark Designation

Below are documents outlining the landmark designation process.

Historic District

River Forest has a locally established historic district. The district stretches irregularly from the east at Harlem Avenue to the west at the Des Plaines River and from Division Street to the north to Washington Boulevard and comprises approximately 860 properties.

Click here to view a map of the historic district.

Historic Preservation Resources

Details: Last Updated on Friday, March 02, 2012