The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) may designate properties within the Village of Plainfield that have historical or architectural significance as local landmarks. The HPC also looks at the integrity of design, workmanship, materials, location, setting and feeling, and the extent to which it meets one or more of twelve criteria outlined in the HPC ordinance.

• Historic Landmark Application
• Landmark Tour
• Landmark Nominations

A local historic district is a grouping of sites, properties and/or buildings reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission and officially designated by the Village Board for its historic and/or architectural value. Work on properties in a historic district may require a Certificate of Appropriateness (view section below).

View the Historic District Application.

East Side Historic District (map)

The East Side Historic District was approved by the Village Board on November 3, 2008. This district includes residences on Amboy Street, Bartlett Avenue, Center Street, IL Route 59, and Evans Street. It includes residences built in various styles including Queen Anne, Italianate, and Colonial Revival that were constructed over an approximately 100 year period, c. 1850-1950.

Downtown Historic District (map)

The Downtown Historic District was approved by the Village Board on September 19, 2011. This district has 65 properties along the downtown’s historic Lockport Street. The boundaries of the district are generally located along Lockport Street from Route 59, west to James Street. 

A Certificate of Appropriateness may be required for work on local historic landmarks or properties located within a local historic district. Extra consideration and care are requested of historic landmark owners and owners of properties in historic districts. The buildings have stood the test of time partly due to the care shown by the owners in maintaining and sensitively changing these residences.

A COA is not required for ordinary maintenance and repairs, but is required prior to the issuance of a permit for major work involving any new and other construction, alteration, repair, demolition, relocation or other changes that may affect the exterior architectural appearance of any structure or site. The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) will recommend approval of applications for major work that will not impair the integrity of contributing structures.

The Village Zoning Ordinance identifies criteria for the HPC to use when reviewing a COA.  Contact Planning Staff at (815) 439-2824 for additional information.

Certificate of Appropriateness Guide, Guidelines, and Application

A Certificate of Economic Hardship may be authorized for alteration, construction, relocation of, or removal or demolition of a landmark or a building, structure, site, or other improvement within a designated historic district. This process can occur AFTER a Certificate of Appropriateness is denied.

A COEH may be needed when a property, in its current state, cannot be put to a reasonably beneficial use or the owner cannot obtain a reasonable economic return thereon without the proposed alteration, construction, relocation, removal, or demolition.

The HPC would review the COEH application and make a recommendation to the Village Board. The Village Board would then approve or delay the COEH for up to three months. If it delays the COEH, the HPC or other interested parties may submit plans or recommendations. If after three months, no viable alternatives are present, the Village Board shall issue the COEH for approving the proposed work.

• Certificate of Economic Hardship Application

Studies have shown that historic districts stabilize and/or increase property values in a designated area. The Village offers two matching grant programs: the Rehabilitation Grant Program and the Façade Improvement Program.

The Illinois Property Tax Assessment Freeze Program is available through the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Tax credits of 20% and 10% are available through the National Park Service.

Village Rehabilitation Grant Program

Provides a matching grant up to $10,000 for preserving, restoring, or rehabilitating the historic character of a structure’s exterior. This program is available for historic landmarks and contributing properties located within historic districts.

• Rehabilitation Grant Program Description and Application

Please contact Planning Staff at (815) 439-2824 or via email for more information and prior to filling out an application.

Village Facade Grant Program

This program is for properties located within the TIF district in downtown Plainfield. View the boundaries for the TIF district and additional information on the facade program. Historic Preservation is not a requirement of the facade grant program but the degree to which the building is preserved is considered.

Illinois Property Tax Assessment Freeze Program

For owners of registered historic residential structures of up to six units that has a substantial rehabilitation that significantly improves the condition of the building. At least 25% of the property’s market value must be spent on an approved rehabilitation project. With the program, the assessed valuation of the property is frozen for eight years at its level the year the rehabilitation began. The valuation is then brought to market level over a period of four years. Additional information is available from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency Property Tax Assessment Freeze Program.

Historic Preservation Tax Credits

There is a 20% tax credit for a substantial rehabilitation of income producing properties that are certified as historic. This is available for commercial, agricultural, industrial, and rental properties. A 10% tax credit available for non-contributing, non-historic structures built before 1936. Additional information is available from the National Park Service – TPS Tax Incentives and the National Trust – Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credits.

The Village of Plainfield is proud of the fact that the National Park Service has named Plainfield’s Downtown Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places. This prestigious honor makes Plainfield’s downtown one of only 22 downtowns in the State of Illinois on the National Register. This designation also creates the first National Register District in Plainfield. There are also three individual National Register landmarks in Plainfield including the Flanders House, Halfway House, and the Standard Oil Gasoline Station.

Plainfield’s National Register District runs along Lockport Street between Route 59 and James Street and includes 53 properties. Notable buildings such as the Plymouth Congregational Church, Clock Tower Building (Opera House), and Masonic Lodge are part of the district. The architecture in the district consists of a diverse variety of styles including Greek Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, Richardsonian Romanesque, and International. There are also vernacular house types like upright and wing, bungalows, American Foursquares, and vernacular 20th Century commercial structures. The broad range of styles, building types, and materials reflect over 100 years of development in the downtown from the 1840s through the 1960s.

The National Register designation reflects the Village Board’s commitment to preserving the best of Plainfield’s history. Over the past decade, the Village has invested a substantial amount in numerous façade restorations and the streetscape project which have assisted in the revitalization of the downtown. One of the major benefits of the new National Register District is the opportunity for property owners to seek up to a 20% tax credit for any historical rehabilitation of a commercial structure in the district.

With the National Register designation, Downtown Plainfield enters a new and exciting chapter in its long and rich history.

The Heritage Tree Recognition Program recognizes trees that add to the value, aesthetics, and character of the Village.

What is a Heritage Tree?

To be considered for recognition as a Heritage Tree, a tree must be at least 50 years old and meet minimum size requirements. A tree can be nominated based on its size, beauty, historical significance, or any quality that makes the tree special.  For example, the tree may be listed on the state or national registries, associated with a historic event or person, planted for Arbor Day or in memory of an individual or event, provide a unique habitat for wildlife, be of a unique or rare species, or simply trees or groves of trees with aesthetic qualities.

How It Works:

• The Plainfield Historic Preservation Commission will nominate a tree (or trees) each year for recognition. Nominations may also be accepted from the community.
• The Public Works Department will inspect the nominated tree and consult with the property owner, if applicable, and determine if the tree fits the Village’s requirements for recognition.
• If approved, the Public Works Department will notify the property owner of the recognition and provide information on the tree which will be entered into the Village's Heritage Tree Registry . 
• Recognition of the trees will take place in conjunction with Arbor Day and Historic Preservation Month.
• Please note: this program is voluntary, non-binding, and there are no additional requirements for the preservation of trees on the registry.

Heritage Tree Recognition Program Flyer

Heritage Tree Program Application Form

Federal

• National Park Service - Preservation Briefs
• National Park Service - The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation
• Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
• Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) and Historic American Engineering Record (HAER)

State

• Financial Incentives for Historic Buildings - Illinois Historic Preservation Agency 
• Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
• Certified Local Government Program
• Illinois Main Street
• Illinois Property Tax Assessment Freeze Program

Not-For-Profit

• Landmarks Illinois
• Landmarks Illinois – Illinois Restoration Resources
• National Register of Historic Places
• National Trust for Historic Preservation

Educational Resources

• Old House Journal

Is my property historic?

Structures that are over 50 years of age can be considered historic and may be eligible for local landmark status or listing on the National Register of Historic Places. In Plainfield, historic landmarks must meet one or more of twelve established criteria. Under exceptional circumstances, properties that are less than 50 years of age can be considered eligible for the National Register.

Is my property designated as a local historic landmark or part of a local historic district?

The Village has designated a number of local landmarks and two historic districts. Designated properties are listed on these pages. Planning Staff can also answer questions about designated properties.

What is a local landmark?

A local landmark is a property recommended by the HPC and officially designated by the Village Board for its historic and/or architectural significance.

What is a local historic district?

A district is a grouping of sites, properties, and/or buildings recommended by the HPC and officially designated by the Village Board for its historic and/or architectural value. A district may consist of individual landmarks, contributing properties, and non-contributing properties.

What is the National Register?

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. It was authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and is part of the National Park Service.

Is my property in the National Register?

One district and three properties in the Village of Plainfield are listed in the National Register: the Downtown Plainfield Historic District, the Plainfield or Halfway House at 24038 W. Main Street, the Flanders House at 24044 W. Main Street, and the former Standard Oil Gas Station at 24103 W. Main Street.

What is the difference between being listed in the National Register and designated locally?

Listing in the National Register does not restrict what a property owner can do with a property unless the owners are using federal assistance, like the rehabilitation tax credits. Local districts are designated by a Village of Plainfield ordinance and certain changes to the properties are reviewed by the HPC.

How are properties classified?

Significant properties have features that make them architecturally or historically significant. All properties that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places are considered significant.

A contributing property may not necessarily have architectural or historic significance as a single property, but it adds to the overall character and significance of an historic district.

A building, structure, or site that may be part of a historic landmark or district, but does not possess historic, architectural, or archaeological significance or integrity is non-contributing.

What types of financial incentives are available?

• Village of Plainfield Facade Grant Program – This program is for properties located within the TIF district in downtown Plainfield. View the boundaries for the TIF district and additional information on the program. Historic Preservation is not a requirement of the façade grant program but the degree to which the building is preserved is considered.

• Illinois Property Tax Assessment Freeze Program - For owners of registered historic residential structures of up to six units that have a substantial rehabilitation that significantly improves the condition of the building. At least 25% of the property’s market value must be spent on an approved rehabilitation project. With the program, the assessed valuation of the property is frozen for eight years at its level the year the rehabilitation began. The valuation is then brought to market level over a period of four years. Additional information is available from Planning Staff and the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency Property Tax Assessment Freeze Program.

Historic Preservation Tax Credits - There is a 20% tax credit for a substantial rehabilitation of income producing properties that are certified as historic. This is available for commercial, agricultural, industrial, and rental properties. A 10% tax credit available for non-contributing, non-historic structures built before 1936. Additional information is available from Planning Staff, the National Park Service – TPS Tax Incentives and the National Trust – Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credits.

What are the advantages to owning property that is a historic landmark or in a historic district?

Owning a historic landmark or living in a historic district can offer many benefits. In many areas, historic preservation has stabilized or increased property values. However, historic status does not directly affect property taxes. Since the qualities that make the area attractive will be protected over time, realtors often use historic landmark or district status as a marketing tool to prospective buyers. Many historic districts have review procedures that encourage quality design and renovation.

Are restrictions placed on property owners?

Homeowners of historic landmarks and homes in historic districts are able to paint their homes, perform ordinary repair and maintenance of existing exterior architectural features, replace existing storage sheds, change landscaping, repair sidewalks, and replace existing mechanical and electrical service equipment.

Some changes to historic landmarks or properties located in a historic district require a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). A COA is required prior to the issuance of a permit for minor and major work involving any new and other construction, alteration, repair, demolition, relocation or other changes that may affect the exterior architectural appearance of any structure or site. These changes may include additions, demolition, decks, garages, new windows/doors, fences/signs, porches, and new construction.

A Certificate of Economic Hardship (COEH) may be authorized for alteration, construction, relocation of, or removal or demolition of a landmark or a building, structure, site, or other improvement within a designated historic district when such property, in its current state, cannot be put to a reasonably beneficial use or the owner cannot obtain a reasonable economic return thereon without the proposed alteration, construction, relocation, removal, or demolition.

Does being a landmark or part of a district restrict how I can use the property?

No. Landmark or historic district is an “overlay” on the existing zoning classification. Historic status will not change the uses that are permitted on a property.

Does being a landmark or part of a district affect my property taxes?

Historic status does not have a direct effect on property taxes. Substantial certified rehabilitation may be eligible for the Illinois Property Tax Assessment Freeze Program.

General Information

A brochure overview of historic preservation in Plainfield with information on the following:

• Plainfield’s History
• The establishment of the Historic Preservation Commission and Historic Preservation Ordinance
• Historic Landmarks
• Historic Districts
• Financial Incentives
• Benefits of Preservation

Architectural Surveys of the Urban Core and the Rural Farmsteads

The Village completed surveys of Plainfield’s urban core and farmsteads in Plainfield facilities planning area in 2006. The report Plainfield’s Historic Urbanized Core examines the urban core. Survey forms for approximately 700 properties in the urban core are available from the Planning Division. The Rural Structures and Farmsteads Survey includes approximately 130 farmhouses and accompanying outbuildings within the Village of Plainfield's planning area. Individual survey forms from this report are also available from the Planning Division.

• Plainfield Rural Structures and Farmsteads
• Plainfield's Historic Urbanized Core: An Intensive Level Survey and Report

To view copies of the Historic Preservation Ordinance and Demolition Ordinance, please check the Municipal Code.