Atwater House, 398 Elizabeth Place, Geneva.
In 2018, concern for the future of the John B. Atwater House at 398 Elizabeth Place (pictured) sparked residents to action in June 2018. A new South Geneva Historic District proposed by five Geneva residents would have included twenty “distinctively-designed and stately homes of considerable size on gently rolling lots amidst majestic trees" built between 1857 and 1927.[1] Properties in the new district would adhere to the city’s Historic Preservation Ordinance which helps preserve the city’s history and protect property values. The district would have been along Batavia Ave/Route 31 south of the Kane County Government Center to Peck Road (see map below).
Opposition was fierce. Liz Safanda, retired Executive Director of Preservation Partners, described opponents as "very vocal and vigorous in their opposition…." The value of the proposed district to property owners and the city was not fully understood. Some of the property owners “saw more [of] a limitation upon themselves” in what they could do with their property in the future rather than the benefits of protecting local history and the area’s property values, Safanda explained.[2]
While the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) unanimously recommended this new historic district for Geneva after several public hearings, the proposal was sunk at a special meeting on July 8, 2019. Objection to the district was considered "an additional level of oversight from the city [that] is not necessary based on the history of quality renovations and restorations completed and created a hardship on the homeowners."[3]
"Proposed South Geneva Historic District," Public Information Meeting, Geneva City Hall, January 3, 2019.
Since its defeat, the area of the proposed South Geneva Historic District has seen an increase in new construction on large lots that have been subdivided (known as “infill”). If the district had been successful, the HPC would have had an opportunity to review and guide new construction to ensure compatibility with the other historic homes in the area.
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[1] "South Geneva Historic District Nomination Application," City of Geneva, February 4, 2019, 42.
[2] ; Liz Safanda, "Preserving the Tri-Cities: A Fifty Year History of Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley," interview by Al Watts, September 13, 2023, 58:26-59:35.
[3] "The Change of Years," Advocate (Spring 2019): 1.