Dechter: Two Oak Park non-Wright homes seek landmark status

• Reprints

Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

When Tom and Lisa Stukel were shopping for an Oak Park home about four years ago, it took them three years to find a house that they felt was unique and fit their needs, with the major one being schools.

About a year ago, the couple found what they were looking for at 629 Fair Oaks: a circa-1906, prairie style home, created by the architect Charles E. White Jr. Last week, their humble abode was nominated for landmark status by the Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission.

“We think that it is wonderful that Oak Park respects the beauty of historic architecture,” said Tom Stukel. “We are happy to be part of this preservation.”

There are currently 50 landmarks (not all are homes, but most are) with seven in the works in Oak Park. The history of so many of the village’s houses never ceases to amaze and fascinate me.

Stukel said that in 1910, White wrote an article in House Beautiful magazine titled, “A Plaster House Without An Attic.” The Charles W. Helder House (called this because he was the original owner) was one of the first houses in that time to be designed without a full walk-in attic. It was created that way because Helder believed there was no need for that amount of storage anymore, the second story could still stay cool, and for design and aesthetic reasons, Stukel said.

According to Landmarks Illinois’ Website, landmark status can enhance a building’s prestige, increase the value of property and help stabilize and entire neighborhood, although the Stukels don’t have that problem as they’re located in the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District. There are also specific benefits available under federal and local economic incentive programs.

As far as Stukel is concerned, White’s unique architectural skills in the beginning of the 1900s easily hold a candle to Wright’s.

“His designs stand up to anything that Frank Lloyd Wright created at the time, and Oak Park should be recognized as a place where many grand architects came to create their masterpieces, not just Wright,” said Stukel.

Also nominated last week was the John D. Caldwell House, 130 S. East Ave., owned by Jim and Polly Groll.

Built in 1890 by contributing architect George H. Borst, the Queen Anne-style home is located in the Ridgeland-Oak Park Historic District. It was built for John Davis Caldwell, an executive with the North Western Railroad in 1890.

The Grolls bought the home in 1973, and spent a great deal of time maintaining and preserving its historic character.

“Our home is a beautiful example of Queen Anne style architecture of that era,” said Jim Groll.

“I would like to ensure that the historical character of the building’s exterior and interior is preserved for future generations.”