I commented on the original Doings article (the link is in the content of this Patch's post) but thought I would jump in here since Patch has taken a different approach to the story (which is fine - it's still a free world).

IMO, this is not a new story. About 1 out of 3 houses in Hinsdale have been torn down and replaced with new. Even our Village President tore down his current home to build another.

In this case, don't worry, the new house will be beautiful.....and BTW, I believe the home as it sits now replaced a farmhouse from the early 1800's - round and round we go, evolution not revolution :)

Thanks for speaking up, Brian. Appreciate the comment. It definitely is not a new story, you're right about that.

If anyone would like to throw a backup offer in to save the house...i would be glad to help.
Katie Ahern
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage630)421-9751

This town is losing its unique character with the loss of our historic home stock. As I drive down the streets of Hinsdale, it's beginning to look more and more like a cookie cutter subdivision with all of the stone facades and massive architecture towering over the smaller homes, to say nothing about what all this construction is doing to our streets. Yes, I know, "evolution and revolution" and all that stuff, but those of us who appreciate the diversity of housing (or what used to be diverse) and the interesting history of Hinsdale feel sad to see a yet another piece of history become victim to the wrecking ball.

Sigh....if only. I grew up in Hinsdale and am sad to see so many of the beautiful old homes come down. I am in the midst of a reno of a 120+ year old Greek Revival. It has little historic value (other than it was one of the first homes built on what was known as Gull Prairie). That's not the point....it's still a part of OUR memories and it has a lot of great points. I have more than double into it what I paid for it and it's been worth every penny. Some things you do just because it's the right thing to do. Brian, you have no heart and no soul. You are nothing more than a greedy vulture. You won't be happy until you sell every house over 50 years old in Hinsdale as a teardown. You are instrumental in ruining what was a beautiful place....I hope you are so very proud of yourself.

Oh please, Brian....the name of your company says it all. You have no respect for history. Not all "historical" buildings are "worthy" of being on the historical register. It doesn't change the fact that the building has a history and is a part of the scenery and charm of the village.

As for buying the place, if I won the lotto tomorrow I might do that...altho the old Chicago Motor Club building downtown is at the top of my list.

Ah, what the heck..

The house I grew up in at 304 S. Washington was built in the late 1800's - it's still standing and I wonder every time I go by what will happen to it when the current owners want or need to sell.

I remember watching my Dad try to clear the drains as the water in the sinks and tubs backed up. The summers were hot as well, not having A/C. The windows are drafty, the basement is full of asbestos, the kitchen is misplaced and small, the electrical system is just plain dangerous...etc. etc.

What will happen to my old house? Do I care.....sure. Will I tie myself to the pillars if the new buyers want to replace it...no.

As for the story of 206 N. Washington, where this originated - the owner tried to sell it for over 2 1/2 years, even painted it, and did not receive a single offer - they altered their marketing strategy and sold it quickly and efficiently - they are happy (kind of, based on their purchase price they lost one million dollars).

So really, if there is anything or anyone to blame it is the market itself - buyers and seller decide what to do with an asset i.e. what it's worth and how best to understand its future value (these are serious investments were talking about).

As for my personal option on history - you may be right. I do spend most of my time living in the now and working for tomorrow.

Maybe discussing solutions is a better use of our time?

Brian Hickey
infillRE, LLC

This is a shame. As a life long resident of Hinsdale, growing up on the north side, I walked by this beautiful home countless times and always admired its countenance and stature. As a Realtor, I showed this home and couldn’t help but marvel at the quality of construction and the history that it exuded. Some of us in the real estate profession have a background and expertise that manifests itself in being able to successfully market vintage homes. I wish I had had an opportunity to represent this home. Perhaps the outcome might have been different. Having grown up in a vintage home and then buying and living in a historic vintage home for over forty years, I can empathize with those who have some intrepidations about taking on a project of this nature, but I also can assure that it is possible, fascinating and very rewarding. Unfortunately, the stars did not line up correctly for this treasure to be preserved. Perhaps the “kiss of death” was the bath of pale yellow paint that was splashed all over the beautiful brick façade. The last Realtor, who suggested this, ought to be tarred and feathered because in doing this, she struck the death knoll for a wonderful home and a special piece of Hinsdale’s history. Too bad. Once gone, gone forever.

John Bohnen
Member, Hinsdale Preservation Commission
Managing Broker/Owner, County Line Properties