Historic Preservation

Over the last 25 years, the Village has commissioned four different surveys of its historic resources. Together, these surveys are intended to provide the full picture of the Village's numerous historic resources. The Village has modernized these resources and combined them with other data available from public records and the Lake Bluff History Museum in order to publish a detailed, interactive, house-by-house view of Lake Bluff's historic homes and properties in its Historic Preservation Map. 

The individual survey publications are available for review and include extra context about Lake Bluff and its development:

• • Summary and Inventory of Historic Resources, 2018-2019
  • Summary and Historic Resource Survey: Estate Areas of Lake Bluff, 2008
  • Summary and Inventory of Southeast Survey Area, 2003
  • Summary and Architectural Survey, 1998
  • Active List of Landmarked Features (updated 11-19-25)

Lake Bluff structures its preservation program around a lifecycle approach built on four aspirational principles:

1. Branding. Lake Bluff's history is part of the first impression of future residents, and the strong sense of place for current residents. Lake Bluff's past is recognized as integral to the Village's present and future character.
2. Knowledge. Everyone can access information about individual properties and their historic context. Purchasers have clear knowledge about Lake Bluff's incentives and expectations concerning preservation, rehabilitation, and redevelopment. The real estate community is a valued partner in this effort.
3. Rehabilitation. The Village demonstrates a bias for preservation in its rules that overcomes obstacles and provides reasonable incentives to preserve and rehabilitate historic resources. Homeowners are encouraged and given the tools to steward their property.
4. Redevelopment. Where demolition is proposed, the Village influences demolition and reconstruction to preserve neighborhood character through the public review of demolitions as well as restrictions on the bulk of redeveloped structures.

Unlike many other communities, Lake Bluff works to preserve these priceless resources through a voluntary, incentives-based partnership with property owners. In total, a landmark property is treated differently from other properties in Lake Bluff in these ways:

• Changes to the exterior appearance of a landmark (not the interior) are reviewed by the HPC at a public meeting. The Owner ultimately maintains the ability to proceed with their proposed work even if the Commission does not approve. For demolitions, a maximum delay of up to 150 (5 months) days may apply. For all other alterations, a maximum delay of up to 65 days (2 months) may apply. 
• The Village provides a full waiver of building permit fees for work occurring on the same property as a landmark (with certain exclusions).
• Owner-occupants are eligible for a property tax rebate of 50% of the Village's share of the property tax levy, up to a maximum of $2,000 annually, for eight years after a landmark designation.
• Application review for zoning variations for Protected Features will consider the historical nature of the property if relevant to the application.
• Properties with Protected Features automatically qualify for a one-time, maximum floor area bonus to allow the property to exceed the applicable maximum floor area ratio of up to ten percent (10%), subject to review of designated criteria by the Historic Preservation Commission. 
• Owner-occupants making substantial investments in their property may also qualify for the Illinois Historic Property Tax Assessment Freeze.