Naperville commission backs forest preserve district's efforts to restore 175-year-old Oak Cottage
Commissioners voted Thursday to send a letter to the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County backing its initiative to seek proposals from groups that want to rehabilitate the old farmhouse in unincorporated Naperville and give it a new purpose. The deadline to submit a statement of interest is Oct. 16.
'We endorse the Request for Statements of Interest process, and we urge the Forest Preserve to utilize every effort to find the right partner to repurpose this iconic piece of DuPage County's agricultural history,' one of the draft letters reviewed by the commission said.
The building was acquired by the district in 1983, but has been vacant since then and is in need of substantial repairs, officials have said. Preservationist organization Landmarks Illinois listed Oak Cottage as one of the most endangered historic places in Illinois in 2023.
It was built in 1850 by William B. Greene, who arrived in DuPage County from Vermont in 1841. He played a pivotal role in the development of the area, was instrumental in establishing the area's first store and post office, and helped lay the groundwork for the region's economic development, according to a cultural resource evaluation.
Greene also was known for his work in organizing the early government and infrastructure of the area that would become DuPage County.
A draft of one of the letters considered by the commission noted that while Oak Cottage is in unincorporated Naperville, the Greek Revival-style home is 'very much a part of Naperville's history.'
It went on to draw parallels between the Greene family and Joe Naper, who founded Naperville in 1831, for their contributions to the area and establishing communities along the DuPage River.
Like the Greene family, Naper was an early settler who also migrated from Vermont to DuPage County.
One of the two letters considered by the commission suggested the district might consider selling a $250 deed for one inch of ownership to the Oak Cottage property. In return, buyers would have their name posted on the property. The funding suggestion was inspired by the Wisconsin Green Bay Packers' football team model, which supports itself by selling shares to the public, according to the letter drafted by Commissioner James Wills.
'(My idea's) a little radical … but this might give them an idea of maybe how to merchandise getting a company to become involved in saving this thing,' Wills said.
Ultimately, the commission chose to not send that letter.
'I'm uncomfortable suggesting funding ideas to an organization that's not even in the city of Naperville. Feels like it's a little bit outside of our purview,' Commissioner Paul Deffenbaugh said.
Restoring Oak Cottage is expected to come with a significant pricetag. According to a news release from the district, estimated costs just for adaptive reuse could range from $279,000 to $500,000, with another $200,000 to $500,000 for sitework and utilities depending on local requirements.
Masonry repair work, in particular, is needed, according to the evaluation. Cracking was found at mortar joints of the stone foundation, and settlement was observed at the masonry foundation walls of the main house, the report said.
Inside, there is cracked, deteriorated and missing plaster on the walls and ceiling as well as peeling and flaking paint, signs of water damage and biological growth in various areas, the report said.
According to the district, the process for determining rehabilitation and reuse includes two phases.
First, statements of interest will be evaluated based on factors such as proposed reuse, preservation strategy, project funding and mission alignment.
Selected applicants will then enter a second phase that requires a business plan, architectural and engineering plans, and evidence of financial and organizational support, officials said.
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