Lake Bluff HPC approves homeowners' paint-color change for 401 East Prospect Avenue

Chair Paul Bergman convened the Lake Bluff Historic Preservation Commission on Aug. 13, 2025, and commissioners voted to terminate the advisory review on a proposed paint-color change at 401 East Prospect Avenue, effectively clearing the homeowners to proceed.

The decision matters because the commission advises homeowners on changes affecting designated or historically sensitive properties; this was an administrative, non-structural request limited to exterior paint.

Homeowners Caitlin Wade and Andrew Wade told the commission they recently moved into the house and wished to change the color to better reflect their preferences. “We feel very lucky and honored to be living in this special historic house,” Caitlin Wade said. “While we love the color they chose for the home, it's not personally our first choice for a color… we'd like to make that our own.”

Commissioners described the request as minor and consistent with the commission’s administrative review practice for paint-only changes. The commission noted the item did not implicate the larger material, massing or stylistic standards that would typically trigger a more detailed review. Commissioner comments were supportive and anecdotal, with no members requesting additional materials or a continuance.

A motion to terminate the advisory review was moved and seconded, and the commission adopted it by roll call vote: Member Church — aye; Member Maguire — aye; Member Minor — aye; Member O'Connor — aye; Member Tanner — aye; Chair Bergman — aye. The motion passed and the commission staff will close the file on the advisory review.

The homeowners indicated they plan no other exterior changes at this time. The commission advised applicants that more substantial alterations (changes to windows, porches, massing or fences) would require additional review.