Village designates 456 Sunrise Avenue as a local historic landmark

The Village Board of Lake Bluff voted Sept. 8 to designate the building at 456 Sunrise Avenue as a local historic landmark, a step staff and commissioners said preserves one of the original camp meeting houses in the village.

Village staff presented background showing the Honeywell-Bill House (also described in staff materials as the Avewell Cottage) was built in 1889 as a summer home for prominent families and retains original features on its front façade despite later alterations. The Historic Preservation Commission unanimously recommended designation at its Aug. 13 meeting, and staff said the property is on the HPC's priority landmark list.

Property owners Todd Porter and Susan Bridal applied for the designation, the staff report said. Trustee Ryder recused herself from the vote and left the dais; the board then approved the designation by voice vote.

If adopted, staff said the designation will be the village's 29th active landmark. The board did not discuss any associated alterations or restrictions beyond the effect of landmark status as described in local code; no appeals or legal challenges were raised at the meeting.