Will County Local Landmark Program

Through Will County’s Register of Historic Places, Will County’s residents and visitors are provided with a list of significant places within the County. Listing on this Register reflects the property owner(s) and County's pride and priority for preserving Will County's rich heritage. The County always welcomes and encourages nominations for the local register. The Will County Historic Preservation Commission is a recommending body to the Will County Board and administers the Historic Preservation Ordinance. The Will County Board has final approval for landmarks. Historic Preservation Ordinance Landmark nomination application Landmark designation process FAQ's Please feel free to contact County historic preservation staff at 815.774.3321 or hpc@willcountyillinois.com to learn more about the program. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss your historic landmark with you.

Quick Points to Consider

What is the difference between National Register property designation and Will County landmark status?

National Register properties are designated after much research, documentation, and review by the State and National Park Service. Although National Register (NR) properties are designated as such after intense scrutiny and listing opens up financial opportunities, this designation is primarily honorary. Will County landmark status is protective and where a National Register property can change overtime without local oversight (review for NR properties takes place only for federal and state-funded undertakings), if you own a County landmark, you can be assured that it will remain for future generations.

If I landmark my property, does it mean I can never change it?

Owning a Will County landmark is not only an honorary designation, but also a protective one. However, landmark status does NOT mean that alterations cannot be applied to a property. Once designated, should alterations be proposed, a property owner is asked to submit a Certificate of Appropriateness application for MAJOR EXTERIOR alterations (i.e. additions, roof replacement, window replacement, siding, etc.) only. Simple changes such as paint, doorknobs, etc. do not require the review of the Commission; although property owners are always encouraged to contact Commission staff for ideas. Landmark status does not mean a property cannot change; however, it does provide the opportunity to assure that the historic character of your property will be preserved in a manner compatible with its history and with a property owner's needs.

Once landmarked, are there additional maintenance requirements?

Owning a landmark does not impose any additional maintenance beyond what your property must currently comply with through Will County's Zoning and Building Ordinances.

What are the financial benefits of landmark ownership?

Although the current economic climate has been tough one and grants are limited for historic landmarks, there are a few key programs that Will County landmark owners may be able to take advantage:

Please note that the Commission and HPC Staff strive to keep County landmark property owners aware of funding opportunities and will advise property owners of them as they are available.

I am interested in landmarking my property, but do not live in unincorporated Will County.

Will County's Historic Preservation Commission administers its program primarily within its unincorporated 24-Township area. Depending upon where you live, your community may have an established Historic Preservation Commission. If you live in a Will County municipality that does not have an Historic Preservation Ordinance, through a municipal resolution authorizing the County to designate a property, your historic landmark can attain County landmark status . The County currently has landmarks in the Village of Homer Glen, Village of New Lenox, Village of Mokena, Village of University Park, and City of Wilmington.

If you do not see your community listed below, please contact Will County historic preservation staff at 815-774-7902 to learn more about our historic preservation program. Below are Will County municipalities that have established historic preservation commissions.

• City of Aurora • Village of Frankfort • City of Joliet • Village of Lemont • City of Lockport • City of Naperville • Village of Orland Park • Village of Plainfield