Hinsdale 'Can't Stop Me,' Developer Tells Publication

HINSDALE, IL – A developer told a business publication last week that he will proceed with the demolition of the Hallmark house, despite the village's advisory vote last week against doing so.

"They can't stop me," developer Robert Cimala told The Real Deal Real Estate News. "The way this is set up, all that they can do is advise."

Last week, the Village Board unanimously voted against granting Legacy Homes Cimala a certificate to demolish a 2½-story house and build anew at 142 E. First St.

Village trustees stated that Cimala failed to incorporate sufficient historic design elements into his proposed house. They said the home is critical because it is at the entrance to the Robbins Park Historic District.

In an interview with The Real Deal, Cimala said, "What they wanted me to do was basically tear down the house and build another one exactly like it. And I told them I wasn't going to do that. That's not the style of home people want nowadays."

Hinsdale's code includes incentives for homeowners who want to preserve their homes. But the rules are purposely cumbersome for those who seek to tear down historic houses.

For years, the village has said its rules cannot ultimately stop a developer from demolishing and replacing a house as long as the new one is code-compliant.

But Landmarks Illinois, a Chicago-based nonprofit group, urges the village to make its decisions binding on developers.

"It's also imperative that the Village of Hinsdale create and implement design guidelines for new construction in this historic district to ensure compatibility with the district's historic character," Amber Delgado said in a Sept. 10 letter on behalf of Landmarks Illinois.

In 1970, Hallmark filmed an advertisement featuring the house. It was built in 1869, the home of William Whitney, who incorporated Hinsdale in 1873.

In her letter, Delgado warned that the continued demolitions could put Hinsdale at risk of losing the historic district designation.

"As we adapt our communities to the present-day needs of residents, moving towards the future does not and should not require the disposal of all remnants of the past," Delgado said. "Communities that prioritize historic preservation see the benefits of increased economic development and desirability of new residents."

During Hinsdale board meetings, Cimala said preserving the house would cost too much. And he said no one showed an interest in remodeling.