3 Westfield Homes Poised For Historical Designation, Commission Says

WESTFIELD, NJ - The Westfield Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is slated to nominate three properties in the Stoneleigh Park neighborhood for historical designation, commission members said in a statement.

The nominations will take place during a “Meet & Greet” with commission members on Monday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m. in Westfield Municipal Building’s Council Chambers (425 East Broad Street). The event will take place during commission’s regularly scheduled meeting.

Following the meeting, Westfield resident Anastasia Harrison, Principal Architect and Owner of AHD + Co., will present on the history of Westfield’s Stoneleigh Park, commission officials said. As a resident of Stoneleigh Park, Harrison recently designated her own home and is poised to discuss the importance of restoration from a homeowner’s perspective.

“Stoneleigh Park is one of those neighborhoods people look to for its beauty and architecture,” Harrison said in a statement. “The original homes are deep-rooted in the early 1900s, in classic architectural styles that you don’t see in today’s buildings – they’re taller, grander, with more pleasing proportions. Old buildings are like old people, we need to protect them.”

HPC member Katie Spikes, another Stoneleigh Park resident and resident of one of the homes set for designation, says she is particularly looking forward to the nomination.

“I have lived in Westfield in the same home for 11 of years, and in that time I’ve seen many teardowns, even in our historic neighborhood,” Spikes said in a statement. “I want our town to retain its charm and be the kind of place that my children will want to come back to someday.”

HPC Chair Maria Boyes says that, although the Stoneleigh Park neighborhood touts national landmark status, it is the local designation that deters demolition.

“These local designations, by the homeowners’ request, will help to preserve the streetscape of this beloved and historic area in town,” she said.

The Westfield Historic Preservation Commission is tasked with preserving historical sites and structures to maintain the town’s unique character. For more information on upcoming meetings, visit westfieldnj.gov/historicpreservation or email HPC@westfieldnj.gov.