Historic Winnetka home slated for demolition

Another historic Winnetka home is one step closer to demolition after officials declined on Monday to delay a proposed tear-down.

Louise Holland, chairwoman of the village's Landmark Preservation Commission, said she was saddened that the village was losing the circa-1920 home at 220 Birch St., known as the Gate Lodge and designed by renowned Chicago architect Andrew Rebori.

"I'm sorry to see the house go but how far do you go?" said Holland, adding: "It's a property rights issue."

While officials can issue a two-month moratorium on tear-down requests, Holland said unless homeowners are willing to consider preserving and renovating the existing home, the delay is ultimately unable to prevent demolition.

Indeed, while the commission required that property owners Christopher and Mary Freeburg hire an architectural historian to conduct a Historical and Architectural Impact Study, the study's findings concluded that renovations to the home over the years had already compromised its "architectural integrity."

Last month, the Freeburgs told officials that after exploring renovation options, they decided new construction was the best choice because the home does not have a basement.

On Monday, the Freeburgs said they would consider donating the stately pillars and urns that flank the home's driveway to a historic preservation organization.

kcullotta@tribune.com

Twitter: @kcullotta

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Historic Winnetka home slated for demolition