• Plaqued Homes
• Application Form

Many homes and businesses throughout Naperville have a simple white plaque with black lettering that adorns the facade of their building. Awarded by the Naperville Heritage Society, these plaques indicate that the owner has verified architectural significance or its significance to Naperville's history. When known, the plaque indicates the date the building was constructed as well as the original owner or the family name associated with the home's history. Although the early log cabins built by Joseph Naper, his family and other settlers are long gone, some of the frame and brick houses or buildings constructed in later years still remain. Owners of those buildings can apply for a plaque that recognizes their building and the work they have done to restore and maintain it.

 

What is a Naperville Heritage Society Historic Structures Plaque?
The plaque recognizes Naperville homes and buildings considered architecturally and historically important to Naperville. It identifies structures that are significant to Naperville's history through the integrity of their location, architecture, landscape design, setting, materials and historical association.

The program began in 1970 to recognize the historic or architectural merits of a property. Since that time, more than 90 plaques have been awarded throughout Naperville. The simple white plaque with black lettering is also a tangible means of identifying owners of Naperville's historic homes, buildings and sites who maintain their properties and preserve their historical and architectural integrity.

The Naperville Heritage Society plaque symbolizes pride of ownership and allows others to know the historic origins of a particular building. As time goes on, historic structures become more of a rarity in our fast-paced, modern society. The plaque recognizes these venerable buildings that are not only important to their owners, but also to the community at large. The structures become touchstones of a bygone era and physical reminders of the past.

Does my home or business qualify?
The first step is to request a packet of information from the Preservation Services Department of the Naperville Heritage Society. The information includes resources for research that can help owners in their quest for documentation of the building's age and prior ownership.

Will the plaque restrict remodeling or renovations I plan to do?
The plaque will not interfere with an owner's rights in making changes or improvements to their property. The issuance of a plaque does not reflect or offer tax credits or abatements for rehabilitation projects or properties.

What is the application process?
The completed application form from the home research resource packet should be submitted with:
- an 8" x 10" color photograph of the property illustrating structure or site features to be considered
- documentation of research of structure's date, architectural style and other related historical significance.

The application will be reviewed by the Historic Structures Plaque Program committee. If a property meets the appropriate criteria, the plaque will be approved for issuance. Arrangements will be made with the individual property owner for the plaque presentation from the Naperville Heritage Society.

Throughout the plaque application process, Preservation Services staff members are available for consultation. To use the Naperville Heritage Society archives, contact our research associate for an appointment.

For more information about the plaque process, call 630.305.3535.

This program is generously underwritten by Seabreeze West Construction, Inc.
www.seabreezewest.com