Naperville, IL -  For Heidi Schoeneck, it was love at first sight when she saw the charming home at the corner of Columbia Street and Benton Avenue, located in Naperville’s Historic District. The lifelong Naperville resident saw past the peeling wallpaper and multiple layers of paint to discover the architectural gem that is a rare combination of Queen Ann and Arts and Crafts architecture. She and her husband, Roy, undertook a complete restoration of the home and were even featured on HGTV for turning their upstairs attic into a master suite.

“The rewards of living in a historic home are innumerable,” Heidi said. “We have a unique home that fits our family perfectly. We are in a neighborhood that is friendly and walkable. We are stewards for the Historic District, so we are protecting a piece of history for future generations.”

While researching her home’s history with the help of Naper Settlement staff members Bryan Ogg, Research Associate, and Debbie Grinnell, Director of Preservation Services, she found that the home was owned from 1958 to 1977 by the sixth president of North Central College, C. Harve Geiger and his wife, Velma. The Schoenecks were contacted by the executor of the Geiger estate who sent them the original house number plaque that was hand-painted in England and is now displayed on the front of their home.

The Schoenecks will be receiving a Naperville Heritage Society Historic Structures Plaque for their home on Sept. 12.

“We are thrilled to be receiving the plaque,” Heidi said. “It is a great way to recognize the importance of our home to the district and to Naperville. It is also a great way to honor the important family that lived here.”

The plaques, which have been awarded to about 90 homes, indicate that the owner has verified a structure’s architectural or historical significance in relation to Naperville’s history. The Naperville Heritage Society’s Historic Structures Plaque Program publicly recognizes those property owners who have maintained and preserved their properties. The program is generously underwritten by Keith Druek of Seabreeze West Remodeling, Inc.

 “We are honored to be selected and to be the current caretakers of this diamond of Naperville’s past,” Roy said. “We are even happier that by completing the renovation and receiving the plaque we are helping to ensure it is part of Naperville’s future.”

 

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Who: Heidi and Roy Schoeneck, homeowners

What: Presentation of a Historic Structures Plaque by the Naperville Heritage Society

When: Wednesday, Sept. 12, 4:30 p.m.

Where: 5 N. Columbia St., Naperville

Why: The Schoenecks are receiving a Historic Structures Plaque because they have verified their home’s architectural or historical significance in relation to Naperville’s history. About 90 historic structures have received a plaque in Naperville.

Additional information: The Schoenecks recently qualified for a property tax assessment freeze from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency for their renovations. According to the IHPA Web site, the Property Tax Assessment Freeze Program provides tax incentives to owner-occupants of certified historic residences who rehabilitate their homes. Through the Property Tax Assessment Freeze Program, the assessed valuation of the historic property is frozen for eight years at its level the year rehabilitation began. The valuation then is brought back to market level over a period of four years. 

History comes to life at Naper Settlement, an outdoor museum village, located in downtown Naperville at 523 S. Webster St. Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Naper Settlement has 30 historic structures ranging from a rustic log cabin to an elegant Victorian mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Open year round, for more information about hours and admission prices, visit www.napersettlement.museum or call (630) 420-6010.