The Naperville Historic Preservation Commission recently gave the go-ahead for a teardown of the 1962 addition of the Old Nichols Library.
Because the 1898 building was landmarked by the Naperville City Council in September, any changes visible from Washington Street require a certificate of appropriateness from the commission.
A representative of the developer said the demolition would be a first step for planning and design.
Some were concerned the request didn’t include enough information and the change could be dangerous for the building.
“I think we need to have a lot more detail that protects the structural integrity of the building if the addition is torn off,” said Becky Anderson, the city council representative for the commission.
But others believe this change is a good thing.
“I don’t feel that the 1962 addition has any architectural, historical reverence to the original building, said Kamala Martinez, the commission’s Planning and Zoning Commission representative.
The commission approved the change unanimously.
Naperville News 17’s Beth Bria reports.
