Winnetka's Gage House Named Endangered Landmark

Winnetka's Gage House, a pre-Civil War home that served as a make-shift hospital and morgue after Lady Elgin sank in Lake Michigan in 1860, was named one of the Ten Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois by Landmarks Illinois.

The purpose of the list is to raise awareness for the sites and bring attention to the lack of maintenance, insufficient funds, poor development and deterioration to the sites. 

"By publicizing them, we hope to bolster local advocacy efforts and build support towards each property's eventual preservation," a statement on Landmarks Illinois' website stated. 

The Gage House is at risk, as the current owner has filed for a demolition permit in order to construct a larger house closer to the lake, Landmarks Illinois' website states. The Winnetka Landmark Preservation Commission has imposed a demolition delay, but the property owners can proceed with the demolition once it expires. 

The Winnetka Landmark Preservation Commission can request an Historic Architectural Impact Study and temporarily deny a demolition request. If the study can prove that the property is historically or architecturally significant, the Commission can impose a 60 day demolition delay. During the delay, the Commission may work with the owner on alternative plans, but the owner retains the right to proceed with the demolition at the end of the 60 day delay.

In 2012, Winnetka had 34 demolition applications, 12 of which were delayed demolition. None of the homes were saved. Six of those homes were designed by notable architect Edwin Clark. 

Winnetka residents are encouraged to reach out to the Winnetka Village Council about the need to strengthen its historic preservation ordinance. 

Since Landmarks Illinois started the Ten Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois program in 1995, 52 sites have been saved, 40 have been demolished or substantially altered, 80 are still threatened and 13 have rehabilitation pending or underway.

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