Historic Zoning, Districts and Landmarks

This page contains information on applying for historic zoning in Bloomington and Normal as well as a list of all of the properties and districts that are designated historic by the municipal government. Also included is information on applying to have your property listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as a list of all of the properties in McLean County that are registered.

Background
Local Historic Zoning - Local Historic Properties
National Register of Historic Places - Local Registered Properties

Background

Both Bloomington and Normal have designated, by ordinance, a collection of single addresses and a group of historically important districts because of their special history and their cultural value to the community. You may already be familiar with these by such names as the Normal Theater and White Place and Cedar Crest.

In addition, the twin cities have landmark buildings, historic districts, and structures designated by the Federal government historically significant on a larger scale to the nation, state, or community. These latter are entered on the nation's premier list of important historical sites, the National Register of Historic Places. The boundaries of the two, as designated by local and federal organizations, may be the same but are not necessarily so. For example, White Place Historic District in Bloomington has the same name in its local and Federal designation; however, the geographical areas are somewhat different.

Why would I want my property to have local or Federal designation? Inclusion in either acknowledges the historical and cultural value of the property, and its unique contribution to the neighborhood's place in history. Properties listed on the National Register allow the owner to apply for certain preservation and rehabilitation funding programs such as property and income tax reductions. For information see our page on Financial Incentives for Preservation and Rehabilitation. Local designation is stronger than Federal for a property in the sense that designation through municipal ordinance protects the properties and, consequently, their neighborhoods by monitoring changes that are made. Local designation prohibits removal without prior consent by the municipal preservation commission. Conversely, properties on the National Register are not protected from demolition. A recent example is the Holy Trinity Convent in downtown Bloomington, built in 1863, that was recently demolished for a parking lot even though it had been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983 and was in excellent condition.

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Historic Zoning in Bloomington and Normal

An individual structure (sometimes called "landmarks"). The City of Bloomington website includes the basics of their preservation philosophy. The Town of Normal website includes information about their preservation program and extensive photographs and descriptions of houses in an early twentieth century historic district, Cedar Crest Historic District.

Municipal historic districts. To get a geographical area of Bloomington or Normal designated as an historic district a group of interested property owners or citizens can work together to make application. Application forms are unique to each city; and the procedure, standardized in each. For information in regard to Bloomington contact the town planning department and for Normal, the town attorney. See the Codes, Records and Zoning section for telephone and e-mail information to contact the appropriate city/town personnel.

Individual Structures. These are called "landmarks" in Normal and an owner can apply for historic landmark status by applying to the city/town planning department. In addition, the Normal town council or the Normal Historic Preservation Commission can nominate an individual structure for landmark designation in that town.

Bloomington has similar goals of valuing historically significant structures though the process is different. The city designates historically important individual structures through its zoning code. Bloomington City Council could nominate a structure as a local historic landmark though they have not done so to date.

To apply for historic zoning (S-4) in Bloomington, contact the Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission for the application and instructions. See the Codes, Records, and Planning section for contact information.

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Properties and Districts with Historic Zoning

Historic Districts Designated by Municipal Governments in Bloomington and Normal

Cedar Crest Historic District, Normal
North of Division Street, south of Highland Avenue, West of Constitution Trail and east of Fell Avenue. The first comprehensively designed subdivision in the town. Almost all the houses there are original to the 1914-1930 period of development are thought to be the work of architect Aaron Simmons. His designs contribute to the visual unity of the area.

Downtown Bloomington Historic District, Bloomington
Roughly bordered by East, Center and Locust Streets and the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks. (selected individual addresses are S-4) The 100 year time span of development, 1842-1942, chronicles the changes in styles, technology, and building materials. Buildings both before and after the downtown fire of June 1900.

Davis-Jefferson Historic District, Bloomington
Includes portions of 900-1100 East Jefferson Street and 202 and 204 Davis Street. Large, comfortable private residences characterize this district of late 19c and early 20c houses.

East Grove Street Historic District, Bloomington
Includes 400-700 East Grove Street and is bounded on the west by Gridley Street and on the east by Clinton Street. A residential area notable for houses of many individuals prominent in Bloomington's growth in mid 19c -early 20c and for its continuum of development periods, 1850s through early 20c Arts and Crafts style.

Fell Park Historic District, Normal
Bounded by Oak, Cyprus, North Walnut, and Willow Streets. The park was in the center of the first addition to the town of Normal in 1857. Includes a water tower deeded to the town by the Fell family to provide a reliable source of water for the neighborhood.

Franklin Square Historic District, Bloomington
Includes Franklin Park; the 300 and 400 blocks of East Chestnut and East Walnut Streets and the 900 block of North Prairie and North McLean Street. Franklin Park, a 19c park donated to the city in 1856, has offered outdoor activities and environment to visitors and to the surrounding residences for almost 150 years. The park is named for the man who was then mayor, Franklin Price.

Highland Historic District, Normal
All properties on the west side of South Fell Avenue from Glenn Avenue to Highland Avenue; the north side of Highland from South Fell to Prospect Avenue; the east side of Prospect from Highland to Virginia Avenue; the north and south sides of Virginia from South Fell to Prospect; the north side of Virginia from Prospect to Franklin Avenue; and the east side of Franklin from Virginia to Sugar Creek. An area of residences with a wide variety of styles. Many were built between 1920 and 1940 though the oldest one was built in 1889. Contains singular examples of special historic value.

Old North Normal Historic District, Normal
The 500 through 800 blocks of Normal Avenue on both sides of the street; the 500 through 700 blocks of School Street on both sides of the street; the 800 block of School Street on the west side of the street; 407, 409, 411, and 413 Normal Avenue; the 300 block of Gregory Street and the 300 block of Clay Street. The most recent of Normal's historic districts focuses on the patterns of northward development from the original central downtown area.

North Roosevelt Avenue Historic District, Bloomington.
Bounded by Union Street, West Empire Street, North Lee Street, and North Madison Street. Largely a working class residential area. Many residents were Irish and Hungarian immigrants who chose to live near the Chicago and Alton Railroad shops on the west side of Bloomington.

White Place Historic District, Bloomington
The west side of Fell Avenue between University and Phoenix; the east side of Fell Avenue between Empire Street and Emerson Street; Clinton Boulevard; and White Place. A distinctive residential neighborhood that is an example of a late-19c and early 20c upper-class subdivision. Entry gates off Empire Street remain as do an early fountain and brick streets.

Individual Sites Listed as Historic Landmarks by Municipal Ordinance in Normal

• Normal Camelback Bridge, on Virginia Avenue
• Commercial building, 102-104 South Linden
• Office building (former residence), 202 West College
• Normal Theater, 209 West North Street
• Residence at 905 W. Hovey Avenue
• Residence at 607 North Main Street
• Residence at 206 West Lincoln Street
• Residence at 1202 South Fell Avenue
• Residence at 705 Broadway

Individual Sites Listed as Historically Significant by the City of Bloomington

Bloomington does not use the label "landmark" for individual addresses that the council has designated as historically important. However, they have zoned nine structures with historic zoning (S-4). For all intents and practical purposes, this group fulfills the same purpose as the "landmark" status in Normal. S-4 zoning is an overlay to the base zoning designation, is restrictive, and requires review of the Historic Preservation Commission for changes in the exterior of the structure. In Bloomington, those historically important properties are:

• William Gooding House, 1212 East Washington Street
• George Hanna House, 605 East Front Street
• Moses Montifiore Temple, 315 North Prairie Street
• Old McLean County Courthouse, 200 North Main Street
• Vrooman-Scott Carriage House, 708 East Jackson
• Eliel Barber House, 709 East Taylor
• Amos B. Means House, 2 White Place
• Stansbury House, 510 South Mason Street
• Carl Vrooman House, 701 East Taylor

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The National Register of Historic Places

To be eligible, sites must be judged worthy of preservation because of its contribution to American architecture, history, archeology, and/or culture. Think of its eligibility associated with an important person, an historical event, or a distinctive structure. Applications for all properties follow the same route and Illinois properties begin the journey designation in the state of Illinois toward Federal designation. Here, over-simplified, is the process:

1. The applicant should review information on the National Register website or call the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA) at (217) 782-4836 for a copy of materials.
2. The applicant(s) sends information for review in order for IHPA to evaluate the suitability of the place for listing in the National Register. This includes photographs, assessment of the physical condition of the property, and a statement of significance.
3. The applicant receives notification if the property is judged initially to be suitable for application and a full application is sent if the advisory opinion is positive.
4. The applicant returns the completed application for review by the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council who is notified of its acceptance or rejection. On acceptance, IHPA nominates the place to the National Register. The keeper of the National Register has final authority.

The National Register of Historic Places also offers helpful publications on topics such as researching a historic property and completing the National Register registration form.

The National Register Search Page allows you to search for all of the properties on the National Historic Register in McLean County, all of Illinois, or by city.

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Properties and Districts on the National Register of Historic Places

Historic Districts

• Bloomington Business District, roughly bordered by Madison, Front, East, and Locust Streets.
• East Grove Street Historic District, 400-700 East Grove Street, Bloomington.
• Franklin Square Historic District, 300 & 400 blocks of East Chestnut and East Walnut Streets and 900 block of North Prairie and North McLean Streets, Bloomington
• LeRoy Commercial Historic District, 111-123,200-223, 300 Center and 106-118 Chestnut Streets, LeRoy
• White Place Historic District, White Place, Clinton Boulevard, and the east side of Fell Avenue between Empire and Emerson Streets, Bloomington

Individual Sites

• Bane, Warren, Site, Ellsworth, IL
• Benjamin, Rubin M., House, 510 East Grove Street, Bloomington
• Benjaminville Friends Meetinghouse and Burial Ground, North of Holder, IL
• Camelback Bridge, on Virginia Avenue, Normal
• Clover Lawn, 1000 East Monroe Drive, Bloomington
• Cook, John W., Hall, Illinois State University campus, Normal
• Cox, George H., House, 701 East Grove Street, Bloomington
• Davis, David, III & IV, House, 1005 East Jefferson Street, Bloomington
• Duncan Manor, Southwest of Towanda, IL
• Gildersleeve House, 108 Broadway, Hudson, IL
• Greenlee, Robert, House, 806 North Evans, Bloomington
• Hamilton, John M., House, 502 South Clayton, Bloomington
• Holy Trinity Rectory, North Main Street, Bloomington
• Hubbard House, 310 Broadway, Hudson, IL
• McLean County Courthouse and Square, Main, Washington, Center, and Jefferson Sts. Bloomington
• Miller, George H., House, 405 W. Market Street, Bloomington
• Miller-Davis Law Buildings, 101--103 N. Main Street and 102--104 E. Front Street, Bloomington
• Normal Theater, 209 North Street, Normal Warren Bane site, Ellsworth, IL
• Patton, John, Log Cabin, Lexington Park District Park, Lexington, IL
• Scott, Matthew T., House, 227 1st Avenue, Chenoa, IL
• Scott-Vrooman House, 701 E. Taylor Street, Bloomington
• Stevenson House, 1316 E. Washington Street, Bloomington
• White Building, 215--223 E. Douglas Street, Bloomington

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Page last updated: Sunday, September 11, 2005