Preserving Our Heritage: The Edgewater Glen Home Preservation Guide

As Edgewater Glen celebrates its designation as a National Historic District, the Edgewater Glen Association is introducing a Home Preservation Guide to assist homeowners in maintaining and restoring the historic character of their properties. This educational resource offers practical advice and best practices for preserving architectural details that define the neighborhood's charm. Whether you're planning a renovation or simply wish to honor the area's rich history, the guide serves as a valuable tool for thoughtful home stewardship.

Line drawing of a three-story house with a front porch, stairs, multiple windows, and a gabled roof.
Download the Guide
  • Close-up of a two-story house with elaborate roof and window details, featuring a brown shingled upper section, large windows, and white decorative columns supporting the overhanging roof, under a blue sky with a contrail.

    Windows

    Original windows add historic value. Maintain when possible; if replacing, match the style and materials to preserve the home’s character.

  • A row of modern residential houses with brick and siding exteriors, front porches, and well-maintained gardens on a sunny day with a clear blue sky.

    Façade

    The façade defines your home’s character. Preserve original elements like trim and cornices, and when updating, choose materials that match the home’s historic style.

  • A two-story brick house with a porch and steps leading up to the front door. There are hanging flower baskets and potted plants on the porch, with trees and neighboring homes in the background.

    Brick & Stone

    Historic masonry should be cleaned gently and repaired with care. Avoid harsh treatments and use techniques that protect the original material.

  • Front yard of a house with a porch, steps, and a garden with chairs and trees.

    Porches

    Porches are key to Edgewater Glen’s charm. Keep original railings and details intact, and use similar materials when repairs are needed.

  • A green Victorian-style house with decorative columns, bay windows, and a small balcony on the second floor, under a clear blue sky.

    Siding

    Keep existing wood or historic siding whenever possible. For repairs, use materials that closely replicate the original look and feel.

  • Close-up of a Victorian-style house with decorative trim, a bay window, and a pointed roof with a decorative finial at the top.

    Historic Details

    Preserving historic details like fish-scale shingles and wood porches helps maintain the charm and value of Edgewater Glen.

Street sign indicating West Norwood Street and a historic district sign for Edgewater Glen in Chicago, Illinois.

Edgewater Glen Historic District Plaques

Celebrate your home’s place in Edgewater Glen’s rich history with a custom Historic District Plaque. Exclusively designed for our neighborhood, these plaques highlight your home’s inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places and proudly recognize its role in our historic community.

Plaques are available for all restored buildings within the designated district—both single-family homes and multi-unit residences.

How to Order Your Plaque
There are two simple steps:

  1. Research Your Home – You’ll need the year it was built and the name of the architect or builder. Visit the Edgewater Historical Society to either research it yourself or request assistance (a small fee and membership may apply).

  2. Place Your Order – Once you have your information, download the order form and submit it directly to peter@usbronze.com. The cost is $140 plus tax (shipping included). You’ll receive a mockup and quote for approval before production.

Plaques typically arrive within 3–4 weeks.

Research Your Home
Download Order Form
Plaque for Edgewater Glen Historic District, house built in 1910 by John Lewis Cochran, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Install your plaque correctly

Follow these simple steps to make sure your plaque is secure and ready for the upcoming historic district celebration:

  1. Choose the right location
    Plaques must be installed directly on the historic home itself per historic guidelines - not on yard fences, posts, or other detached structures. Placing the plaque on the front façade ensures everyone knows the property is historic and helps maintain the integrity and visibility of our district.

  2. Mark and level
    Hold the plaque in place on your home’s façade and use a level to ensure it’s straight. The plaques are blind mount, meaning the screws attach from the back. Insert the included screws into the pre-drilled holes on the back of the plaque. Then, lightly coat the tips of the screws with a marker or paint and press the plaque against the wall—this will leave marks showing exactly where to drill.

  3. Pre-drill holes
    The marked area now indicates where to drill the holes. If mounting on brick, wood, or another hard surface, pre-drill small pilot holes where you marked. This helps prevent cracking and ensures a snug fit.

  4. Attach securely
    Use weather-resistant caulk or adhesive to the holes and back of plaque to fasten the plaque in place. Double-check that it is firmly attached and level.

  5. Celebrate your contribution
    Step back and admire your work—you’ve helped preserve the historic character of our neighborhood!