UPDATE: The historic Judge William D. Barry House in downtown St. Charles, Illinois will remain standing for the time being, as the City Council denied a demolition request from its owner, Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, on October 16, 2023. This decision comes amidst heightened concerns for the preservation of historic sites, particularly after the house was recently listed among the most endangered historic places in Illinois.
The City Council’s vote—7-3 against demolition—marks a pivotal moment for the structure located at 217 Cedar Ave., which dates back to the 1840s. Originally owned by a prominent lawyer and Kane County judge, William D. Barry, the house has been the subject of ongoing discussions regarding its future. Local historian Steve Gibson, a former president of the St. Charles History Museum, has documented the house’s significance, noting its ties to notable historical figures, including Abraham Lincoln.
Mayor Clint Hull emphasized the importance of finding a solution that balances the church’s financial needs with community desires for preservation. “The goal has been and always will be to continue to find a solution that would be what I would characterize, and many characterize, as a win-win,” Hull stated during the meeting. The City Council had been considering various options, including the possibility of the church selling the property to a preservationist or even to the city itself.
Despite these negotiations, the council could not reach a consensus. The church has expressed a need for additional parking space in the area, leading them to propose the demolition in favor of a parking lot. However, council members like Jayme Muenz voiced strong community sentiments against altering historic structures, stating, “You decide for the entire community what that value is.”
As discussions continue, Al Watts, the community engagement director of local nonprofit Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley, indicated that their organization stands ready to assist the church with potential grant applications for maintenance or options for relocation. “Historic preservation is about finding a sustainable use for these buildings,” Watts explained. “If the building doesn’t have a use, then it’s never going to get saved.”
The outcome of this vote does not mark the end of the conversation. Mayor Hull reassured concerned residents that the city remains committed to ongoing dialogue with both the church and preservation advocates. “This is just one vote,” he concluded, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration to find a viable path forward.
As the community awaits further developments, the future of the Judge William D. Barry House hangs in the balance, underscoring the ongoing struggle between development needs and historical preservation. For now, the house stands resilient, a testament to the rich history of St. Charles.
