Interest in researching and preserving Downers Grove’s historic homes continues to grow! In 2025, thirteen homes were approved for Historic Home status – the most ever approved in one year. Congratulations to all who chose to help preserve our community’s history! Read more about these historic homes here
Approved in the last quarter of 2025 were the following Historic Homes:
The Leuschner House at 4425 Wilson Avenue, is the second HHP house on the west side of town that also happens to be in Lisle Township. Built circa 1931 the home has been lovingly restored by current owners Brent and Shuan Knipfer and is now known as The Willie and Margarete Herta Leuschner House to honor the original owners. Learn more about the home here. Special thanks to Brent and Shuan Knipfer for submitting their home to the Historic Home Program.
The Naramore House located at 4901 Montgomery Avenue was built circa 1927. The house is a classic example of 1920’s Spanish Revival architecture. When the Zaeskes purchased the home in 2025, they were thrilled to find its architecture and details wonderfully preserved. Learn more about the home here. Special thanks to Fredric and Cynthia Zaeske for submitting their home to the Historic Home Program.
The Kenison House at 4705 Prince Street is the first Second Empire style home to be included in the HHP. Built circa 1891, this cozy home is named Kenison after a family who had lived there for over 70 years. The owners researched their home after attending a presentation sponsored by the Society and the Village of Downers Grove. Learn more about the home here. Special thanks to Jeffrey and Dana Gross for submitting their home to the Historic Home Program.
The Henry Kruse House at 1404 Thornwood Drive was built circa 1924. The Kruse Family lived there until 1946. The current owners, Gina and Brandon Sforzo have preserved the home that reflects the true elegance of this historic structure. Learn more about the home here. Special thanks to Gina and Brandon Sforzo for submitting their home to the Historic Home Program
Built circa 1872, the Elbert A. Rogers House at 1001 Maple Avenue reflects the Folk Victorian tradition of the home. The Rogers family owned the home for many decades. Elbert Rogers was a descendant of Francis A. Rogers who lived in the home briefly, was a Civil War veteran and was a long-time public servant in the community. The Rogers family owned the property until 1984. Learn more about the home here. Special thanks to Nina Fucaldo for researching the home.
The Historic Home Program is strictly honorary and does not limit the homeowner from making external alterations to the home. Additionally, the program does not qualify homeowners for any type of financial incentives such as property tax assessment freezes or tax rebates. It is distinctly different and separate from the Village of Downers Grove Historic Preservation Program.
Should your home be recognized as a Historic Home? Have more questions? Email us: historichomes@downersgrovehistory.org or call the Downers Grove Museum at 630-963-1309.