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Historic Home Program
Featured Historic Home
The John A. Hunyar House
The John A. Hunyar House, located at 5406 Carpenter in Downers Grove, is recognized by the Historic Home Program for its architecture. Described as a Craftsman-style bungalow, the home was built c. 1925. John Anton Hunyar was born in Austria-Hungary in 1891. He immigrated to the USA in 1910. By 1917, he was married to Martha and working as a metalworker at Liquid Carbonic Corp. in Chicago, a historic manufacturer of carbon dioxide gas, dry ice, and soda fountain equipment that revolutionized the industry. By 1920, Hunyar is listed in the US Census as a tinsmith, and he and Martha have a son, Robert. Hunyar became a naturalized citizen in 1922. In 1924, he purchased the land on Carpenter, and soon this charming home was built. In the 1930s, they also had a daughter, Helen. By 1940, the U.S U.S. Census indicates he was working in telephone manufacturer assembly, still
The Downers Grove Museum and the Downers Grove Historical Society are proud to present the Downers Grove Historic Home Program (HHP). This program aims to preserve the history of Downers Grove homes and educate the community about research and preservation.
Recognition of historic homes in Downers Grove started with the Centennial Home Program in 1984. As the name implies, the focus at that time was on homes over 100 years old. In 2016, the program was recast as the Historic Home Program. The program was expanded to include homes that were over 50 years old and improved guidelines for researching homes.Â
The application form mentioned below describes the requirements that need to be met in order for a home to be recognized as a historic home. After the homeowner completes the application, it is reviewed by Historic Home Program Committee. Upon approval of the application, a plaque for the house is provided free of charge by the Historical Society and Museum.
The Downers Grove Historic Home Program is separate and distinct from the Village of Downers Grove Historic Preservation Program. The Downers Grove 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.
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
Historic Home Program
Centennial Home Program (Since Retired)
Razed Home [Demolished]