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Community Corner

Oak Park Businesses and Homes Recognized for Sustainability, Preservation

Awards given out for historic preservation, sustainability and beautification.

A total of 35 projects were recognized in mid-November for their efforts in protecting and furthering Oak Park's heritage and pride in the community.

The Historic Preservation, Green and Cavalcade of Pride awards were handed out in mid-November during a ceremony at Unity Temple.

A team of four independent judges in the fields of architecture or historic preservation judged the applications, said Doug Kaare, Oak Park's urban planner.

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The criteria for each award were set by one of three commissions: Historic Preservation, Environment and Energy and Community Design.

And the Winners Are:

Historic Preservation

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  • Bee Home and Garden Store, 128 Chicago Ave., owned by Colleen Maiai, for commercial rehabilitation. 
  • Oak Park Senior Services Center, 130 S. Oak Park Ave., for commercial rehabilitation.
  • Restoration of 100-year-old fence at Pleasant Home in Mills Park.
  • Restoration of 850 original wood windows on the 1928 Decker Building, 200-224 S. Maple Avenue/1124 Pleasant Street.
  • Restoring the original stucco façade to an historic two-flat at 209-211 S. Elmwood Avenue.
  • Restoration of exterior siding and front porch of the Seward Gunderson House at 701 S. Elmwood Avenue.

Green Awards

  • Robert Morris University for sensitivity to Oak Park’s sustainability goals.
  • Beye Elementary School for zero waste practices and fourth and fifth grade Green Ambassadors.
  • Sam and Phyllis Bowen for creative use of space by building a vegetable and flower garden on the roof of their new garage.
  • Debbie Becker for helping legalize beekeeping.
  • Jim Doyle & Ana Garcia Doyle for obtaining the first permit in Oak Park to install a grey water system.
  • The Park District of Oak Park for its renovation of Taylor Park.
  • Cary-Laszewski residence for being the first house built in Oak Park to obtain LEED Platinum status.

Cavalcade of Pride Awards

Residential:

  • 1112 Thomas St.
  • 1024 Fair Oaks Ave. 
  • 1025 N. Hayes Ave. 
  • 244 Home Ave. 
  • 412 Wesley Ave. 
  • 154 N. Lombard Ave. 
  • 725 S. Kenilworth Ave. 
  • 533 Wesley Ave. 
  • 832 S. Humphrey Ave. 

 Special:

  • Mills Park.

Most Improved:

  • 265 Home Ave.

Commercial:

  • Green Plan, 18 Chicago Ave.
  • The Arc Building, 18 Chicago Ave.
  • Tasty Dog, 708 Lake St. 

 Multi-Family:

  • North Gate Building, 1530 N. Austin Blvd.
  • Majestic Condominium Association, 426-436 S Euclid Ave.
  • Mother & Son Investments, 12 Washington Blvd.

 Garden:

  • 948 Chicago Ave.
  • 719 S. Ridgeland Ave.

Block:

  • 600 Block Fair Oaks Ave.

Sign:

  • Sushi House, 1107 Lake St. 

Good Neighbor:

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