Downers Grove (July 2016)
The 2015 demolition of the 117-year old historically significant Queen Anne Edwards House in Downers Grove led to the formation of Friends of the Edwards House a volunteer advocacy group whose efforts brought about a simplified Historic Preservation Ordinance in Downers Grove.
The Gassen home was the first of five structures landmarked since the revised ordinance’s passage last December, compared to two homes that were landmarked in the past eight years under the previous ordinance.
Amy and Dave Gassen are trying to increase awareness and excitement for all American Foursquares in Downers Grove. They recently completed an informal survey and determined that approximately 130 Foursquares exist in the neighborhoods surrounding the downtown. As part of their efforts, they have created a Facebook page called “American Foursquares of Downers Grove.”
Photo: Amy and Dave Gassen in front of their recently landmarked 1924 American Foursquare.