Most campaigns to save a significant property are led by a grassroots
group of citizen preservationists. In contrast, the effort to save this
three and a half-acre historic farmstead from development was spearheaded
by the Village of Montgomery and its president, Marilyn Michelini. In
2002, when a developer proposed a 108-acre residential subdivision that
included the farmstead, the village’s annexation
agreement included a provision to temporarily preserve the site, giving time to save the
farmhouse and the seven outbuildings. When a deal by the Kendall County
Forest Preserve District fell through, the village stepped in and bought the
site—for $232,000—using open space fees from two adjacent developments.
Earlier this year, it conveyed the property to a local conservation group,
which is using the 1939 farmhouse for office space and the other buildings
for various community uses. The farmstead, which is located at 1004 Dickson
Road, dates to 1863 and had been identified as a conservation area in the
village’s 2002 comprehensive plan.
Landmarks Illinois
Suite 1315
53 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604
tel. 312-922-1742
fax 312-922-8112
