Oakley Avenue stays teardown free with renovation of century-old home

A Winnetka family who chose to renovate their 100-year-old home instead of demolishing it was recognized during Tuesday night’s Village Council meeting.

The Winnetka Historic Preservation Commission presented an award to Krzysztof and Magdalena Marzec on Aug. 5, and Jack Coladarci, chair of the commission, called the Marzec’s decision “absolutely one of our best stories.”

According to Coladarci, Krzysztof Marzec came to the commission in 2020 with a proposal to demolish the home at 1180 Oakley Ave.

During the conversation, Coladarci said the commission brought up the option of preserving the property, which included the home qualifying for a 20% size bonus for renovations, an incentive aimed at protecting historic homes that the Village added several years ago.

“Because of those changes, the Village was able to offer up these benefits, which (Marzec) took advantage of and saved the house,” Coladarci said.

The home was built in 1925 in the Mediterranean revival style of architecture.

Coladarci said renovations to the home included the front of the home remaining intact and additional landscaping work done to the home, such as removal of overgrown trees. Arched windows were repaired, and French doors were added.

The Marzecs also built an addition to the back of the house.

Krzystof Marzec thanked the trustees and commissioners.

“This house came on the market, and frankly, it was hard to think of tearing it down personally, but it just wouldn’t fit with modern living,” he said. “With your acceptance of the square footage (bonus), the modernization, adding of attached garage, things like that, we were able to get what we wanted, still keep the house, still be a staple of the block, and preserve the home ultimately. It worked out for everybody.”

Village President Bob Dearborn said he had heard reports that there has never been a teardown on Oakley Avenue, and that the neighbors appreciated the home being saved.

“Thank you on behalf of the neighbors,” Dearborn said. “It’s a wonderful project. It’s a great example.”

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