A local historic district is an area deemed by the City to be historically significant and thus worthy of protection. Historic significance can be based on the area’s value as part of the historical, cultural, aesthetic, artistic, social, ethnic, or other heritage of the nation, state, or community. The area may also include the distinguishing characteristics of one or more architectural types, which are inherently valuable for the study of a period, style, craftsmanship, method or construction or use of indigenous materials. Local Historic District designation celebrates the historic and architectural character of our unique neighborhoods and the City’s heritage. 

There are three Local Historic Districts in the City of Joliet, all of which are located in the Cathedral Area.

Upper Bluff District

Raynor's Addition

Whitney Terrace

No exterior improvements, alterations, additions, and other construction may be performed on the exterior of the building or structure unless approved through the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) through the Historic Preservation Commission. Interior modifications are not subject to Commission approval. The role of the Historic Preservation Commission is to ensure that the proposed exterior work is appropriate and sensitive to historic house, building or structure and therefore the district. A COA approval by the Historic Preservation Commission is required before a Building Permit application can be made.  Most local historic district property owners find these procedures coincide with their desires to maintain and enhance their historical properties. The Joliet Historic Preservation Commission can offer assistance in planning for the changes.

Local historic district designation protects your investment in your historic property. No exterior improvements, alterations, additions, and other construction may be performed on the exterior of the building or structure unless approved through the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) through the Historic Preservation Commission. Well-maintained and architecturally interesting homes help to stabilize property values in your neighborhood.

There is a substantial difference between a local historic district and a National Register Historic District. While both types of historic districts celebrate the architecture and history of that area, properties within a local historic district are subject to design guidelines and preservation standards, which are in place to protect the historic character of that area.

A National Register Historic District:

• Does not restrict the use or disposition of property or obligate private property owners in any way

• Does not require conformance to design guidelines or preservation standards when property is rehabilitated unless specific preservation incentives (tax credits, grants) are involved

• Does not prevent the demolition of historic buildings and structures within designated areas

The Joliet Historic Preservation Commission (JHPC) invites you to consider creating a local historic district for your neighborhood. Information on the nomination process can be found here.