Planning a Project?

If you are planning on renovating your home or are thinking about new construction, we suggest reading the Edwardsville Design Guidelines for Historic Districts linked below. Because of Leclaire’s historic significance, building and remodeling in the neighborhood is regulated by a unique set of City ordinances.  A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required to be issued from the Edwardsville Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) for any alteration, construction, demolition, or relocation that affects the exterior architectural appearance of any property located within Leclaire. 

We strongly encourages anyone considering a remodeling or building project to meet with HPC or City of Edwardsville staff as early as possible in their planning process. HPC meets at 7:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at Edwardsville City Hall, 118 Hillsboro Avenue. Please contact the Edwardsville Public Works Department at (618) 692-7535 for more information on the COA process or visit, Edwardsville Residential Design Guidelines for Historic Districts and Landmarks.

Friends of Leclaire suggests you review the Restoration Resources list to locate local contractors or skilled craftspeople that may be able to assist with your project. 

How About Some Financial Incentives?

Rehabilitating your older home is rewarding in many ways, and with the Illinois Property Tax Assessment Freeze, homeowners may be eligible for a financial incentive that can make the work even more attractive. The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency offers a residential property tax assessment freeze program. If you spend over 25% of the assessed value of your home on rehabilitation, you can apply to have your tax restrictions frozen for eight years. There are certain restrictions on qualifying improvements. For more information on this program, click on the following link: Illinois Property Tax Assessment Freeze Program.