The fate of the historic Judge William D. Barry House at 217 Cedar Ave. took a big step this week, as the St. Charles Planning and Development Committee voted 5–3 to approve a demolition request from Baker Memorial United Methodist Church (which owns the property).

The vote now moves to the full City Council for final approval on May 19.

Key points

• Church request: After years of exploring alternatives, church leaders say they can no longer justify the financial burden of maintaining the property and plan to use the space for additional parking spots.

• 90-day window offered: If demolition is approved, the church will allow a 90-day period for interested parties to propose relocating the building. They’ve publicly offered to sell the house for $1 to anyone willing to move it.

• Preservation advocates push back: Local residents, historians and organizations like Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley oppose the demolition, citing the home’s deep ties to local and Civil War-era history.

• Historic significance: The 180-year-old limestone home once belonged to Judge William D. Barry, a key figure in the region’s history.

While the committee’s vote supports demolition, the Council’s final say on May 19 will determine the historic St. Charles building’s fate.

Watch video of the Planning and Development Committee meeting.

Read more in this Shaw Local article.

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