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📸 Credit: Kane County Administration Committee agenda packet
Kane County officials have a historic preservation decision on their hands.
The Amasa White House, a Greek Revival limestone home built around 1846 on Fabyan Parkway in Geneva, has sat unused so long that its roof structure has become compromised.
During the August 12 Kane County Administration Committee meeting, officials debated whether to rebuild it, mothball it, or take a phased restoration approach to the full building.
Here's what to know:
How we landed here: The house has had no power, heat, or ventilation for roughly two decades, which staff say allowed moisture to contribute to rotting the roof, joists, and support beams. What started as a roof replacement project may now expand after a closer look.
Exploring the options: A straight roof structure rebuild was quoted at $152,500. A cheaper $36,500 phased restoration plan would address the roof alongside reviews of the foundation, exterior stone walls, windows, interior structure, and utilities (though spread out over time). A $32,400 mothballing plan wouldn't fix anything, just stabilize what's there and prevent further decay while the county decides what's next.
The building’s future is uncertain: The committee discussed the end goal for the structure, whether it becomes a functioning historic site, a livable home, or ultimately gets relocated or sold off. No decision was made.
The roof math: The original $100,000 roof-replacement budget is well below the estimated cost of $152,500 for full rebuild, and the committee tabled a decision to allow for research on potential historic preservation grants.
A 2023 post from Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley (a local preservation group that toured the interior that year) described the property as "structurally stable" and needing only minor roof repair at the time.
The group said the house was originally owned by the Amasa White family until the late 19th century. Amasa White, his son Amasa White Jr., and his granddaughter, Louise White, were all prominent residents of Geneva and Batavia.
Watch the full committee meeting recording and read more in this agenda packet.
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