West Chicago Honors Local Contractor for Improving Neighborhood



		Contractor Tom Cherrington sits on front porch of the home for which he received a Rejuvenation Award from the West Chicago Historical Preservation Commission.

West Chicago, Illinois: August 17, 2010 – Local contractor Tom Cherrington of Cherrington Design and Building, Inc. wanted to keep his crews busy during a slow period when the economy tanked earlier in 2009. He has since discovered the rewards and personal satisfaction that comes from breathing new life into older structures and received a Rejuvenation Award from the West Chicago Historical Preservation Commission at the City Council meeting of August 16, 2010.

Cherrington, who bought a home originally built in 1918 which had become an eyesore to its neighbors on Joliet Street, revived it to an enviable state. While maintaining the character of the neighborhood, he replaced the heating, air conditioning, electrical and plumbing systems and added energy efficient windows. The house has now elevated the level of the surrounding homes and has since sold to an appreciative buyer.

Unlike most, Cherrington doesn't run from so-called "handyman specials", rather he views them as challenges and opportunities. His many years as a remodeling contractor specializing in room additions provide him with the knowledge and perspective for identifying diamonds in the rough – sometimes the very rough. Working with a local realtor, he seeks homes in need of repairs that would seem overwhelming to the average buyer, and is able to purchase them at extremely affordable prices. "I look for homes with good bones, sound structure. My philosophy is one of enhancing the structure, not tearing it down," said Cherrington.

According to John Fincham, the City's Assistant Director of the Community Development Department, the house on Joliet Street had been the source of intensive code enforcement activity over the past four years. The single-family house had, at some point during its history, been converted into a 2-flat rental property. The property went into foreclosure in 2007 and had been vacant for more than a year. During the foreclosure process, the property deteriorated significantly.

Once the house was acquired, Cherrington proceeded to completely gut the structure. This included complete removal of all plaster and drywall in the interior, repair of all plumbing and electrical and a conversion back to a single-family residence. The screen enclosure for the front porch was removed and returned to its original appearance. The basement was waterproofed and is now completely free of moisture. New windows and exterior side were also installed. Additionally, a new 2-car garage was built and the driveway paved with asphalt. All existing bushes and brush were removed and new professional landscaping installed.

"The shout-out for the house on Joliet Street is certainly well-deserved from the City's perspective", said Fincham. "Mr. Cherrington has not just enhanced an individual house, he has rejuvenated an entire street or neighborhood and made a safer environment for the greater community. This renovation signals a positive turnaround to a property that was near condemnation. It has become one of the nicest homes in the neighborhood."

While so many towns see the destruction of charming older homes through tear downs replaced by ill-fitting, larger than life edifices, Cherrington's approach to the improvement project was refreshing in its attempt to maintain the character and authenticity of the neighborhood. Janet Dayton Hale, chairperson of the West Chicago Historical Preservation Commission, commented on Cherrington's work on the Joliet Street house on behalf of the Commission, "We would like to acknowledge the effort, applaud the results, and encourage others similarly inclined to use the Commission as a resource for guidance in cost effective ways to achieve a balance between old and new."

Those interested in learning more about rejuvenating an available West Chicago property, may contact John Fincham at City Hall at (630) 293-2200 x 155.


	Interior view of house when purchased by Tom Cherrington in 2009.


	Today, the house, which has sold to an appreciative buyer, has become a showpiece property for the neighborhood.

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West Chicago is a diverse, family-oriented community with a rich cultural mix and a proud heritage. It is the first Illinois community established by the railroads and continues to be a convenient transportation hub served by three major rail lines, Illinois' third-busiest airport and three state highways. West Chicago offers award-winning schools, a growing industrial park and convenient access to parks, shopping and restaurants. Additional information can be found on the City's website at www.westchicago.org or by calling Rosemary Mackey directly at (630) 293-2200 x 139.

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO 475 Main Street, West Chicago, Illinois 60185 T - (630) 293-2200 www.westchicago.org