City of Batavia Begins Historic District Exterior Building Condition Assessment

BATAVIA, Ill. – (July 27, 2026) The City of Batavia will begin an Exterior Building Condition Assessment of approximately 75 historic properties within the Batavia Historic District in late July as part of the City's ongoing commitment to preserving its historic downtown.
Funded through the City's 2026 Budget, the assessment will document the exterior condition of designated historic buildings, identify visible maintenance concerns, and provide information to help guide future preservation and maintenance efforts. The project supports implementation of the City's Strategic Plan and Downtown Plan.
The assessment initially will focus on approximately 75 properties designated as Significant within the Batavia Historic District. The project also includes a second phase to evaluate additional Contributing properties, along with the Campana Building, Batavia's only locally designated landmark.
"This assessment provides the City with a complete and consistent inventory of exterior building conditions for our most historically significant buildings throughout the City’s Historic District," said Scott Buening, Community and Economic Development Director for the City of Batavia. "The information gathered will help us better understand current building conditions, identify maintenance needs, and support long-term preservation planning for one of Batavia's most important community assets."
The City selected Johnson Lasky Kindelin (JLK) Architects to complete the project following a competitive request for proposals process.
Field work is scheduled to begin in late July and continue through August. Consultants will evaluate visible exterior building elements, including roofs, chimneys, drainage systems, exterior walls and masonry, windows, doors, foundations, porches, steps, and railings. The assessment is limited to exterior observations and will not include interior inspections.
Most assessments will be completed from public rights-of-way. In situations where additional exterior access is necessary because of limited visibility, City staff and JLK Architects will coordinate with the property owner before entering any private property.
Residents and business owners may see JLK Architects personnel working throughout the Historic District during the assessment period. Team members will carry City-issued identification confirming they are authorized contractors working on behalf of the City of Batavia.
For additional information about the Exterior Building Condition Assessment, visit bataviail.gov/exteriorassessment.
About the City of Batavia Located along the Fox River in Kane County, Batavia is a full-service community of approximately 27,000 residents. The City of Batavia provides a wide range of municipal services, including police and fire protection, water and wastewater services, electric utility operations, and public works. Guided by its Strategic Plan, Batavia is committed to responsible growth, sustainability, and enhancing quality of life for residents, buisnesses, and visitors.