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Choose a Better Plan for Historic Preservation in Naperville
by Tom Ryan, Architect
Ten Commandments of Timeless Design for Houses of any Age
Ten Commandments of Timeless Design for Houses of any Age
Naperville Preservation, Inc. (NPI) is pleased to present Ten Commandments of Timeless Design for Houses of Any Age, a series of ten talks over two years presented by longtime Naperville architect and NPI Board Member, Tom Ryan.
Inspired by the "bible" of residential design "Get Your House Right: Architectural Elements to Use & Avoid" by Marianne Cusato, Ben Pentreath, Richard Sammons and Leon Krier, these entertaining talks will aim to distill timeless residential design into memorable bite-size chunks for use in remodeling, additions and new construction for projects of any age, budget, size or style.
After each talk attendees will be given a collectible postcard summarizing the commandment and be invited to "Walk the Talk" during a mini field trip the following Saturday morning to experience the topic live and in-person.
WARNING: By attending a Talk and 'Walking the Talk' you will most likely know more about that particular topic than your friends, neighbors, builders and maybe your architect...don't get cocky. 😉
Topics will include an overview of the series and the timeless design concept, transforming dated houses, site planning, creating a welcoming house, choosing exterior materials, roof basics, perfect porch construction, doors & windows, balconies & bays and interior tips and tricks.
In 2026, the talks will have a street by street focus of our beloved Historic District. The series will conclude will conclude on Tuesday, Oct 20.
The cost per talk will be free for members and $10 for non-members.
Be sure you are on our email list to receive the most timely announcements about the series.
* Please note, unforeseen circumstances may cause the dates to be altered. Location for the meetings is being negotiated.
Talk #10
Talk #10
10th Commandment: What's so Special About Scenic Highway 30A? - Seaside's Roots & Reach
10th Commandment: What's so Special About Scenic Highway 30A? - Seaside's Roots & Reach
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Naper Blvd Library Program Room
2035 S Naper Blvd
Naperville, IL 60565
Cost: $10 non-members, members free! NPI Members, use your NPI member promo code for FREE tickets!
That beach town is Seaside, FL. Its founders traveled the South documenting how and why traditional buildings and towns worked successfully in the past, created a model-based building code to guide architects and contractors, then put the plan into action. Today, after 40-plus years of ongoing development, Seaside has become a globally recognized destination and a source of inspiration for many town planners, architects, and contractors.
The takeaway – town planners, architects, and contractors need inspiration in a physical form (not just photos) of historic buildings and towns worthy of preservation if there is any hope of improving our built environment. Seaside was inspired by historic buildings and towns, with many others now looking to Seaside (imagine that!) as their inspiration. Historic preservation isn’t just about saving old buildings…it’s a path toward economic development with lasting value.
This is our final Talk of a ten-part series Commandments of Timeless Design for Houses of Any Age!
Walk the Talk #10
Walk the Talk #10
As a follow-up to the Talk, on Saturday October 24th at 10 AM , we’ll take a short walking tour to see firsthand how preservation has impacted the economic development of Naperville’s Historic District. No separate R.S.V.P. will be necessary, but the details will only be announced to those attending the October 20th or by special inquiry.
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Don't forget to renew your membership . If you are not a member, please consider joining.
Missed an earlier talk?
Missed an earlier talk?
Here are summations and videos from those talks:
Good as New — Second Lives for Dated Houses 2025.04.10
Use Scale, Balance and Proportion for an Approachable House 2025.08.13
Authenticity and Restraint When Choosing Exterior Materials 2025.10.09
Know What Roof Types to Use…and Not Overuse 2026.03.05
Understanding the Parts and Pieces of a Perfect Porch 2026.04.21
There’s More to Doors and Windows than Simply Being New 2026.06.25
Bay Windows and Balcony Basics 2026.08.25
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