Naperville Approves Renovations for Beidelman Building
The historic 1928 structure will undergo exterior restorations to accommodate new restaurant and retail businesses.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Commercial
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The Naperville Historic Preservation Commission has approved plans to renovate the 1928 Beidelman building at 235-239 S. Washington St. These updates aim to restore the structure's original character while preparing the site for new restaurant and retail tenants.
Why it matters
The $3.75 million project aims to preserve a city landmark after the closure of long-standing Beidelman Furniture earlier this year. Restoring the facade is a key step in revitalizing the downtown property to make it viable for future commercial use.
The project covers the 3-story building at 235-239 S. Washington St., which became an official city landmark in 2024. The renovation will reverse 1970s alterations by uncovering previously bricked-over windows.
The players
Naperville Historic Preservation Commission
The local regulatory body responsible for protecting and overseeing modifications to designated landmark structures.
Ellsworth Partners
The investment firm that acquired the historic building for $3.75 million and is leading the redevelopment effort.
Beidelman Furniture
A legacy business that operated in Naperville for 165 years before closing its doors in the spring of 2026.
The details
Renovations will involve replacing bricked-over second- and third-story window sections with new aluminum clad windows to match the original design. Contractors are also tasked with removing damaged stone caps to install a period-appropriate stone-look cornice and a new pitched parapet. This process seeks to reclaim the building's 1928 aesthetic while updating the facility for modern commercial requirements.
Timeline
1861: Frederick Long founded the original furniture business in Naperville.
1928: The brick building was constructed.
1970s: The roofline was modified and windows were bricked over.
Spring 2026: Beidelman Furniture officially closed its business.
October 22, 2026: The Historic Preservation Commission approved the renovation plan.
The Home Front
This project follows a trend of adaptive reuse where historic downtown structures are updated to meet modern commercial standards. The approval highlights the rigorous design oversight that city landmarks require to ensure property values and character are maintained during transitions.
Residents should anticipate construction activity at 235-239 S. Washington St. as contractors work to restore the facade. Local property owners with historic buildings should note that the commission requires detailed exterior plans, including material specifications for windows and cornices, before approval.
The takeaway
The transformation of this 1928 structure signals a shift in downtown commercial space as new ownership prioritizes historical restoration. Neighbors can monitor project progress for updates on future retail and restaurant arrivals to the Washington Street corridor.
Further reading
Learn more about local business development trends at Naperville Commercial.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chicago Tribune.
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