Naperville Approves Renovations for Beidelman Building

The historic downtown structure is set for exterior restoration after being purchased by Ellsworth Partners.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Commercial

Naperville Approves Renovations for Beidelman Building

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The Naperville Historic Preservation Commission has approved renovation plans for the landmark Beidelman building at 235-239 S. Washington St. The project aims to restore the structure's historic character following the closure of the long-standing furniture business earlier this year.

Why it matters

Restoring the 1928 brick building serves as a key initiative to preserve local architectural heritage while making the property more appealing to prospective retail and restaurant tenants. The move signals a new chapter for the site after the building was sold for $3.75 million.

The three-story structure at 235-239 S. Washington St. will undergo a restoration of windows that were bricked over in the 1970s. Contractors will also replace damaged stone caps with a new stone-look cornice and a pitched parapet.

The players

Naperville Historic Preservation Commission

This municipal body is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and modification of structures designated as city landmarks.

Ellsworth Partners

This investment group recently acquired the Beidelman building to lead its redevelopment and tenant recruitment efforts.

The details

Ellsworth Partners, the new owners of the site, plan to replace existing bricked-over window sections with aluminum-clad windows to restore the building's original appearance. The renovation is designed to revitalize the property, which previously served as both a furniture store and a mortuary.

1861: Frederick Long established the furniture business that eventually became Beidelman Furniture.
1928: The brick building was originally constructed for use as a furniture store.
1970s: The building underwent modifications including the bricking over of windows and roofline changes.
Spring 2026: The historic Beidelman Furniture business closed its doors.
October 22, 2026: The Historic Preservation Commission officially approved the renovation plans.

Culture Shift

This project highlights the growing trend of adaptive reuse in historic downtown districts, where developers preserve the facade of legacy buildings to attract modern businesses. It reflects a wider societal shift toward balancing aesthetic preservation with the economic necessity of high-traffic commercial spaces.

Residents and downtown visitors can expect visual improvements to the building's exterior as restoration work begins on the Washington Street site. These changes are expected to eventually bring new dining and retail options to the heart of the city.

The takeaway

Preserving historic downtown architecture often requires significant capital investment to modernize outdated infrastructure while maintaining period-accurate aesthetics. Property owners looking to revitalize legacy buildings should focus on exterior restoration to improve curb appeal and attract high-quality commercial tenants.