Commission secures facade preservation on historic Elizabeth Avenue house
Westfield commission secures facade preservation on Revolutionary War-era house. The Historic Preservation Commission approved modifications to 231 Elizabeth Avenue after architect Tao Zhang agreed to retain the structure's front façade and original materials, rejecting his initial proposal to
Historic Preservation Commission · Meeting of April 27, 2026
NJ WESTFIELD — Westfield commission secures facade preservation on Revolutionary War-era house. The Historic Preservation Commission approved modifications to 231 Elizabeth Avenue after architect Tao Zhang agreed to retain the structure's front façade and original materials, rejecting his initial proposal to remove 65 percent of the building. Historic Preservation Officer Barton Ross noted the house, part of the Gideon Ross estate, contains 18th-century materials and is one of Westfield's oldest and most historically significant properties.
Former Town Historian Robert Wendel submitted a letter opposing the demolition proposal as a serious act of historic erasure. The Commission also reviewed two garage demolition requests and approved advisory review for a property in the proposed Tremont historic district.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 444 words
Source: the Historic Preservation Commission meeting of April 27, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
Members read the rest of this story and every Westfield meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this brief
Know someone in Westfield who follows town government? Share Townbrief Westfield: they can sign up free.