Historic Preservation Commission

Historic Preservation Commission Monday, November 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM 100 N. Island Ave, Batavia, IL 60510 in the City Council Chambers Questions and comments regarding agenda items can be submitted prior to 4 PM the day of the meeting by emailing Zach Ewoldt, Planner at zewoldt@bataviail.gov Page 1. Meeting Call to Order 2. Roll Call: Vacant, Chair Phil Bus, Acting Chair (Vice Chair) Mark Allen Tom Connelly Jamie Koc William Mahler Jamie Saam 3. Approval of Minutes 3.1 Minutes 3 - 11  Revised September 8th, 2025 Minutes  October 13th, 2025 Minutes  October 27th, 2025 Minutes 4. Items Removed, Added or Changed 5. Matters from the Public: (For Items NOT on the Agenda) 6. Regular Agenda 6.1 Certificate of Appropriateness forBuilding Awnings and a 12 - 19 Freestanding Sign at 320 Houston Street - Stephan Perrault, Applicant Page 1 of 19  COA Agenda Packet for 320 Houston Street 7. Election of Officers 8. Updates 9. Other Business 10. Adjournment Individuals with disabilities should notify the City Administrator’s office at 630-454-2053 if they have a disability which will require special assistance or services and, if so, what services are required. This notification should occur as far as possible before the City-sponsored function, program, or meeting. Page 2 of 19  MINUTES September 8, 2025 Historic Preservation Commission City of Batavia Please NOTE: These minutes are not a word-for-word transcription of the statements made at the meeting, nor intended to be a comprehensive review of all discussions. They are intended to make an official record of the actions taken by the Commission and to include some description of discussion points as understood by the recording secretary. They may not reference some of the individual attendee’s comments, nor the complete comments if referenced. 1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Chair Bus called the Historic Preservation Commission meeting to order at 5:00 pm. 2. ROLL CALL Members Present: Commissioners Connelly, Saam, Mahler, Allen and Bus Members Absent: Commissioner Koc 3. ITEMS REMOVED/ADDED/CHANGED: None. 4. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC (NOT ON THE AGENDA): None. 5. REGULAR AGENDA: ​ 5.1 COA Review: 23 North Water Street - Primary Structure Demolition Rob Walter, 523 Appleton Drive, representing the United Methodist Church, gave a brief presentation. He noted the proposal is to demolish the building to make space for church expansion. Jeff Alberston added the building was not designated in the District and refreshed the Commissioners knowledge about the demolition procedures. Walter noted the building is 75 years old and in rough shape. There seemed to be a consensus amongst the members to use the expedited demolition process for this matter. MOTION: ​ ​ To consider this property non-contributing and to recommend an expedited demolition process MAKER: ​ ​ Allen SECOND: ​ ​ Saam ROLL CALL VOTE: ​ ​ AYE: Connelly, Saam, Mahler, Allen and Bus ​ ​ ​ ​ NAY: None ​ ​ ​ ​ ABSENT: Koc ​ ​ ​ ​ 5-0 Vote; motion carried. Page 3 of 19 Historic Preservation Commission September 8, 2025 Page 2 5.2 COA Review: 106 North River Street - Public plaza and bathrooms Max Weiss, with the City of Batavia, gave a presentation about proposed plans on the former “Tin Shop” property. He noted the proposal is to build a public plaza with self cleaning, prefabricated bathrooms and showed the Commission a layout of the plan and described its features. He noted that the City is attempting to use the same bricks as used on River Street. Options for materials/color choices for the restrooms, fencing, planters and benches were discussed and samples were passed around and considered. MOTION: ​ ​ To approve the COA as submitted MAKER: ​ ​ Mahler SECOND: ​ ​ Connelly ROLL CALL VOTE: ​ ​ AYE: Connelly, Saam, Mahler, Allen and Bus ​ ​ ​ ​ NAY: None ​ ​ ​ ​ ABSENT: Koc ​ ​ ​ ​ 5-0 Vote; motion carried. 5.3 COA Review: 28 South Van Buren Street - Wall sign replacement Gerardo Parra, 28 South Van Buren Street, discussed the proposal to replace the existing wall sign in-kind with a similar size and design for the new business. Chair Bus indicated the building is non-contributing. The proposed specifications of the sign were noted by Armando of Only Signs, the applicant. MOTION: ​ ​ To approve the COA as submitted MAKER: ​ ​ Connelly SECOND: ​ ​ Saam ROLL CALL VOTE: ​ ​ AYE: Connelly, Saam, Mahler, Allen and Bus ​ ​ ​ ​ NAY: None ​ ​ ​ ​ ABSENT: Koc ​ ​ ​ ​ 5-0 Vote; motion carried. 5.4 COA Review: 10 South Batavia Avenue, Roof and Gutter Replacement Jospehine Tucci, the Executive Director for the Batavia Public Library, said the proposal is to install a new roof and gutters due to condensation occurring inside the 23 year old building. She showed samples of the existing and proposed roof materials and noted that selected colors are close to what is existing. Chair Bus indicated the building is contributing. There was a detailed discussion about the existing decorative roof vents. Dale Pole, with Page 4 of 19 Historic Preservation Commission September 8, 2025 Page 3 All-American roofing, the applicant, indicated that the Library decided not to replace it and will be using a ridge vent instead. MOTION: ​ ​ To approve the COA as submitted MAKER: ​ ​ Saam SECOND: ​ ​ Connelly ROLL CALL VOTE: ​ ​ AYE: Connelly, Saam, Mahler, Allen and Bus ​ ​ ​ ​ NAY: None ​ ​ ​ ​ ABSENT: Koc ​ ​ ​ ​ 5-0 Vote; motion carried. 6. UPDATES: None. 7. OTHER BUSINESS: Commissioners Connelly and Saam were appointed to a Nominating Committee by Chair Bus. Alberston noted that Zach Ewoldt will be taking over as staff liaison in the near future. He also suggested that the Commission consider topics such as the election of officers, staff level approval of certain items and a requirement to approve exterior paint colors. Chair Bus suggested the Commission should discuss term limits, the requirement to submit a legal description and consider updating the list of structures within the District. 8. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business to discuss, Chair Bus asked for a motion to adjourn. There was a motion and a second. By a voice vote, all were in favor and the motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 P.M. Minutes respectfully submitted by Peter Gerardi, Recording Secretary. Page 5 of 19  MINUTES October 25, 2025 Historic Preservation Commission City of Batavia Please NOTE: These minutes are not a word-for-word transcription of the statements made at the meeting, nor intended to be a comprehensive review of all discussions. They are intended to make an official record of the actions taken by the Commission and to include some description of discussion points as understood by the recording secretary. They may not reference some of the individual attendee’s comments, nor the complete comments if referenced. 1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Commissioner Saam called the Historic Preservation Commission meeting to order at 5:00 pm. 2. ROLL CALL Members Present: Commissioners Saam, Mahler, Allen and Connelly Members Absent: Commissioners Koc and Bus ​ MOTION: ​ ​ To approve Commissioner Saam to chair the meeting MAKER: ​ ​ Connelly SECOND: ​ ​ Mahler VOICE VOTE: ​ Motion carried. ​ 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES ​ 3.1 Minutes ​ ​ July 28, 2025 ​ ​ August 11, 2025 ​ ​ MOTION: ​ ​ To approve the Minutes MAKER: ​ ​ Connelly SECOND: ​ ​ Mahler VOICE VOTE: ​ Motion carried. 4. ITEMS REMOVED/ADDED/CHANGED Minutes from September 8, 2025 were removed from today’s agenda; to be resubmitted with the addition of Chair Bus’nomination of a sub-committee 5. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC (NOT ON THE AGENDA) None. Page 6 of 19 Historic Preservation Commission October 13, 2025 Page 2 6. REGULAR AGENDA: 6.1 ​ COA for Second Floor Window Replacement at 28 South Water Street, Andy Miller, BEI Commercial Real Estate, Applicant Andy Miller noted that the plan is to replace 9 windows on the south elevation on the second and third floors and that are identical to the windows replaced in the Spring. Zach Ewoldt noted that it was a significant structure. Miller added that the existing sills in this case would be kept intact since they haven’t been affected by salt and should they need replacement, the sills would be replaced identical to the sills used on the lower level. He said eventually all the windows would be replaced similarly. ​ MOTION: ​ ​ To approve the COA as submitted MAKER: ​ ​ Connelly SECOND: ​ ​ Mahler ROLL CALL VOTE: ​ ​ AYE: Connelly, Saam, Mahler and Allen ​ ​ ​ ​ NAY: None ​ ​ ​ ​ ABSENT: Koc and Bus ​ ​ ​ ​ 4-0 Vote; motion carried. 6.2 COA for Building Demolition at 14-18 North Batavia Avenue, BEI Commercial Real Estate, Robert Walter of Batavia United Methodist Church, Applicant Robert Walter, a resident of Batavia, gave a presentation regarding the demolition of the subject building noting its history. He added that the building comprises 6 different buildings built over a 100 year time span and that it is obsolete and not user friendly. Walter said when the building was purchased the plan was to tear it down. He mentioned they are against recommendations to install a fence along the front property line and a physical barrier for vehicle traffic at the back of the lot as not compatible with future plans. He added that future plans would be to build a small structure for offices and gathering space and preserve the existing parking. Zach Ewoldt noted that the building is a non-contributing structure but is concerned about the loss of the street wall and there being no immediate plans with the property hence the recommendation for a decorative 4’ open face fence complimented with a 5 foot wide landscaping area. He noted that the Downtown Plan calls for retaining and building up the street wall on Batavia Avenue. He reminded the members of the expedited review for demolition of non-contributing structures but is recommending the traditional 2 meeting process and a site visit at the Commission's discretion. There seemed to be a consensus by the majority of members to do an on-site visit to view the inside of the building. Commissioner Mahler asked how long the lot could be vacant and Page 7 of 19 Historic Preservation Commission October 13, 2025 Page 3 if there was a stone facade behind. Walter suggested it may be 5 years before something might be built and that the stone facade was built in 1947 and agreed that the original facade is gone. Jim Farenbach, Ald. 5th Ward, indicated that there’s many long term vacant property in the immediate area and the historical context of the building has been removed and to demolish would be an improvement. Penny Hall, a member of the church, said a fence would block the view of the church and the demolition will provide usable green space. Mayor Schielke suggested the building is in the top 3 historical buildings in Batavia and what could happen to the historic church if the building to be demolished burns. Al Watts, Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley, agreed with others that this applicant deserves ample time and not be expedited in order to digest the significant history behind the buildings. ​ MOTION: ​ ​ To accept the application and the 2-step review process MAKER: ​ ​ Mahler SECOND: ​ ​ Connelly ROLL CALL VOTE: ​ ​ AYE: Connelly, Saam, Mahler and Allen ​ ​ ​ ​ NAY: None ​ ​ ​ ​ ABSENT: Koc and Bus ​ ​ ​ ​ 4-0 Vote; motion carried. 7. UPDATES: Ewoldt noted several items being worked through for future consideration. 8. OTHER BUSINESS: None. 9. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business to discuss, Commissioners Saam asked for a motion to adjourn. There was a motion and a second. By a voice vote, all were in favor and the motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 5:56 P.M. Minutes respectfully submitted by Peter Gerardi, Recording Secretary. Page 8 of 19  MINUTES October 27, 2025 Historic Preservation Commission City of Batavia Please NOTE: These minutes are not a word-for-word transcription of the statements made at the meeting, nor intended to be a comprehensive review of all discussions. They are intended to make an official record of the actions taken by the Commission and to include some description of discussion points as understood by the recording secretary. They may not reference some of the individual attendee’s comments, nor the complete comments if referenced. 1. 14-18 NORTH BATAVIA AVENUE SITE VISIT FOR COMMISSION MEMBERS This following is a summary from the site visit provided by Zach Ewoldt. Vice Chair Bus called the site visit to order at 4:30 PM. A quorum of the Commission was present, with Commissioners Bus, Connelly, Saam, and Mahler in attendance. Commissioners Koc and Allen were absent. No members of the general public were present, however several members of the Batavia United Methodist Church congregation were present, including Pastor Melissa Meyers, Robert Walter, and Jack Hinterlong. Robert Walter, representing the Batavia United Methodist Church, provided a safety briefing prior to entering the building. During the tour, Mr. Walter shared the history of each of the six buildings and described their existing structural conditions. Commissioners asked questions regarding the age of the buildings and the alterations made to the original structures. Mr. Walter noted that the church has made efforts to preserve portions of the historic Batavia High School gym floor located within the building. Portions of the floor have been donated to the Batavia Historical Society and Batavia High School to commemorate the state championship teams that played on it. The site tour concluded at 4:55 P.M. 2. THE MEETING SHALL RECONVENE NO EARLIER THAN 5 P.M. IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT 100 NORTH ISLAND AVENUE 3. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Chair Bus mentioned the site visit was revealing and called the Historic Preservation Commission meeting to order at 5:02 P.M. 4. ROLL CALL Members Present: Commissioners Connelly, Saam, Mahler and Bus Members Absent: Commissioners Koc and Allen Page 9 of 19 Historic Preservation Commission October 27, 2025 Page 2 5. ITEMS REMOVED/ADDED/CHANGED: None. 6. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC (NOT ON THE AGENDA): None. 7. REGULAR AGENDA: 7.1 Certificate of Appropriateness for building demolition at 14-18 North Batavia Avenue, Rob Walter, 523 Appleton Drive, of the United Methodist Church, Applicant Zach Ewoldt gave the staff report noting an addendum to the application was received from the applicant as well as a letter from Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley indicating they are releasing their previous position. Rob Walter addressed the 6 recommended conditions saying the four foot fence doesn't mitigate the streetwall but agrees with the need for landscaping. He added that the church building does not provide a streetwall and so doesn’t seem compatible. Regarding the physical barrier to prevent vehicles from going into grass/gravel areas he referred to documented examples in the City without barriers. Walter said regarding the south driveway pavement there will be removed but they are not planning on using it but agreed the bond request is reasonable. It seemed like there was a consensus by the Commissioners that sufficient information was submitted by the applicant and moved to a discussion of the review criteria and secondary factors for demolition. Chair Bus noted and Walter agreed that the demolition area won’t be used for parking. Ewoldt noted that parking stop blocks would be sufficient to prevent vehicles from entering the grass area. Scott Buening added the City is not looking for a full curb but rather a barrier temporary in nature. After discussion on the fence recommendation versus the defined street wall concept, there seemed to be a consensus amongst the Commissioners that a combination of fence with proper landscaping is consistent with the downtown plan. Jack Hinterlong suggested continuing a line of big boulders similar to the stone used for the church along the west side of the property. There seemed to be a consensus about placing the boulders along with the landscaping is acceptable and would tie into the church’s aesthetic. Ewoldt noted that the City would be agreeable to incorporating the line of boulders in lieu of fencing. There was discussion about a retaining wall with a chain link fence and a guard rail on the north side of the building. Scott Buening noted that by taking the building down they perhaps open themselves up to additional liability. Walter noted that the plan is to keep a Page 10 of 19 Historic Preservation Commission October 27, 2025 Page 3 portion of the foundation wall along the north side to act as a retaining wall and indicate that it should serve as adequate protection for vehicles and pedestrians. MOTION: To recommend approval of the application as submitted with a modification to condition 1 to include a line of stone as an alternative to a fence MAKER: ​ ​ Mahler SECOND: ​ ​ Saam ROLL CALL VOTE: ​ ​ AYE: Connelly, Saam, Mahler and Bus ​ ​ ​ ​ NAY: None ​ ​ ​ ​ ABSENT: Koc and Allen ​ ​ ​ ​ 4-0 Vote; motion carried. 8. UPDATES: Ewoldt noted that Staff is working on amendments to City Code that will be brought to the next meeting on November 10th. Chair Bus noted that the agenda for that meeting should probably include election of officers. 9. OTHER BUSINESS: None. 10. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business to discuss, Chair Bus asked for a motion to adjourn. There was a motion and a second. By a voice vote, all were in favor and the motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 5:47 P.M. Minutes respectfully submitted by Peter Gerardi, Recording Secretary. Page 11 of 19  MEMO To: Historic Preservation Commission From: Zach Ewoldt AICP, Planner Date: November 10, 2025 Re: Certificate of Appropriateness for Building Awnings and a Freestanding Sign at 320 Houston Street Stephan Perrault, Applicant Summary: Stephan Perrault on behalf of the property owner Catherine Sanzeri of West DuPage Cabinets & Granite has submitted a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for the replacement of five (5) building awnings and one (1) freestanding sign at 320 Houston Street. Historic District Designation: Contributing Structure Background: Catherine Sanzeri, owner of West DuPage Cabinets & Granite, purchased the property at 320 Houston Street in September 2025. As part of relocating the existing business from its current location at 143 S. Batavia Avenue, the applicant proposes to install five (5) new building awnings with signage and to replace the existing freestanding sign. The proposed awnings and sign will feature a black background with gold lettering, consistent with the company’s branding. The applicant also proposes to paint the building’s door black to aesthetically match the new awnings and sign. The existing awnings appear to have been installed between 2016 and 2018 by a previous owner or tenant without an approved Certificate of Appropriateness or Building Permit. Staff believes the existing awning hardware and fasteners can be reused, subject to verification prior to the issuance of a building permit. Because the previous installations appear to be unapproved and the current proposal includes several different aesthetic changes to the building façade and site, staff determined that Historic Preservation Commission review is appropriate for this COA request. Historic Preservation Commissions Design Guidelines Conformance: Staff reviewed the Commission’s adopted design guidelines for awnings and canopies and finds that the proposed awnings comply with these standards. The awnings are made of opaque black canvas and are fixed to the building. In staff’s opinion, the lettering and graphics are proportionate to the awning dimensions. Staff also finds that the proposed improvements to the freestanding sign are consistent with the Commission’s signage design guidelines. Downtown Plan Conformance: In June 2024, the City of Batavia adopted a new Downtown Plan, which guides growth, investment, and development in the downtown area. The plan’s design guidelines encourage the use of awnings and canopies as a key component in creating a successful downtown environment that encourages people to walk and explore. Jeffery D. Schielke Government Center ● 100 N. Island Ave ● Batavia, IL 60510 ● 630-454-2000 ● www.BataviaIL.gov Page 12 of 19 Staff finds the proposed awnings to be consistent with the recommendations of the Downtown Plan. Zoning Code Conformance: The City of Batavia regulates awnings, canopies, and signage under Chapter 4.4 of the Zoning Code. The proposed awnings and freestanding sign appear to comply with these requirements. Prior to issuing a building permit, staff will require the applicant to provide the dimensions of the text area on each canopy and on the freestanding sign to confirm full compliance. Under Chapter 4.3, the Zoning Code also requires landscaping with the installation of new freestanding signs. During staff’s review, it was determined that because the proposal reuses the existing sign support posts, the additional landscaping typically required will not be enforced. As a recommended condition of approval, staff requests that the property owner be required to maintain landscaping at the base of the freestanding sign, consisting of perennials, shrubs, or ornamental grasses. The property owner has indicated plans to improve the existing landscaping in 2026. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for 320 Houston Street as presented, for the replacement of five (5) awnings and one (1) freestanding sign, subject to the following condition of approval: 1. The property owner shall maintain landscaping at the base of the freestanding sign with perennials, shrubs, or ornamental grasses. Attachments: Application and Plans C: Mayor and City Council Department Heads Stephan Perrault, Applicant Catherine Sanzeri, Property and Business Owner Jeffery D. Schielke Government Center ● 100 N. Island Ave ● Batavia, IL 60510 ● 630-454-2000 ● www.BataviaIL.gov Page 13 of 19 Page 14 of 19 Page 15 of 19 Page 16 of 19 Page 17 of 19 Page 18 of 19 Page 19 of 19