Historic Preservation Commission

City of Batavia Historic Preservation Commission Monday, March 9, 2026 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 Jamie Saam, Chair Tom Connelly, Vice Chair Phil Bus William Mahler Mark Allen Jamie Koc 3. Approval of Minutes 3.1 February 9, 2026 2 Minutes 4. Items Removed, Added or Changed 5. Matters from the Public: (For Items NOT on the Agenda) 6. Regular Agenda 6.1 Property Owner Discussion: 30 S Shumway Ave "Old City Hall" 6.2 Adoption of Certificate of Appropriateness Approval Matrix 5 Staff Memo - Approval Matrix 6.3 2025 Year End Report 11 2025 Year End Report 7. Updates 8. Other Business 9. 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 1 of 15  MINUTES February 9, 2026 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 minute-taker. They may not reference some of the individual attendees’ comments, nor the complete comments if referenced. 1. Meeting Called to Order for the Historic Preservation Commission Chair Saam called the meeting to order at 5:00 P.M. 2. Roll Call: Members Present: Commissioner Koc, Commissioner Allen, Commissioner Bus, Vice Chair Connelly, Chair Saam Members Absent: Commissioner Mahler Also Present: Zach Ewoldt (Planner), Sarah Cowan (Recording Secretary) 3. Approval of Minutes 3.1. January 12, 2026 Motion: To approve the minutes. Maker: Bus Second: Connelly Voice Vote: 5:0 – Motion Carried. 3.2. January 26, 2026 Motion: To approve the minutes. Maker: Connelly Second: Bus Voice Vote: 5:0 – Motion Carried. 4. Items to be Removed, Added or Changed: None. 5. Matters From the Public (Not on the agenda): None. 6. Regular Agenda Items 6.1 Certificate of Appropriateness for Building Façade Modifications at 101 South Batavia Avenue Alex Teipel, Applicant Page 2 of 15 Plan Commission January 21,2026, Page 2 Zach Ewoldt presented the request on behalf of the applicant, requesting authorization to install two new windows on the non-contributing structure. Alex Teipel stated there is no intention of painting the brick underneath the façade, and there are no plans to change to rear of the building at this time. Motion: To approve the COA as submitted Maker: Connelly Second: Allen Roll Call Vote: 5:0 – Motion Carried. 6.2 Discussion: Certificate of Appropriateness Approval Matrix Zach Ewoldt continued the discussion from the previous Historic Preservation Commission meeting on the Certificate of Appropriateness Approval Matrix. Ewoldt stated that staff has no intention of issuing a denial, and that the Historic Preservation Commission would have the role of denial, and this will be added in the wording of the document for clarity. Ewoldt also agreed to modify the wordings of “Community and Economic Development Staff” more specifically to the Community and Economic Development director or designee. Ewoldt confirmed the ability to provide updates on each agenda for items that have been approved. Ewoldt stated that for the record, this matrix was modeled after Geneva and could be reviewed annually. Ewoldt stated this topic will be presented to the Historic Preservation Commission again in February or March. 7. Updates: 7.1 RFP: Exterior Building Condition Assessments for Historic District Properties Zach Ewoldt reviewed the request for proposals for the exterior building assessment which will close February 13, 2026, with an expected well-rounded pool of applicants. Ewoldt stated that each property designated as significant would have an assessment of the condition of windows, doors, roofing, siding etc., documented with photographs. Ewoldt noted there is an option to provide a base estimate for the contributing structures. 7.2 30 South Shumway “Old City Hall” New Property Owner Zach Ewoldt stated that the old City Hall has sold, and the new property owner may attend the next Historic Preservation Commission meeting on February 23, 2026, to discuss several necessary updates including siding replacement, window modifications, and balcony work. Ewoldt confirmed this building is currently occupied by three office tenants and Bird is the Word, and the building is designated as a significant structure. A walk-through of the building will be planned for a future date with the Historic Preservation Commission. 8. Other Business: None Page 3 of 15 Plan Commission January 21,2026, Page 3 9. Adjournment: There being no other business to discuss, Chair Saam asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting; there was a first by Vice Chair Connely and a second by Commissioner Allen. By voice vote the motion was carried and the meeting adjourned at 5:40 P.M. The minutes were transcribed and respectfully submitted by Sarah Cowan, Recording Secretary. Page 4 of 15  MEMO To: Historic Preservation Commission From: Zach Ewoldt AICP, Planner Date: March 5, 2026 Re: Adoption of Certificate of Appropriateness Approval Matrix City of Batavia, Applicant Summary: The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) has reviewed and discussed a draft Certificate of Appropriateness Approval Matrix at its January 12 and February 12 meetings. The matrix is intended to outline which improvements within the City of Batavia’s Historic District, or on properties that have been locally designated, may be administratively approved by staff and which require action by the Historic Preservation Commission. Background: Over the past several years, staff and the Historic Preservation Commission have discussed expanding administrative approvals to allow additional improvements to be reviewed and approved by City staff. In recent months, staff conducted a review of comparable communities and prepared a draft approval matrix. The matrix identifies each type of improvement and indicates whether it may be administratively approved or requires Commission approval, based on the property’s designation as non- designated, noncontributing, contributing, or significant. The framework for the matrix is modeled after the City of Geneva’s approach, which has improved project timelines and provided clearer information to the public regarding the approval process. The proposed process is consistent with an existing procedure under the Zoning Code and the Plan Commission, whereby staff may approve projects administratively when they meet established criteria and comply with all applicable codes and regulations. This process has been in place since 2010 and has been implemented successfully without issue. When a project proposes multiple improvements, does not align with adopted design guidelines, or may alter the character of the surrounding area, it is referred to the Plan Commission for review and action. Staff would employ a similar process for the proposed matrix. Any project that does not clearly meet the established criteria, or that raises questions or concerns regarding appropriateness or potential impacts, would be referred to the Historic Preservation Commission for review and action. Staff would not be authorized to issue administrative denials, subject to the direction of the Historic Preservation Commission and the pending amendments to Title 12 of the City Code. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission review and adopt the proposed Certificate of Appropriateness Approval Matrix. If adopted, the matrix would become effective immediately. Attachments: Approval Matrix C: Mayor and City Council Department Heads Jeffery D. Schielke Government Center ● 100 N. Island Ave ● Batavia, IL 60510 ● 630-454-2000 ● www.BataviaIL.gov Page 5 of 15  City of Batavia Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Review Process Batavia Historic District or Designated Individual Landmarks The Historic Preservation Commission has adopted the following list of improvements that are eligible for administrative review and approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) by the Director of the Community and Economic Development Department, or their designee. Staff shall not deny a Certificate of Appropriateness under administrative review. Any application that does not clearly meet the administrative review criteria, or that raises questions regarding appropriateness, consistency, or potential impacts to historic district, shall be referred to the Historic Preservation Commission for review and action. Type of Work Proposed Exempt Minor Work Significant Work Work Administrative Review HPC Review Non-Designated Non-Contributing Contributing Non-Designated Non-Contributing Contributing Significant Significant Repair & Maintenance Building Architectural Features, repair of X X X X existing Siding / Trim, repair of original X X X X material including up to 10% replacement Chimney Repair and no material X replacement Masonry Repointing with X compatible mortar and no change in joint width, color, style or texture (no material replacement) Painting of previously painted X surfaces (regardless of paint color) Roof cladding with like materials X X X X Site Access Drives X X X X Fences X X X X Landscape Structures (walls, X X X X pergolas, gazebos, etc.) Storage and/or Accessory X X X X Structures, repair or replacement of existing Walkways X X X X 1|Page Page 6 of 15 Type of Work Proposed Exempt Minor Work Significant Work Work Administrative Review HPC Review Non-Designated Non-Contributing Contributing Non-Designated Non-Contributing Contributing Significant Significant Alterations and New Construction Building Access Ramps/Lifts, erection, X X X X alteration and/or removal (primary or street façade) Access Ramps/Lifts, erection, X X X X alteration and/or removal (facades not visible from public way) Architectural Features and Details, X X X X reconstruction or replication of original elements with like materials Architectural Features and Details, X X X X replacement or installation of new with substitute materials Awnings X X X X Additions at any location, X X X X horizontal or vertical Architectural Modification (minor), X X X X primary or street-facing facade Architectural Modification (minor), X X X X any facade not visible from public way Chimney Replacement, primary or X X X X street-acing façade, including material replacement Chimney Replacement, secondary X X X X or rear elevation, including material replacement Decorative Glass (colored, leaded X X X X or beveled) Doors, except storm/screen doors X X X X Gutters / downspouts, attached X Gutters / downspouts, integral X Gutter Fascia Trim, installation of X X X X substitute material obscured by gutter Lighting, attached X X X X 2|Page Page 7 of 15 Type of Work Proposed Exempt Minor Work Significant Work Work Administrative Review HPC Review Non-Designated Non-Contributing Contributing Non-Designated Non-Contributing Contributing Significant Significant Mailboxes X Masonry Repair/Repointing X X X X (including material replacement, infill of existing openings and/or insertion of new openings) Painting of unpainted material X X X X (including masonry, metals, and wood) Porches, decks, outdoor seating X X X X areas, raised terraces and attached steps (including enclosure of existing porches) Principal Structure, new X X X X Roof cladding, change in materials X X X X Roofs, change in roofline and/or X X X X pitch Roof, flat roof not visible from X X X X public street. Satellite Dishes X Shutters, new X X X X Shutters, removal of existing X X X X Shutters, or replacement X X X X Siding / Trim, removal of synthetic X X X X materials Siding / Trim, repair of original X X X X material more than 10% replacement Siding / Trim, installation of X X X X substitute material at existing structure or new addition Signs, new (attached) X X X X Signs, replacement of existing face X X X X (attached) Storm/Screen Doors and Windows, X wood Storm/Screen Doors and Windows, X non-wood Window Repair or replacement, X X X X street-facing facade or visible from public way 3|Page Page 8 of 15 Type of Work Proposed Exempt Minor Work Significant Work Work Administrative Review HPC Review Non-Designated Non-Contributing Contributing Non-Designated Non-Contributing Contributing Significant Significant Window Repair, any facade not X X X X visible from public way except at rear facades along public alleyway Window Replacement, any X X X X facade not visible from public way except at rear facades along public alleyway Site Accessory Buildings or Structures X X X X 100 sq. feet or more Access Drives, expansion or X modification Access Drives, replacement in- X kind Air Conditioner Condensing Units X X X X Fences, front or corner side X X X X setback Fences, side or rear setback X X X X Landscape Structures (walls, X X X X pergolas, gazebos, etc.) Lighting, General Building Facade X X X X Lighting, Landscape or site X X X X Mechanical and Electrical Service X X X X Equipment, at grade Mechanical and Electrical Service X X X X Equipment, thru wall Parking Lots X Patios, at grade X X X X Patios, raised X X X X Signs, new (free-standing) X X X X Signs, replacement of existing X X X X face Walkways, expansion or X X X X modification Walkways, replacement in-kind X X X X All Other Site Modifications X X X X 4|Page Page 9 of 15 Type of Work Proposed Exempt Minor Work Significant Work Work Administrative Review HPC Review Non-Designated Non-Contributing Contributing Non-Designated Non-Contributing Contributing Significant Significant Demolition, Removal and Relocation Accessory Buildings or Structures X X X X Chimney Removal X X X X Principal Structures X X X X Fences/Walls, non-historic X X X X Fences/Walls, historic X X X X Landscape Structures (walls, X X X X pergolas, gazebos, etc.) 5|Page Page 10 of 15  MEMO To: Historic Preservation Commission From: Zach Ewoldt AICP, Planner Date: March 5, 2026 Subject: 2025 Annual Report of the Historic Preservation Commission This report summarizes the actions of the Historic Preservation from January 1 through December 31, 2025. During this period, the Commission held thirteen (13) regular meetings, with eleven (11) meetings cancelled. Certificate of Appropriateness Applications Reviewed Historic Preservation City Council Action* Commission Action Improvement Type Total Approved Pending Denied Approved Pending Denied Awnings 2 2 Building Addition 1 1 Building Facade 3 3 - - - Deck 1 1 - - - Demolition 3 3 2 1 - Doors 1 1 - - - Mural/Public Art 1 1 Roof 4 4 - - - Signage - - - Free Standing 2 2 - - - Wall 2 2 - - - Site Improvements 2 2 Solar 1 1 - - - Windows 2 2 Total Applications 25 25 0 0 24 1 0 Jeffery D. Schielke Government Center ● 100 N. Island Ave ● Batavia, IL 60510 ● 630-454-2000 ● www.BataviaIL.gov Page 11 of 15  *Not all Certificate of Appropriateness Applications do not require City Council approval, unless a decision is appealed or the requested Certificate of Appropriates Application is for the demolition of a building or structure. LIST OF CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATNESS APPLICATIONS • Wall Sign, 100 North Island Avenue – City Hall for Batavia o Applicant: Batavia Public Art Initiative o The application proposed the installation of an informational sign for the public art installation on 100 North Island Avenue (City Hall) along the river walk. o Project Status: Completed • Exterior Decks, 10 Shumway Avenue – Sturdy Shelter Brewery o Applicant: Frank Mercadante o The application proposed the installation of two (2) decks, an upper and lower deck on the east side of the building/property. o Project Status: Permit Under Review • Exterior Façade & Site Improvements, 28 South Water Street – Batavia WorkNet Center o Applicant: BEI Commercial Real Estate o The application proposed the installation of new first floor windows, restoration of windowsills, a new door, and other minor masonry work. o Project Status: Complete • Exterior Façade & Site Improvements, 21 North River Street o Applicant: Carrier Sebold o The application proposed comprehensive improvements to the building façade and overall site to facilitate restaurant use. o Project Status: Withdrawn (Applicant No Longer Pursuing Purchase of Property) • Roof Replacement, 25 -31 North River Street – Pal Joeys Building o Applicant: One Source Roofing o The application proposed the replacement of the flat roof membrane. o Project Status: Permit Issued • Free Standing Sign, 108 North Batavia Avenue – Shell Gas Station o Applicant: HM1 Batavia, LLC o The application proposed modifying the existing gas station sign, allowing for an additional tenant sign to be added. o Project Status: Complete • Roof Replacement, 239 East Wilson Street o Applicant: Mike West Construction o The application proposed replacing the existing roof. o Project Status: Complete Jeffery D. Schielke Government Center ● 100 N. Island Ave ● Batavia, IL 60510 ● 630-454-2000 ● www.BataviaIL.gov Page 12 of 15 • Public Art Project, 18 East Wilson Street- Comedy Vault Building o Applicant: Water Street Studios o The application proposed the installation of a public art installation on the building’s southern façade. o Project Status: Complete • Rooftop Solar, 21 South Batavia Avenue – Congregational Church of Batavia o Applicant: Independence Renewable Energy o The application proposed the installation of roof mounted solar on portions of the church’s flat roof. o Project Status: Permit Issued • Building Addition, 125 Flinn Street – QT9 Project o Applicant: Torch Architecture o The application proposed façade changes and site improvements to the former Pamarco industrial space. o Project Status: Permit Under Review • Roof & Building Façade, 226 South Batavia Avenue – Consentino Law Firm o Applicant: Chris Consentino o The application proposed the replacement of the garage’s roof and siding, as it was damaged in a fire in 2025. o Project Status: Completed • Building Demolition, 23 North Water Street o Applicant: Batavia United Methodist Church o The application proposed the demolition of the Quonset Hut on the property. o Project Status: City Council Approved • Site Improvements, 106 North River Street – City of Batavia Bathroom Plaza o Applicant: City of Batavia o The application proposed the construction of a public plaza and bathroom facility along North River Street. o Project Status: Permit Under Review • Wall Sign, 28 South Van Buren Street – Cinco De Mayo Grocery Store o Applicant: Gerardo Parra o The application proposed the replacement a wall sign in the tenant space formerly occupied by Berkley finer foods. o Project Status: Completed Jeffery D. Schielke Government Center ● 100 N. Island Ave ● Batavia, IL 60510 ● 630-454-2000 ● www.BataviaIL.gov Page 13 of 15 • Roof & Gutter Replacement, 10 South Batavia Avenue – Batavia Public Library o Applicant: All American Exterior Solutions o The application proposed the replacement of the roof and gutters. The primary change to the roof design was to not include the decorative copper ridge vent with the roof’s replacement. o Project Status: Completed • Window Replacement. 28 South Water Street o Applicant: BEI Commercial Real Estate o The application proposed the replacement of the windows on the second floor of the building. o Project Status: Completed • Building Demolition, 14-18 North Batavia Avenue o Applicant: Batavia United Methodist Church o The application proposed the demolition of the former Hubbard’s/Ethan Allen Furniture Store. o Project Status: Pending City Council Review (City Awaiting Additional Documentation) • Awnings & Freestanding Sign, 320 Houston Street o Applicant: Stephan Perrault on behalf of West DuPage Cabinets & Granite o The building awnings and freestanding signage replaced. o Project Status: Completed • Chimney Demolition, 25-31 North River Street o Applicant: Mary Claire Keen o The application proposed the demolition of a former industrial chimney stack on the property. o Project Status: Building Permit Approved • Awnings, 25-31 North River Street o Applicant: Mary Claire Keen o The application proposed the removal of awnings on the building. The commission required an awning or covering to remain above the 21 N River Street apartment building entrance. o Project Status: Building Permit Issued Jeffery D. Schielke Government Center ● 100 N. Island Ave ● Batavia, IL 60510 ● 630-454-2000 ● www.BataviaIL.gov Page 14 of 15  Commissioner Attendance Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals Member Attendance Commissioner Name Meetings Present Meetings Absent Mark Allen 10 3 Phil Bus 12 1 Tom Connelly, Vice Chair 9 4 Jamie Koc 4 9 William Mahler 11 2 Jamie Saam, Chair 11 2 Vacant - - c Mayor and City Council Department Heads Media Jeffery D. Schielke Government Center ● 100 N. Island Ave ● Batavia, IL 60510 ● 630-454-2000 ● www.BataviaIL.gov Page 15 of 15