Historic Preservation Commission

Regular Meeting

Geneva, IL · February 18, 2014

Minutes

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES Geneva Public Works Building 1800 South Street - Conference Room Geneva, Illinois 60134 February 18, 2014, 7:00 p.m. 1. Call to Order Chairman Roy called the February 18, 2014 meeting of the Geneva Historic Preservation Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll call followed: 2. Roll Call Present HPC: Chairman Roy, Commissioners Andersson, Hiller, Ploppert, Schock- Soderberg, Zinke Staff Present: Preservation Planner Michael Lambert Others Present: Clyde and Sharon Jones, 521 Franklin St.; Resident Jim Bishop; Colin Campbell, 18 S. 6th St.; Adam Gibbons, 33W777 Hill Rd.; Ald. Mike Bruno; Carolyn Jerjee with Preservation Partners; Linda Steele, 527 Campbell St.; Susan Sarkauskas with Daily Herald; Recording Secretary Celeste Weilandt 3. Approval of the December 17, 2013 Minutes The December 17, 2013 minutes were approved on motion by Commissioner Ploppert, seconded by Hiller. Motion carried by voice vote of 6-0. 4. HPC Review of Building Permit Applications - None. 5. Concept Review A. Campbell Street between Fifth and Sixth Street (Case No. 2014-002) Proposed Infill Residence (Avondale Custom Homes, Maurice McNally/Dave Myszka) - Preservation Planner Lambert reviewed the proposal before the commissioners, explaining the proposed in-fill house would be for Lot 4, facing Campbell Street. A review of the home’s materials (stone and cedar shake shingle); site plan; proposed elevations; and floor plans followed. Mr. Lambert did state, however, the proposed volume for the proposal exceeded what the zoning ordinance allowed and the petitioner would have to address how that would be remedied. Mr. Dave Myszka, with Avondale Custom Homes, and on behalf of the petitioner, reviewed the elevations and materials in more detail stating that he did reduce some of the volume overage by reducing some of the roof pitches and would forward that information to Mr. Lambert. The floor plans were not changed. In addition, Mr. Myszka explained how the massing was reduced by having a smaller mass in the front elevation and increasing it to the rear. An 8 ft. front porch would be included. The structure’s height was 32 feet and with the pitch reduced, would be 28 or 29 feet in height. As compared to the Merritt King house, the King house was 36.5 feet from the finished floor to the top. He clarified he was trying to have the proposed homes in proportion to the neighborhood homes. Historic Preservation Commission February 18, 2014 Overall, Andersson had positive comments about the proposed home but had concerns about the position of the garage being at the front of the house, creating a “snout” house with its design cutting off the house to the rest of the neighborhood. She referenced how the Historic Preservation Design Guidelines specifically address this issue and it offered suggestions on how to design homes for the historic district. Mr. Myszka explained that the design was created on the basis of his client wanting a large backyard area. Other commissioner comments included that the narrow lot presented a challenge and it was not the right design for the historic district. Mr. Myszka offered to look at the design again. Questions followed on whether this home would set the setbacks of the other three homes and how would the corner lot affect the front yards and side setback for the corner lot, wherein Mr. Lambert explained the corner lot would have Campbell Street as the legal front yard. The corner lot would require a 20 ft. setback from Campbell and a 20 ft. setback off of Sixth Street. Per a question about lot coverage calculations, Mr. Lambert confirmed the rear patio was under the maximum lot coverage calculation. Other than the garage issue, many commissioners liked the home’s appearance and materials. Asked what Andersson’s recommendations would be for the proposal, she stated the garage could be placed to the side and reduce the width of the home or add an alley and have all the garages in the rear. With having a front-loaded garage or side load garage, Mr. Lambert also confirmed there were “givebacks” and noted that the longer the driveway, less floor area was available to work with, according to the Geneva Zoning Compatibility Worksheet. Rejecting the proposed residence solely on the “snout-nosed” garage design (a guideline recommendation and not part of the Code requirements) was not the purview of this commission. However, according to Section 10-6-6, Item D of the City of Geneva Zoning Code - Historic Preservation, Mr. Lambert pointed out that if the petitioner chose to pursue this concept, the zoning board would likely support the proposal and forward it to City Council which must uphold the city’s zoning ordinance. Commissioners Hiller and Ploppert reiterated that the lot was difficult and had restrictions, and there had to be some form of give and take. Dialog then followed on what other designs could be expected for the other three lots. Mr. Lambert interjected also reminded the commissioners that the narrowness of the lot was chosen by the developer when he purchased the property, noting there were three lots that were platted and the lots were not a burden placed upon them. Dialog followed regarding other 60 ft. lots in the area that had detached garages or one-car garages, or an alley. Chairman Roy opened up the meeting to public comment: Mr. Colin Campbell, 18 S. 6th Street, asked if the house could be moved 20 feet north, set the garage in rear and use the current driveway as a common driveway for all of the houses to be built on Sixth Street, i.e., dedicating an alley. Mr. Myszka indicated he would look into the suggestion. The honey locust tree was also a concern. Ms. Sharon Jones, 521 Franklin Street, discussed the direction of the sun which was a positive for this home’s backyard; the fact that garages were a part of life in 2014; the historic district offered a variety of homes; and that the proposed house would reflect a time period when it was built and be unique to the historic district. Resident, Ms. Linda Steele, inquired as to when construction would begin (March or April) and the positioning of the homes to the proposed home. Mr. Myszka responded that each home’s design would be coming before this commission and he would like to provide a streetscape drawing as each home comes on board. Ms. Steele felt the area would be very busy. 2 Historic Preservation Commission February 18, 2014 It was pointed out by Andersson that the homes behind Egg Harbor were a good example of homes on narrow lots with the garages placed in rear with an alley. 6. Secretary’s Report (Staff Update) HPC Building Permit Review Matrix Affirmation - Mr. Lambert had no permit activity to report this month. However, he asked for input regarding the matrix so it could be formalized. The matrix has been helpful to him. Commissioners were supportive of the matrix. Mill Race Inn Investigation Staff Report -- HPC Review & Comment - Mr. Lambert thanked Commissioners Zinke and Hiller, the Geneva History Center, and Mr. Colin Campbell for their input into the report. The report concluded that a portion of the Mill Race building dates back to 1846 as a manufacturing building which was Anne Forsythe’s original Mill Race Inn. Mr. Lambert stated he did not speak to the prospective purchaser today and he does not know the status of the purchase currently. The commission appreciated all of the research done on the report and the information was very helpful to a developer. Lambert noted that an outstanding issue is that the extent of floodway/floodplain was still unknown at this point. Asked if the walls were independent of the remainder of the building, Lambert, from what he saw, said it could stand on its own but he did not know how the roof structure held the tops of the walls. Commissioner Hiller expressed concern about the following: the developer’s plans were unknown at this time; there has been community interest in landmarking the building; and the city wants development of the property to move forward. He believed it was appropriate to let the developer do his/her due diligence first. Commissioner Zinke noted that the site was Opportunity Site No. 6 within the Downtown Station Area Master Plan and the city wanted the site to be developed into a banquet facility with restaurant use. She believed the city would probably support the preservation of part of the building and hoped that the city would work with the developer and offer some financial incentives to the developer. Planner Lambert explained that part of the building could be landmarked and not necessarily the entire building. He stated that the issue was for the commissioners to determine what parts of the building were most significant to the community. He felt the significant period was between years 1846 and 1935 and to base any landmarking proposals on that information. Lambert stated he would contact the prospective purchaser, discussing with him what the commission discussed tonight. Tying into the discussion Mr. Colin Campbell raised dialog about the housing study that the city was conducting, one of which issues was affordable housing. He suggested the commission consider the idea that if the area of Bennett Street and Route 38, and east up the hill, was turned into affordable housing units, he envisioned that the red brick building could become a convenience store while the Mill Race property could be developed as shops for that housing. Preservation Month Discussion - Mr. Lambert reminded commissioners that Preservation Month is in May and it is the bi-annual preservation awards year. Commissioners Zinke and Hiller would be reviewing the permits (Soderberg steps away) and were come up with a list of potential candidates. Lambert said he would like Ploppert and Soderberg to be hosts for the day. (Soderberg returns; Ploppert steps away) Commissioners Andersson, Zinke, and Hiller would be part of the preservation awards group (Andersson steps away; Ploppert returns). Asked if the commissioners wanted certain jurors to participate, Zinke suggested to invite Doug Karre, former HPC planner; Lambert suggested Ms. Amy Munro from Elgin (Andersson returns); and Shock- Soderberg suggested the preservation planner from Blue Island. Lambert walked through the activities planned for the month. Commissioners discussed that it would be nice for this 3 Historic Preservation Commission February 18, 2014 commission to coordinate its events with the Geneva History Museum and Preservation Partners. Hiller volunteered to be the point-person for the coordination; Zinke would be a backup. Geneva Broadcast Network Programming - Mr. Lambert advised that City Administrator McKittrick has challenged every department to make a larger presence in the community through the Geneva Broadcast Network and Lambert recommended that the HPC do a series of informative programs on preservation. Lambert referenced his handout explaining how he envisioned the series and presented a short slide presentation, noting the program would consist of two segments with a main topic of approximately 30 minutes and a “field guide” segment about five minutes long. (Schock-Soderberg leaves meeting at 8:30 pm) Commissioner dialog followed that Lambert could possibly get the script going and incorporating one of the presentations into Preservation Month, if possible, but Andersson pointed out that staff resources were very limited. Asked how many programs he needed to complete, Lambert indicated there was no timeframe, but he preferred to see the segment entitled “Keeping Preservation Relevant: The Geneva Story” completed first and to involve the high school students and bring preservation to another generation. Zinke mentioned she had been in contact with Ms. Mary Keyser at Geneva High School, and she would have Ms. Keyser contact Mr. Lambert on this topic. 526 S. Fourth Street Update - Only one bid was made on the property; the bidder’s proposal was to demolish it. City Admin. McKittrick has suggested that the bid be accepted by the City Council. Window Policy Update (re: 402 Franklin St.) - Lambert indicated that the Warners, who are rehabilitating the property at 402 Franklin Street and are pursuing a Tax Assessment Freeze, expressed some confusion regarding the window approvals given by the commission. The Warners consulted with IHPA regarding the tax assessment freeze review and proceeded to follow the requirements of the National Park Service which allowed all clad windows in his building. Lambert referenced his handout and noted what the owner’s perspective was on this matter, what the commission’s direction was, and what the resolution was. Lambert suggested inserting new language into the city’s Window Policy, keeping the intent of historic wood windows where there are wood windows, but identifying additional circumstances where clad windows may be acceptable. (The Park Service allowed clad windows when all historic windows are non-existent.) Commissioners were asked to provide their comments after reading the handout and discuss it in the future. Lambert shared where the confusion came in between the HPC policy and state / federal policy. Historic District Survey Update - Lambert’s request for an intern to assist with survey field work was denied by the city due to the budget. Commissioners Andersson and Ploppert volunteered to assist Lambert in the field. He will have a schedule in the future of the blocks to be photographed. Ordinance Review Update - Lambert asked the commissioners to review the historic preservation ordinance and determine its weaknesses and strong points. From his notes, he has identified that the city has no provision for demolition requirements, no process for de-landmarking, and the process for which staff reviews the projects for review has been modified since the ordinance was last updated. Lambert discussed reasons for considering inclusion and/or updates of these items. 6. New Business A. From the Commission - Zinke asked about the status of the 2008 Historic Preservation Plan, believing not much has happened with regard to its goals and objectives, wherein 4 Historic Preservation Commission February 18, 2014 Mr. Lambert discussed the three goals he was assigned (the survey, the ordinance and visibility) to date and recalled that about one-third of the goals in the 2008 plan were accomplished. However, Andersson reminded the commissioners that at the time the plan was created a full-time historic planner existed. B. From the Public - None. 8. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. on motion by Ploppert, seconded by Andersson. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. 5

Agenda

Meeting Agenda CITY OF GENEVA, HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING LOCATION & HPC INFORMATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014 MEETING Location: 1. Call to Order Geneva Public Works 2. Roll Call Conference Room 3. Approval of Meeting Minutes 1800 South Street December 17, 2013 Geneva, IL 60134 4. HPC Review of Building Permit Applications Time: None 7:00 p.m. 5. Concept Review A. Campbell Street between Fifth & Sixth Street CASE 2014-002 Commissioners: Applicant: Avondale Custom Homes Maurice McNally / Dave Myszka Scott Roy, Chairman Concept review of: Proposed Infill Residence Nanette Andersson 6. Secretary’s Report (Staff Update) Al Hiller HPC Building Permit Review Matrix Affirmation Zachary Ploppert Mill Race Inn Investigation: Staff Report – HPC Review & Comment Geri Schock-Soderberg Preservation Month Discussion Carolyn Zinke Geneva Broadcast Network Programming 526 S. Fourth Street Update Window Policy Update (re: 402 Franklin Street) Staff Liaison: Historic District Survey Update Michael A. Lambert Ordinance Review Update Preservation Planner 7. New Business 630/938.4541 A. From the Commission preservation@geneva.il.us B. From the Public 8. Adjournment Next HPC meeting: March 18, 2014 The Historic Preservation Commission meeting is audio-recorded and summary minutes are taken by a recording secretary. The City of Geneva complies with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting who require accommodations in order to allow them to observe and or participate in this meeting are required to contact the Planning Division at 630/232.0818 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to allow the City of Geneva to make reasonable accommodations for those persons. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES 109 James Street - Council Chambers Geneva, Illinois 60134 December 17, 2013, 7:00 p.m. 1. Call to Order Chairman Roy called the December 17, 2013 meeting of the Geneva Historic Preservation Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll call followed: 2. Roll Call Present HPC: Chairman Roy, Commissioners Hiller, Ploppert, Schock-Soderberg, Zinke Absent: Commissioner Andersson Staff Present: Preservation Planner Michael Lambert Others Present: Mr. Darryl Bean, Emerald Homes, 800 S. Milwaukee, Libertyville, IL; Recording Secretary Celeste Weilandt 3. Approval of the November 19, 2013 Minutes The November 19, 2013 minutes were approved on motion by Commissioner Ploppert, seconded by Schock-Soderberg. Motion carried by voice vote of 5-0. 4. HPC Review of Building Permit Applications A. 124 S. Second Street (Case 2012-042); Freestanding Signs; Applicant: Nancy Luyten, Owner - Preservation Planner Lambert explained the application is for two yard signs with variance approval received by the City Council. The final locations of the signs will be determined by the owner but one sign will be located in the east yard and one in the south yard. An example of the sign was reflected on the overhead. Mr. Lambert stated the applicant has suggested using a smaller post than the current 6” x 6” inch size. Applicant, Ms. Nancy Luyten, confirmed that the Second Street sign was fine where depicted but the Campbell Street sign would be closer to the west side as one enters the Campbell Street side. She is considering a four-inch post versus the six-inch but near the bottom “it would be more to the six inch.” Sign material will consist of painted cedar wood and the cement base of the post will be installed and water-proofed. She is considering removing three inches off the sides of the sign to “lighten” it up and to be more in proportion. The sign contains a portrait of George Patten, the original owner of the house. A color scheme was depicted. Positive comments from the commissioners followed. Ms. Luyten hopes to open by the end of February 2014. Commissioner Hiller moved to approve the sign request, as presented, with the stipulation that a 4” by 4”-inch post can be used at the applicant’s discretion. Seconded by Commissioner Zinke. Roll call: Aye: Hiller, Ploppert, Schock-Soderberg, Zinke, Roy Nay: None MOTION PASSED. VOTE: 5-0 Historic Preservation Commission November 19, 2013 B. 110-116 South Street (Case No. 2012-106); New Residents; Applicant: Daryl Bean / D. R. Horton Homes; Christopher Russo/ALA Architects - Preservation Planner Lambert reminded the commissioners that this petition was before them last month as a concept plan. Proposed modifications since that meeting include simplified gable details; a softened eave return; an added projected eave to the left-side of the house; vertical massing of stone around the garage; and a stone veneer added to the north facade. Old and new elevations followed, as well as a color scheme. Applicant, Mr. Daryl Bean with Emerald Homes, returned to answer questions. He confirmed that the porch was now at an 8-foot depth, the stone used will be a neutral Fon-du-lac- type quarry stone, and siding trim and shake color will be a cream-color. A bead board ceiling will exist under the porch and be stained dark. However, he asked for commissioner input on the wood columns (front porch) and whether he could use wood bases versus stone bases in order to provide some contrast to the porch; otherwise, the columns blended in with the stone base behind them. Mr. Bean confirmed he would build the wood base with a cap on it, with the tapered-shape, and no column details would be lost. Per a question, the front porch would not include a railing. Commissioners were comfortable with the detail change. Per a question regarding the steps, if he did have to install a railing at the steps, Mr. Bean stated he would use an iron railing. He estimated the home’s selling price at mid-$700,000. Commissioner Zinke moved to accept the proposal, as presented, with the understanding that the columns to the left and right of front door can be made with wood, both top and bottom, as opposed to the current plan which reflects stone on stone plans. Seconded by Commissioner Ploppert. Roll call: Aye: Hiller, Ploppert, Schock-Soderberg, Zinke, Roy Nay: None MOTION PASSED. VOTE: 5-0 5. Secretary’s Report (Staff Update) - Mr. Lambert referenced staff’s activity report for November 2013 and asked that commissioners email or call him if they had questions. From the report, permits were slowing down due to the weather. A copy of the 2014 meeting dates were also referenced. Commissioner Schock-Soderberg discussed her first visit to the Illinois Association of Historic Preservation Commissioners meeting in Springfield. She summarized some of the activities she took part in and provided highlights from her visit to the Dana Thomas House (Frank Lloyd Wright home). Mr. Lambert also shared his experience in Springfield. He encouraged the commissioners to attend future meetings to meet other commissioners around the state. Mr. Lambert provided highlights on the following: - The Request for Proposal for 526 S. Fourth was being assembled and was not on the market. Lambert would email members when he receives more information. - The Mill Race Inn research continues. Lambert appreciated the information he received from Commissioners Hiller and Zinke regarding the Inn. Lambert and Dir. Untch will be meeting with the prospective owner this Friday (Dec. 20th) to review what has been discovered with hopes to get a positive response to a friendly nomination. From preliminary research, Lambert reported the 1842 building (blacksmith shop) does not exist but that the 1846 building, constructed by the Edward Alexander family, does exist and has not been subject to flooding. Estimations of what might have occurred to the blacksmith building were mentioned by Lambert, who also shared what 2 Historic Preservation Commission November 19, 2013 he saw in his walk-through. He noted that August Wilson and his son were responsible for the 1933 remodeling of the restaurant, supported by documentation. He will share more information at the next meeting. Resident, Colin Campbell, 18 S. Sixth Street, shared photos of the building’s interior from a few weeks ago. His wife will be conducting a brown bag lunch on January 14th discussing the Mill Race Inn at the Geneva History Center. Briefly, Mr. Campbell shared a history of the establish- ment of the blacksmith shop and the various shops that followed on the site from the early 1800’s to the early 1930’s. More recently, Mr. Campbell explained that Geneva History Center executive director Terry Emma was allowed by the bank, along with Mike Simon, Bob Swanson, and himself to collect memorabilia from the site that could be salvaged. Mr. Campbell reviewed his photos of the building’s interior and believed the building was important to the City’s history and could be salvaged/repurposed into a small shop such as a coffee shop or book store if the owners were considering a commercial development, with a roof, heating/plumbing. If the site was going to be developed as a condominium/residential complex, it could be used as a recreation/meeting room or some separate addition. Mr. Lambert clarified that the photographs being presented were only representing the southern half of the building; the northern half received damage over the years. 6. New Business A. From the Commission - Lambert was looking for volunteers for Preservation Month. Commissioners Zinke, Schock-Soderberg, Ploppert and Hiller offered to help. Because a winner for last year was not announced, Lambert will use it as a prelude to the preservation awards. Lambert referenced his handout “Suggestions for a Midwinter’s Eve” in honor of his one-year anniversary with the city and for commissioners to enjoy during the upcoming holidays. Updates followed on Mr. Flynn’s garage (none) and 402 Franklin Street (owners received tax assessment freeze). B. From the Public - See Mr. Campbell’s discussion. 7. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:44 p.m. on motion by Commissioner Ploppert, seconded by Commissioner Hill. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote of 5-0. 3 Community Development Department Report CITY OF GENEVA, HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM 5A Campbell Street between Fifth & Sixth Streets February 18, 2014 Concept Review Applicant: BACKGROUND Avondale Custom Homes The infill residence proposed for the vacant lot along Campbell Street Maurice McNally (between Fifth and Sixth streets) replaces a circa 1958 ranch home that Dave Myszka, Architect was razed in 2013. REQUEST The proposed residence is the first of four (4) new residences that will be Request: built on the vacant land surrounding the former Merritt King home and Concept Review property. The site is bounded by Fifth Street, Campbell Street and Sixth Street. New Infill Residence The proposal is for a two-story home with a streetside, side-load garage. The architecture of the proposed home incorporates traditional forms, HPC Case Number: massing, materials and details. 2014-002 STAFF ANALYSIS In order to provide informal feedback to the applicant, the conceptual Staff Liaison: plans are provided for HPC review and comment. Michael Lambert Preservation Planner Preliminary Staff Review identified that the house appears to exceed the bulk regulations identified in the Zoning Ordinance. The Applicant has 630/938.4541 been asked to provide—at the HPC meeting—revised concepts that will preservation@geneva.il.us reduce the bulk as prescribed in the Zoning Ordinance while not significantly compromising the overall appearance of the submitted concept. The lot coverage (building footprint plus all paved areas) appears to be within the allowable development limits for the lot. As part of its preliminary review, Staff noted that the traditional front porch is shallow. Staff has advised the Applicant that the HPC has required usable porches of a minimum dimension of 8’-0” in depth when reviewing the most recent two (2) infill residence proposals. HPC Secretary’s Report – Discussion Items February 18, 2014 HPC Building Permit Review Matrix Affirmation The Permit Review Matrix has been through a “trial run” for six months as directed by the HPC. Now, Staff is seeking any additional comments or concerns from Commissioners regarding their comfort with this review system; its effectiveness; and the overall process for building permit reviews. Mill Race Inn Investigation: Staff Report – HPC Review & Comment On January 22, 2014, each Commissioner was provided with a copy of the Mill Race Inn investigation report concerning historic significance and integrity prepared by Staff. Staff is seeking comments based on your review of the document as well as any additional direction from the Commission. Preservation Month Discussion This marks the year for the biennial Preservation Awards (last presented in 2012). Commissioners Zinke and Hiller have begun some preliminary groundwork on the awards program. The HPC will review the program as conceived in previous years; Staff will be seeking volunteers for specific tasks prior to judging; the day of judging; and for the presentation before the City Council. Geneva Broadcast Network Programming Mary McKittrick, City Administrator, has requested that each Department create higher visibility within the Geneva community by utilizing the Geneva Broadcast Network for programming that will engage the local community. To that end, Staff has developed a concept for a series of 45-minute programs to be developed with Commissioner assistance over the next 6-12 months. Staff is seeking direction, concept approval and volunteer time from the Commissioners; additional information to be provided at the HPC meeting. 526 S. Fourth Street Update Staff will provide an update regarding the Request for Bids for the vacant, City-owned house. Window Policy Update (re: 402 Franklin Street) Staff will provide information regarding recent discussions between IHPA, Staff and the property owner regarding window policy and Tax Assessment Freeze review. Staff is providing this information as part of an on-going review and discussion of the City of Geneva Window Policy. Historic District Survey Update Staff will provide an update of continuing progress in regards to updating the Geneva Historic District in accordance with National Register of Historic Places guidelines, specifically reviewing those properties which have attained significance since 1999 when the architectural survey was completed (those properties constructed between 1945 and 1964). Ordinance Update Staff is requesting that each Commissioner review the current Historic Preservation Ordinance and provide specific requests for provisions that each believes needs to be addressed, revised, strengthened, or otherwise updated to be consistent with current state or national preservation practice as well as the methodology employed by the City of Geneva at this time.