Historic Commission

Tuesday, September 21, 2021 I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm. Present in person: Nancy Flannery (Chair), Lisa Buchanan, Bob Purdy, Joe Szczepaniak Present virtual: Steph McGrath (Secretary), Emelie Engling Absent: Diane Burant, Linda Moran Public Comments: none II. Approval of Minutes Minutes of the August 17, 2021 meeting approved on a motion by Joe, seconded by Lisa, and passed unanimously. III. Old Business A. GIS Project: Lisa worked with city staff incorporating Historic Commissioner comments. She wondered what the procedure would be for future additions. The next step will be the map. A letter about the project will be sent to current property owners. A question was raised about posting the photos, but all have been taken from public property. Could have a launch event in May, outside at the Memorial Park bandshell. B. Plaque Vendors: The past vendor’s price was substantially lower than what current vendors are charging. Will expand the search for similar looking plaques, maybe a flat printed design vs cast relief plaques. C. Landmark Application: 831 N. Washington, rereviewed what the applicant's next research steps should be to prove the date the house was moved to Wheaton. D. Landmark Application: 115 W. Oak, rereviewed what the applicant's next research steps should be to prove the date the house was built. E. Historic Bike Tour: We now have a megaphone so narration can be better heard. F. Records to Library: Various records will be placed at the Wheaton Public Library, including past Historic Commission minutes, landmark applications, and a blueprint of the Colvin House. IV. New Business A. Commissioner Contact List: List updated and distributed, but needs new City Clerk. B. Downtown Design Review Board:Steph reported on the September 1 meeting held to review the signage for Ditka’s restaurant. While staff had no recommendation, they noted the guidelines need to be updated to allow open channel neon. The board approved the sign. C. Annual Budget: Reviewed the 2022 Historic Commission budget request. D. Review of Boards and Commissions: The Mayor sent a letter stating that a review of all boards and commissions will be made regarding mission, number of members and other details in upcoming planning sessions. E. Local History: Nancy acquired a copy of blueprints for the Colvin House which stood at 606 N Main Street. It was suggested they could be offered to the DuPage County Historical Museum. Emelie has a 1936 photo of Longfellow School that she will donate to the DuPage County Historical Museum. F. Warren L. Wheaton house: The current construction is for an addition to the west side of the structure, but care is being taken to preserve the historic structure and materials. G. Bollard Signs: Multiple ideas were suggested for new signs. Reviewed a past list discussed at a 2009 Historic Commission meeting as well as new ideas. Possible subjects include the Longfellow School site, Chicago, Aurora & Elgin Shops and Yard and the Chicago Golf Club stop, the First Church of Christ, Scientist, and the Prairie Path. H. Wheaton Historic Preservation Council: Things still in limbo regarding the organization’s status. It appears collections have been moved out of their allotted area at the City Hall Annex, although when that may have happened is unknown. I. Dart Lecture: Bob Goldsborough will be giving a lecture on Ed Dart’s architectural designs September 26 at Schweikher House Preservation Trust in Schaumburg. V. Commissioner Comments Bob: The house that was once the Driving Park clubhouse, then moved and renovated, is for sale, now located at 1115 N. Wheaton Avenue. Steph: They have a large print of the clubhouse in the living room. The image is from a postcard made when the Wheaton Country Fair was held there in the early 1900s. Emelie: Distressed at the changes on her block; the historic homes torn down and replaced with new construction. VI. Adjournment Bob moved to adjourn, Joe seconded, the motion passed unanimously; the meeting concluded at 8:54 pm.