Historic Preservation Commission

MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION February 27, 2023 City Council Chambers The Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Woodstock was called to order by Chairman Donovan Day at 7:00 PM on Monday, February 27, 2023 in Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Marti Dejon, Tom Ellinghausen, Erica Wilson and Chair Donovan Day. COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: none. STAFF PRESENT: City Planner Darrell Moore, Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson and Chief Deputy City Clerk Jane Howie. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: T. Ellinghausen, page 2, 3rd paragraph, “owned or leased” pertains to the solar panels, not whether the home is owned or leased. On page 2 under Reports & Discussion, E. Wilson said some detail was left out of the description, (5 sentences down) regarding the elements that were missing. E. Wilson’s list for the MBI pavilion: 1. The stone piers are not tapered, as shown in the elevations; 2. No large decorative beam in the open gable; 3. The large gable on the front elevation does not appear to be projected, or not projected as far as it should be; 4. The height of the horizontal beam in the open gable is supposed to be higher than the beam of the hipped roof, it is not; and 5. Additional wood trim & angled bracing are missing. She mentioned that negotiations took place as the applicant wanted to demolish the building; however, the commission was concerned due to the building being a significant, contributing historic building. Once the applicant was given permission to demolish the building, they returned with plans for the design of this pavilion. At that time, the commission provided guidelines and suggestions for the pavilion. E. Wilson had asked why MBI is permitted to make changes to an approved Certificate of Appropriateness. Further down on the second page, the minutes should note that E. Wilson feels the applicant is being disrespectful to the commission and to the City for not following the details that were approved. E. Wilson said she doesn’t understand why there hasn’t been any accountability by the City on this and other projects, such as the train station. D. Moore offered some suggestions – as a reminder to have a bright pink sheet on building permit applicants, for when a building is located in the historic district along with more communication with the building inspector, which could include an education process for residents owning buildings in the Historic District. Motion made by T. Ellinghausen , second by E. Wilson, to accept the January 23, 2023 Minutes with changes. Ayes: M. Dejon, T. Ellinghausen, E. Wilson and Chair D. Day. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: M. Dejon. Motion carried with changes noted above. OTHERS PRESENT: Ms. Heidi Wang, WJW Architects.  Historic Preservation Commission 02/27/2023 Page 2 of 3 PUBLIC COMMENT: none. OLD BUSINESS: none. NEW BUSINESS: a. Union Place of Woodstock (former Die Cast site) – Conceptual Review Heidi Wang, partner at WJW Architects said she was here to gather information from this commission. Ms. Wang presented concept renderings of the proposed development as well as building elevation details. She noted that the entire site is going to be developed in phases starting at the north end of the site with a three-story senior care building and a five-story affordable senior apartment building. Later phases will include a five-story mixed-use building with attached parking garage on the south end and a three-story mixed-use building south of the existing townhomes. Ms. Wang shared that the City Council had asked to see something a bit more modern for the later-phase buildings, but still in line with the historical requirements of the site. The site will also incorporate the popular Woodstock Square gateway arch. Ms. Wang added that the site will include a walking path with heavy landscaping, bird watching, a rain garden and butterfly garden. D. Moore said Mayor Turner has put forward an idea for a music venue, which is shown on the site plan, but ultimately will be a city project. At the City’s request, previously proposed bumpouts in the parking areas along First and Clay Streets were removed to assist with snow plowing. The developer will handle outdoor lighting and update some of the lighting in front of the existing townhomes. T. Ellinghausen commended Ms. Wang for the way in which they are blending in with the existing townhomes. Some commissioners expressed concerns about the overall density, the impact of taller buildings on neighbors along First Street, the amount of parking, and the amenities being offered. Responses from Ms. Wang and D. Moore noted: the proposed density is less than the previously- approved Woodstock Station; that the city is still working to clarify the number of parking spaces dedicated to residents, employees, visitors, and Metra station users; and that, while some amenities like open space and building terraces are shown on the plans, specific elements are still under discussion, including a destination restaurant – subject to market drivers. Commissioners discussed some of the proposed materials being used on the buildings and provided suggestions. Information was shared about the mechanicals, as well. In response to questions from E. Wilson, D. Moore said the City doesn’t have any particular density targets. Further discussion ensued pertaining to parking needs. G. Anderson said there will be a feeling like this is part of the Square, including urban elements and diagonal parking. It was noted that the developer is not planning to exceed the building height limits for the zoning district. The City requested a declining of building heights from one side of the property to the other. T. Ellinghausen suggested including a pedestrian crossing on Clay Street. Staff made note of this request, which will be reviewed by the engineering team. There was also some discussion about the train line, rights-of-way and Union Pacific. Mr. John Covell, a resident in the nearby Brownstone townhomes, said he and his neighbors appreciate all the efforts thus far. He added that the residents are concerned how this will affect them with all the buildings and parking. In response, Ms. Wang said the parking on North Street has been scaled back and they removed some on-street parking for the new residences. She added  Historic Preservation Commission 02/27/2023 Page 3 of 3 that the parking entrance has been relocated to stay away from the townhomes. Mr. Covell said he hopes there will be space for dog walking and/or a dog park. REPORTS AND DISCUSSION a. Opera House renovations D. Moore shared that the City received a grant from the state for downtown improvements at the Opera House in the amount of $2.9 million. Plans are underway to restore the windows, along with looking for ways to improve the building, overall, such as internal functions of the building. One thought is to add a third story to the rear of the building as an extension from where the green room, dressing room and stage are located. However, they’re unsure as to what that will look like, and unsure if funds will be available to include this idea. G. Anderson said the grant was part of the COVID-19 relief funding. b.Old Courthouse Center exterior signage D. Moore said a sign plan was in the works for the Old Courthouse Center, as well as for specific businesses that will be located there. T. Ellinghausen suggested installing a sign on the W. Jackson side of the building where there’s a rectangular space available from what looks like a bricked in window. The City’s design team will provide some ideas, which will be reviewed according to historic preservation guidelines. D. Moore said City Council members will tour the facility next week and see all the updates, so far. D. Moore stated May is Historic Preservation Month. Staff would like to present information to the City Council to recognize what the City is doing in this area. Staff believes this information will be presented at Council’s May 2nd meeting; commissioners are welcome to attend. T. Ellinghausen asked if the façade improvement program could have guidelines updated, which could be shared with building owners. He would like to see the program tailored a bit more to include various scenarios. G. Anderson said the City’s new Marketing Department has plans to share reasons why the City does some of what they do. They will be providing information for the City’s vision, going forward. D. Day suggested having the City honor someone on a regular basis for rehabbing a historic property, D. Moore mentioned that the City is planning a public visioning meeting to hear about and discuss updates to the Comprehensive Plan. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 11th, and will include a 20-minute presentation by consultant Houseal Lavigne, followed by breakout sessions to provide feedback to staff. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: none. ADJOURNMENT: Motion made by E. Wilson, second by T. Ellinghausen, to adjourn this Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission. Ayes: M. Dejon, T. Ellinghausen, E. Wilson and Chair D. Day. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM. Respectfully submitted, Jane Howie Chief Deputy City Clerk