Historic Preservation Commission

MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION June 13, 2023 City Council Chambers The Special Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Woodstock was called to order by Chairman Donovan Day at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 in Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Tom Ellinghausen, Erica Wilson and Donovan Day. COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Marti Dejon. STAFF PRESENT: City Planner Darrell Moore and Chief Deputy City Clerk Jane Howie. OTHERS PRESENT: Resident Dan & Katie Hart and Larry Lough, The Woodstock Independent. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: E. Wilson mentioned a correction needed on Page 2, 3rd paragraph, noted former building owner Mr. Caldwell, adjacent property, can’t judge subject building by another building. Motion made by T. Ellinghausen, second by E Wilson, to accept the May 1, 2023 Minutes. Ayes: T. Ellinghausen, E. Wilson and Donovan Day. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: M. Dejon. Motion carried; Minutes accepted with amendment. PUBLIC COMMENT: none. OLD BUSINESS: none. NEW BUSINESS: a. 235 Washington Street – Replacement Windows, Certificate of Appropriateness The petitioners (i.e., Dan & Katie Hart) explained that they obtained this building even though it’s in disrepair. Ms. Hart owns an IV infusion spa, which would be located in this building. This facility will need improvements to both the inside and outside of the structure. The petitioners explained that the windows are broken, and the strings that provide movement are cut. A number of years ago the building had been a gas station, which experienced a major remodel in 1966. The Harts purchased the building from St. Mary two years ago. Although they are almost finished with the rehab, as time goes on, more windows continue to crack. They stated that they have tried getting quotes for wooden windows, but several companies have turned down the project. D. Hart was told the cost for wood windows would be triple that of vinyl windows. It was noted that although this is a historic building, it’s not contributing to the historic district. A commissioner mentioned that vinyl windows are mainly for residential buildings; they are not made of a commercial-grade product. As such, vinyl windows may not serve their purpose. D. Hart said his office on Main Street has vinyl windows. Although there are some issues, they can maintain them as times goes on. He added that they will have to be custom framed with wood. The inside part would be vinyl, framed in wood from the outside. D. Hart said there is rotting on the  Historic Preservation Commission 06/13/2023 Page 2 of 3 inside and outside of the windows. In addition, they reported that the glass block is not structurally sound. Once replaced, they would frame it similarly to the remaining windows. D. Hart said they had to bring in Spitson Masonry to repair masonry due to the fear of structural integrity. D. Day said since the building has already been changed drastically over the years; he would agree to approve this request. T. Ellinghausen said he would like more information before approving a request. D. Hart provided additional information that his contractors shared with him. D. Hart said the front door will be painted as it’s structurally secure; it’s being repaired. Further discussion ensued. Motion to approve, replacement windows, on condition that the windows are framed in wood, by T. Ellinghausen, second by D. Day. Ayes: T. Ellinghausen and Donovan Day. Nays: E. Wilson. Absentee: M. Dejon. Abstentions: none. Motion denied. REPORTS AND DISCUSSION a. Union Place – former Die Cast Site development proposal D. Moore mentioned the recent proposal from Chicago Hubs Realty, and shared that the City Council did approve the request after some enhancements were made by the developer. They have added a bit more parking; 510 parking spaces on site. A parking garage is part of the development agreement. D. Moore shared further information and added that the PUD, special use permit and preliminary plat was approved. The developer may return to this commission in the future to get a certificate of appropriateness. There was a bit of discussion about HVAC units. D. Moore explained that at a recent City Council meeting, Mayor Turner made it clear that the public gathering place may or may not be an amphitheater. In response to a question from T. Ellinghausen, D. Moore said the majority of the residents won’t create travel issues. He added that this area is being looked at closely by the City. b.Old Courthouse Center D. Moore said the Old Courthouse Center is still on track to make the July 14th completion date. D. Moore shared photos of the interior progress. He shared what businesses will be located in the buildings and their specific locations. There was a brief discussion about the exterior conduit. It was unknown if this conduit would be painted. D. Moore mentioned an email from Commissioner Wilson pertaining to items that haven’t been as complete as needed for the commissioners’ review. He said he’s open as to how projects are approached by City staff and the process going forward, windows in particular. Currently, the guidelines say vinyl windows should be avoided, depending on several factors. In response to a question from D. Moore, commissioners agreed that they would like the processes tightened up. E. Wilson added additional information pertaining to vinyl windows. T. Ellinghausen said he approved of the use of vinyl windows on this evening’s project because the building is not contributing in the historic district. D. Moore asked commissioners to email suggestions to him on any of these topics. Further discussion ensued. D. Day asked about a façade improvement program to assist with this type of project. D. Moore said the City has some new companion/partner programs for the properties in the historic district. These are for projects that involve restoration / reinvestment  Historic Preservation Commission 06/13/2023 Page 3 of 3 into the building. D. Moore said he believes what has become clearer while serving this commission is that additional City funds would be beneficial. He will be working on this. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: D. Moore mentioned that a homeowner on Newell Street will be requesting the demolition of a single-car garage, which is accessible off the alley, built in 1922. The roof is failing due to damage from a fallen tree years ago. The owner wants to demolish the current structure and build a new garage with vinyl siding. The guidelines say all demolitions must come before HPC. D. Moore provided an update on the pavilion at MBI Staffing. ADJOURNMENT: Motion made by E. Wilson, second by T. Ellinghausen to adjourn this Special Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission. Ayes: T. Ellinghausen, E. Wilson and D. Day. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: M. Dejon. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM. Respectfully submitted, Jane Howie Chief Deputy City Clerk