Historic Preservation Commission

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES July 22, 2024 City Council Chambers 1. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL: A 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, July 22, 2024, in Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall. COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Marilyn Cuevas, Tom Ellinghausen, Jose Rey, Erica Wilson, and Chairman Donovan Day. COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: City Planner Darrell Moore and Commission Clerk Melissa Bauer. 2. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: a. May 20, 2024 Planner Moore noted that there was an amendment to the minutes, page 2 paragraph 4 should read: “E. Wilson inquired about the coping material throughout the building. Mr. Stock stated that the coping atop the brick areas would be some form of cultured stone while the coping and cornices around the top of the building would be a built-up EIFS product.” There was a motion made to approve the May 20th meeting minutes as amended. MOTION: E. Wilson SECOND: T. Ellinghausen AYES: M. Cuevas, T. Ellinghausen, J. Rey, E. Wilson, and Chairman D. Day NAYS: None Motion carried. b. June 24, 2024 There was a motion made to approve the June 24, 2024 meeting minutes as presented. MOTION: J. Rey SECOND: E. Wilson AYES: M. Cuevas, T. Ellinghausen, J. Rey, E. Wilson, and Chairman D. Day NAYS: None Motion carried. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT: There were no public comments. 4. OLD BUSINESS: There was no old business. 5. NEW BUSINESS: There was no new business.  Historic Preservation Commission 7/22/24 Page 2 of 4 6. REPORTS AND DISCUSSION: a. 310 Washington Street (Dairy Queen) potential landmarking Applicant Rafael Castaneda summarized by stating that DQ has announced that they are pushing franchisee owners to modernize store locations and completely change the structure of the ice cream shops. Mr. Castaneda stated that his DQ location has been around since the 1950s, offering that old-time farmhouse design and, since purchasing this location four years ago, he has been making changes to enhance the customer experience without jeopardizing the small-town ice cream shop feel. Mr. Castaneda stated that he would like to have this location designated as a landmark to preserve the structure for customers to continue making memories as they have for many years. Planner Moore noted this was not a business item and that this item is for discussion only, and to give direction to the applicant on items to include with his application for submission. Discussions ensued and it was noted that the Woodstock business opened originally in the 1940s and was one of the first DQ franchises. The first renovation was noted in 1969, which incorporated the barn style that is present today. The Commission reviewed the landmark status nomination criteria as found below. Located within the corporate boundaries of the city • Per Planner Moore this building does meet this criterion. Is at least fifty (50) years old • Per Planner Moore this building does meet this criterion. It meets one or more of the following criteria: 1. It has character, interest, or value which is part of the development, heritage, or cultural characteristic(s) of the city, the county, the state, or the nation. • Commission discussion found this building might meet this criterion. 2. Its location is a site of a significant local, county, state, or national event. • Commission discussion found this building is unlikely to meet this criterion. 3. It is identified with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the development of the city, county, state, or the nation. • Commission discussion found this building is unlikely to meet this criterion. 4. It embodies distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style valuable for the study of a period, type, method of construction, or use of indigenous materials. • Commission discussion found this building is unlikely to meet this criterion.  Historic Preservation Commission 7/22/24 Page 3 of 4 5. It is identified with the work of a master builder, designer, architect, or landscape architect whose individual work has influenced the development of the city, county, state, or the nation. • Commission discussion found this building is unlikely to meet this criterion. 6. It embodies design elements that make it structurally or architecturally innovative. • Commission discussion found this building is unlikely to meet this criterion. 7. It has a unique location or singular physical characteristics that make it an established or familiar visual feature. • Commission discussion found this building might meet this criterion. 8. It has character which is a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian structure, including, but not limited to, commercial buildings, factories, industrial buildings or structures, including pump houses or viaducts, with a high level of integrity or architectural significance. • Commission discussion found this building is unlikely to meet this criterion. 9. It establishes a sense of time and place unique to the City • Commission discussion found this building might meet this criterion. 10. It is suitable for preservation or restoration. • Commission discussion found this building might meet this criterion. 11. It is included in the National Register of Historic Places and/or the Illinois Register of Historic Places. • Commission discussion found this building is unlikely to meet this criterion. 12. It has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important to pre-history or other areas of archaeological significance. • Commission discussion found this building is unlikely to meet this criterion. 13. It is an exceptional example of a historic or vernacular style or one of few remaining in the city. • Commission discussion found this building might meet this criterion. M. Cuevas suggested a more complete timeline of the building’s history. Chairman Day felt that the letters of support from the public were helpful in supporting the application. J. Rey inquired on the benefits or purpose of landmarking a building. Planner D. Moore advised that landmark status could give the owner more financial opportunities such as tax credits, grants etc., but it also limits the owner on changes made to the building as it would require review and approval from the HPC and City Council.  Historic Preservation Commission 7/22/24 Page 4 of 4 T. Ellinghausen inquired if the building would have a plaque if landmark status was acquired. Planner D. Moore advised that formerly there was a Landmark Commission that would plaque the historical homes, but that program is no longer active so it is the owner’s responsibility if they would like to plaque the building. E. Wilson suggested that all the required materials be included in the presentation such as a written statement describing the property and setting forth the reasons in support of the proposed designation, photographs and architectural features, a survey or drawing of the property, and support letters from the community. J. Rey suggested documentation on the history of the building characteristics including the walls, windows, walk-up front window, etc. REPORTS AND DISCUSSION: D. Moore advised that Landmarks Illinois has awarded the Courthouse project with a Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award, which will officially be announced in August. Continuing, Planner D. Moore advised that the City submitted an application for a National Trust Landmark Award, but the City was not chosen. It was noted that a letter was received stating the courthouse project is a top ten project and that the City should reapply in 2025. Planner D. Moore advised that there may be a tenant agreement before the City Council next month for the restaurant space. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: a. 310 Washington Street (Dairy Queen) potential landmarking There was no further discussion at this time. 7. ADJOURNMENT: There was a motion made to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. MOTION: T. Ellinghausen SECOND: E. Wilson AYES: M. Cuevas, T. Ellinghausen, J. Rey, E. Wilson, and Chairman D. Day NAYS: None Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Melissa Bauer Commission Clerk