The Geneva Historic Preservation Commission met July 19 to review building permit applications.
Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the commission
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES
109 James Street
Geneva, Illinois 60134
July 19, 2016, 7:00 p.m.
1. Call to Order
Chairman Roy called to order the July 19, 2016 meeting of the Geneva Historic
Preservation Commission at 7:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Present HPC: Chairman Roy, Commissioners Hiller, Salomon, Zellmer, Zinke
Absent: Commissioner Abplanalp and Collins
Staff Present: Historic Preservation Planner Michael Lambert
Others Present: Alderman Mike Bruno, ___ Ellis, Brooke Houghton, Heather Fillans, Tim
Feeney, 516 Campbell St.; L. Stoetzfe, 222 Ford St.; Mackenzie and Tyler
Livingston, 1203 Elm St., St. Charles; Tim Nelson, 421 James St.; Brian
Hinds, BGH Construction, 321 First St., Lynn & Mike Fehr, 621 South
Street, Liz Safanda, 1013 Dunstan
3. Approval of Meeting Minutes – June 21, 2016
Motion by Commissioner Zellmer, seconded by Salomon to approve the June 21,
2016 minutes. Motion carried by voice vote of 4-0-1. (Hiller abstains.)
4. HPC Review of Proposed Development Concepts
A. 318 S. Third Street (Case No. 2016-001); Applicant: Bob Unteidt, Owner; Tim
Nelson, Architect; Concept Review of: Proposed Expansion of Existing Building. Preservation
Planner Lambert recalled this concept was before the commissioners twice. To date, the applicant
and architect revised the plans based on the comments received from the commissioners at the
March 15, 2016 meeting as well as from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. The new plans
reflect a majority of the improvements to the rear of the property which leaves the three sides of
the original Arts and Crafts bungalow exposed.
Mr. Tim Nelson, architect for the project, thanked the commissioners and Mr. Lambert for
their assistance on the proposal, explaining the north and south additions have been removed with
only the large addition on the rear of the building, leaving the two original sides of the building
untouched. With the front facade, however, the owner plans to move the current southern
entrance on the front porch to the center of the porch and install a double door entrance. All
original windows will remain as will the fireplace. The ramp that was originally proposed on the
southern facade (towards the west), will be relocated toward the front facade and the slope of the
ground will being used as the ramp so no railing will be necessary. A retaining wall will be needed,
however, to hold the ground.
The interior layout was reviewed by Mr. Nelson, noting the owner, while he does not get the
amount of seating as originally proposed, is willing to make the compromise. The second floor
office interior was depicted, as were the elevations. The new rear addition would be shingle sided.
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July 19, 2016
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Mr. Nelson closed by stating he appreciated the prior commissioner comments but hoped
that tonight’s discussion would focus on preserving the historic character of the building, which was
the commission’s goal.
Chairman Roy mentioned he was not at the March meeting but stated it was at the January
(2016) meeting where he said the home appeared to be “swallowed up.” To him, this was a
significant improvement which preserved the home’s character and the addition allowed the owner
to run his operations from a business perspective. Commissioner Hiller also agreed and stated the
home and the Third Street view were being preserved. However, he noticed that the IHPA report
talked about the possibility of losing the Juliet balcony. He asked if it served a purpose.
Mr. Nelson responded that the balcony did not seem to serve a purpose and if it was
removed he would have to install a window or some form of a gate to cover part of the door.
Continuing, Hiller asked about a variance to which Mr. Nelson indicated that it was for the
rear yard setback as well as for the lot coverage percentage, which he did not feel was a factor
since the two side additions were removed from the plans. Per another question, he believed the
owner planned to remove the driveway. And, since the proposal was still a concept, Commissioner
Hiller asked to see more details for the new front door entrance.
Commissioner Zellmer noticed the grade that was being pushed against the southern
basement windows and inquired how that would be addressed, wherein Mr. Nelson indicated the
windows would have to be removed, blocked or landscaping be planted. Commissioners Zinke
and Salomon also supported the compromise that was made. Commissioner Zinke followed up by
asking for the next steps, wherein Mr. Nelson stated a site plan review would take place. He
estimated starting the project next year. Questions followed as to the panel detailing located to the
right and left side of the front door, wherein Mr. Nelson envisioned using a stucco material to match
what currently existed.
In closing, Mr. Nelson asked if there was a preference for the color of the shingle siding and
whether it should be painted or stained. Commissioners and staff agreed the choice was up to the
owner, since that was not the commission’s purview.
Chairman Roy opened up the meeting to public comment. None was received. Chairman
Roy confirmed with Mr. Nelson that he had enough direction from the commissioners.
5. HPC Review of Building Permit Applications
A. 621 South Street (Case No. 2016-066); Applicant: Mike & Lynn Fehr, Owners;
Brian Hinds, BGH Construction; Permit Review of: Street Yard Window Modifications.
Mr. Lambert reported this petition came before the commission last year but was under a different
owner. The new owners were requesting to replace some windows on the Seventh Street, street
yard side of the home. An aerial view of the home was provided with Lambert reminding the
commissioners that this was the third location for the home. An evolution of the residence’s
additions, over time, was depicted on the overhead. Per Mr. Lambert, the first floor patio doors
(from 1970s) would be replaced with windows. New windows would also be replaced on the
second-story, 1985-1995 addition.
Mr. Lambert walked through the alterations that were made to the various additions on
original structure. Regarding the sun porch located on the western side of the home, Mr. Lambert
said the owners would like to replicate those windows in their proposal. The windows that are
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July 19, 2016
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typical throughout the home have a five-inch mullion between the windows and have a six over one
pattern, which is standard in the home. Proposed windows for the patio doors would be in the
same character of the windows found throughout the home but instead have a 9 over 1 pattern.
The second floor windows to the bedroom would keep the three rhythm openings (with 9 over 1
pattern) but would include a central opening from the rear bedroom onto the large roof deck.
Owner, Mr. Lynn Fehr, thanked Lambert for his assistance and briefly summarized his
request again for the commissioners. He emphasized how he wanted to stay within the character
of the house.
Commissioner Hiller supported the request but inquired whether the two doors would be
similar, wherein Mr. Fehr stated he would try to match best with the other glass door. Other
positive comments about the proposal followed. Mr. Lambert confirmed that the new windows do
comply with the city’s window policy with simulated divided lights on both the interior and exterior
face of the glass with a bronze-colored spacer bar. The new windows would be exterior clad
windows. Motion by Commissioner Zellmer, seconded by Commissioner Hiller to accept the
window proposal at 621 South Street as presented. Roll call:
Aye: Hiller, Salomon, Zellmer, Zinke, Roy
\ Nay: None MOTION PASSED. VOTE: 5-0
6. Secretary’s Report/Staff Update
Mr. Lambert reported on four items:
1) year to date, he has processed 73 permits; in 2011 the commission/staff
reviewed 77 permits for the entire year;
2) he attended the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council meeting where the council
reviewed the modifications to the National Register nominations for the Central Geneva
District and the North Geneva District. The council unanimously recommended forwarding
them on to the Keeper of the Register, with minor corrections. The district nominations
have been forwarded to Washington, DC with hopes of a response by late this year or early
next year. Lambert did mention that he did bring up the role of the river as explained by the
National Park Service and how they view waterways in nominations. Details followed.
3) the new application forms for the City’s ordinance are almost complete and are
going for final review; and
4) he plans to incorporate the preservation awards ceremony with the preservation
activities planned for October, since it will be the 50th anniversary of the Preservation Act.
As an aside, Lambert continues to receive requests for Commissioner Hiller’s posters.
7. Announcements
A. From the Commission – None.
B. From the Public – Liz Safanda, 1013 Dunstan, inquired about the status of the front
door at the olive oil business located on James Street (north of Third Street), especially since there
are preservation standards to be followed. She also appreciated the changes the petitioner made
to the Graham’s 318 project.
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8. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:34 p.m. on motion by Commissioner Salomon,
seconded by Commissioner Zellmer. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote of 5-0.
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