Kane County Reporter

City of Geneva Historic Preservation Commission met Nov. 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

1. Call to Order

Chairman Zellmer called to order the November 19, 2019 meeting of the Geneva Historic Preservation Commission at 7:00 p.m.

2. Roll Call

Present HPC: Chairman Zellmer; Commissioners Hamilton, Hiller, Salomon, Stazin, Warner, Zinke

Staff Present: Preservation Planner Lambert

Others Present: Applicant Frank Giampoli, 201 N. Third Street; Sean Gallagher with Gallagher Associates; Todd Augustine with Augustine Custom

Development; Dennis Kintop with One man One Project (Contractor); Alex Teipel with Architectural Resources; and Recording Secretary Celeste Weilandt

3. Approval of October 15, 2019 Minutes

Minutes of October 15, 2019 – Changes noted by the recording secretary included deleting the duplication of Commissioner Zinke’s name in the Present heading; adding Commissioner Salomon as being present and not absent; and adding Commissioner Hiller’s name to the Absent heading. Motion by Commissioner Hamilton to approve the minutes, as amended, second by Commissioner Zinke. Motion passed by voice vote of 5-0-2. (Hiller and Zellmer abstain.)

4. Five Minute Field Guide – False Historicism: Documentation vs. Conjecture

Preservation Planner Michael Lambert discussed his research on how an applicant can determine what a building looked like many years ago and how to obtain such information, thereby avoiding false historicism, which was one of the Secretary of Interior Standards used by this commission. Mr. Lambert explained that in order to determine the actual character of Geneva, one had to consider the cultural/natural resources, fashion, and access to materials at the time, which helped shape the architectural environment of Geneva and other nearby communities. For a person to find out the authentic architectural character of Geneva or a specific location, Mr. Lambert suggested looking at the actual building itself for noticeable changes as well as researching a number of resources including field guides, builders’ documents, catalogs and more recently, the Internet.

Per the Chairman’s question, the largest repository for Sanborn maps were kept at the University of Illinois with copies at the Geneva History Museum and the City of Geneva.

5. Review of Building Permit Applications

A. 201 N. Third Street (Case # 2019-005) – Frank and Lori Giampoli, Owners; Sean Gallagher with Gallagher Associates. Request for Siding Replacement at a Contributing Property. Mr. Lambert reminded commissioners this project came before them a number of times. The property was located on the overhead map along with some of its architectural changes along the way. Mr. Lambert recalled the applicant’s commitment was to try to preserve the wood siding but also that the applicant could determine that the siding was not salvageable because of its poor condition. After new structural repairs were made, a new foundation poured and replacing windows, etc., the owners determined that the siding on the home was not salvageable and needed to be replaced. The siding on the garage will remain. Photos of the home’s poor siding conditions (curving, bowing, split in material, etc.) were depicted. Per Mr. Lambert, the owners are proposing to use LP Smart Side smooth side out along with smooth trim boards to match existing. The entablature (heavy molding) at the roof line will remain intact.

Applicant, Mr. Frank Giampoli discussed the new foundation he added to the home. He explained that about 90% of the clapboards were not salvageable; however, those that were would be used on the garage. The prior windows were incorrectly replaced and now were correctly replaced on the home; the front exterior door was originally an interior door that was repurposed with windows and was not useable. Mr. Giampoli emphasized how he was trying to salvage what he could for purposes of his State’s (historic) certificate.

Asked who did the survey of the clapboards, Mr. Sean Gallagher, with Architecture Associates came forward and explained the specifics on how the boards were counted and reviewed for cracks and damage. He reported that many different types of boards existed on the home, some of which were flat boards; others were beveled boards. Recalling the bay had an internal gutter, Mr. Gallagher pointed out in a photo where there was significant rotting damage due to the gutter being back-pitched.

Commissioner Warner confirmed with Mr. Gallagher that the State’s preservation commission also saw this proposal. Commissioner Zinke commended the owners for the home’s restoration and for providing a thorough siding survey. Regarding the windows with frieze board and whether there was interior framing being done, Mr. Gallagher reported no headers were found. He envisioned a prior stock unit had fit the opening width but not the height. The sill was set and then probably trimmed down to it.

Motion by Commissioner Hiller to accept the request for siding replacement at 201 N. Third Street, as presented. Second by Commissioner Warner. Roll call:

Aye: Hamilton, Hiller, Salomon, Stazin, Warner, Zinke, Zellmer

Nay: None 

MOTION PASSED. VOTE: 7-0

B. 128 N. Fourth Street (Case #2019-098) – Applicant: Jim Hamilton, Owner; Jim Haugen, Project Designer. Request to consider replacement of an existing raised wooden deck with a grade level patio in a required street yard at a significant property. (Commissioner Hamilton recuses himself.)

Mr. Lambert located the significant home on the overhead map, explaining the home was constructed by the Wilson Brothers. A brief summary of the home’s changes/additions over time followed. Viewing an aerial photo, Mr. Lambert pointed out the limited land surrounding this home and the fact that the applicant’s only area for social space was in the required street yard which was why the application was before this commission. Existing conditions were depicted. The applicant was proposing to remove the paver brick and deteriorated wooden deck and replace it with a new at-grade patio with wall. Per Lambert, in this new zoning district, the allowable lot coverage was 65%. Currently the applicant’s lot coverage was 50.8% but would increase to 52.2%.

Mr. Jim Hogan from Plantscape shared the discussion he had with the owner some years ago to find a plan that worked for the homeowner and the neighborhood.

Per commissioner questions, the new sitting wall would be 20” inches in height, would create some privacy from the public walkway, and would not be any higher than what currently existed. The garden space was also noted.

Motion made by Commissioner Warner to approve the project as presented. Second by Commissioner Zinke. Roll call:

Aye: Hiller, Salomon, Stazin, Warner, Zinke, Zellmer

Nay: None 

MOTION PASSED. VOTE: 6-0

(Commissioner Hamilton returns.)

C. 525 Franklin Street (Case #2019-102) – Applicant: Todd Augustine with Augustine Custom Development, Builder/Developer; Dan Marshall with Marshall Architects. Construction of a New Residence. Mr. Lambert located the property on the overhead map explaining the property was part of a larger parcel that was subdivided off, The property was located at the corner of 6th and Franklin Streets. The architectural character of the surrounding neighborhood was diverse. Commissioners were presented with a plan and renderings of a home that the owners favored. Mr. Lambert clarified that the pergola depicted in the plan between the home and the garage would be a free-standing structure due to lot coverage requirements.

Samples of building materials were available and would include painted masonry, fiber cement shingles, asphalt shingles (roof), black metal roofing and Elevate Collection windows (black in color) by Marvin. The front door would be wood-looking. Garage doors would be stamped steel carriage-style doors. For most of the siding, Hardi Board fiber cement shingles would be used. The soffit would be LP Smart Side smooth finish and so would the architectural trim. Fypon brackets would be used.

Commissioners voiced concern that some of the information was not in the their packets wherein Mr. Lambert confirmed that some of it was not, due to a timing issue.

Mr. Todd Augustine, 1226 Fargo Boulevard, builder for the home, came forward and was available to address questions.

Commissioners recalled an existing garage on the adjacent lot was to be relocated as well as an easement created to get to the garage, wherein Mr. Augustine confirmed both had been completed. Details followed. Per Mr. Lambert, two driveways coming off from a single driveway on Sixth Street would be created. Commissioner Stazin raised concern about not seeing the materials presented in the drawings wherein Mr. Lambert offered to provide architectural drawings to the commissioners, summarizing that most of the building would be (white) shingle with the tower element to be brick up to the banded area. Commissioner Hiller expressed concern about voting on the case when he and others wanted to see more information. However, Mr. Augustine reported he did submit the information in a timely matter.

Mr. Augustine proceeded to explain that Hardi shake shingles will be placed on all facades, including the garage, except for the brick fireplace on the west façade of the home. Asked why the brick was painted, Mr. Augustine explained it was for inspirational reasons. Commissioner Warner asked staff how this proposal differed from the (infill) homes that were constructed prior, wherein Mr. Lambert indicated there was no difference and the proposal was complementary to the Campbell Street side. Per further questions, Mr. Lambert relayed that the proposal conformed with all zoning and bulk standards and the reason the pergola was not joining the home to the garage was due to lot coverage calculations.

Additional clarification followed: the garage doors will be white (not brown) and the home will be approximately 4 feet taller than the home located at 521 Franklin Street. Architectural elements used for this home were gathered from the surrounding district, as explained by Mr. Lambert, noting the neighborhood was very eclectic with a variety of materials used. Had the proposal been conceptual, Chairman Zellmer voiced that he would have like to see the tower element flipped to the west side and keep the lower portion to the east where the smaller home existed. Commissioner Hamilton was of the option to have the tower element away from the street.

Per questions about lot coverage, Mr. Augustine confirmed he was close to the maximum. In summary, commissioners appeared to be fine with the design of the home and its location.

Motion by Commissioner Stazin to approve the design for 525 Franklin Street, as presented. Second by Commissioner Hamilton. Roll call:

Aye: Hamilton, Hiller, Salomon, Stazin, Warner, Zinke, Zellmer

Nay: None 

MOTION PASSED. VOTE: 7-0

6. Secretary’s Report

Staff was seeking commissioner input regarding minor project modifications to:

- 307-309 W. State Street – Storefront Design Modification (Novel House) – Mr. Lambert explained this application was before the commission and while it was approved at the last meeting, the contractor contacted him regarding a significant header to go through the storefront to support the operable windows. Recalling the narrowness of joining the transom and the operable window section -- where the aluminum storefronts came together -- Mr. Lambert explained the thickness was about 4-1/2 to 5 inches with an applied wood element. However, now being proposed was a tube steel material about twice thick. Details followed with Mr. Lambert supporting the request. Commissioner questions were invited.

Commissioner Stazin asked about the functioning of the transom windows with the entry door, wherein Mr. Lambert explained the applicant was following the commission’s design goal to keep the entry recessed and in keeping with the historic storefront.

Mr. Dennis Kintop, 613 Franklin Street, Batavia, IL, contractor for the project, explained that each individual window will have a six-inch aluminum tube from the column to the masonry with flanges that narrow. The anchors will be buried and not be seen. Details were shared. For clarification, Mr. Lambert explained that prior the commissioners approved 3-1/2 inches for the molding width and it was now being increased to 5-1/2 inches at the meeting mullion with an additional 3-1/4 inches. Mr. Kintop provided details and explained the calking work that would take place on the cast iron columns.

Commissioner Warner appreciated the applicant’s sensitivity to the project but asked staff about the dimension change and whether it would create a precedent, wherein Mr. Lambert explained the net affect of the changes created a storefront twice as heavy as the historic configuration. He recalled that what was approved prior by the commission was the intent to have a lighter storefront. However, this proposal was a significant alteration which he believed rendered consideration by the commission. The proposal was as close to getting back to the historic dimensions yet achieve what the Nobel House wanted for its operable windows. Mr. Lambert believed it was an acceptable compromise to what the applicant was seeking yet being historically sensitive to what was there prior.

Asked if the applicant considered the option of backing up the two mullions with the iron behind it, attaching it to keep the profile the same, Mr. Teipel explained that it would not work, providing details. Mr. Teipel shared that the original wood material that was removed and exposed was newer cedar with a width about 3-1/2 inches wide. Commissioner Zinke suggested that if the painted trim color was lighter in color it would be less noticeable than a darker color.

Commissioners’ consensus appeared to be fine with the proposed changes.

7. New Business

A. From the Commission: Per Commissioner Hamilton’s question, Mr.Lambert provided what information he knew about the Mill Race Inn property. He offered to return with more information.

B. From the Public: None.

8. Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the Historic Preservation Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. on motion by Commissioner Stazin, second by Commissioner Hamilton. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote of 7-0.

https://www.geneva.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11192019-1538