City of Elgin Design Review Subcommittee Met March 9.
Here is the minutes provided by the subcommittee:
The meeting of the Design Review Subcommittee was called to order at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers (Located on the 2nd floor of City Hall) by Chairman Wiedmeyer.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Joey Crist, Rebecca Hunter, Bill Ristow, Scott Savel (6:02), and John Wiedmeyer.
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Dennis Roxworthy
CITY STAFF PRESENT:
Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation; and Cindy Walden, DRSC Secretary
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion made by Committee Member Ristow to approve the minutes of February 9, 2021, as submitted.
The motion was seconded by Committee Member Crist.
The motion passed 4-0.
RECOGNIZE OTHER PERSONS PRESENT:
None
PROPERTIES ON AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION:
Old Business
None
New Business
274 Division Street – Installation of new signage affixed to school building 423 Fulton Street – Removal of two windows
ITEMS TABLED:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
274 Division Street – Installation of new signage affixed to school building The applicant has submitted a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) as a corrective action for installing a wall sign without a COA or building permit.
The previous sign was of cut letters, dark bronze and read, “St. Joseph School.”
The applicant is requesting to maintain the existing new sign, now read as the “St. Edward Catholic Preparatory Academy,” that is made up of resin material, raised letters installed with a green background.
Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications:
SIGNS AND GRAPHIC DESIGNS
A. should also follow regulations subject to the provisions of Chapter 19.50 of the city’s zoning ordinance.
B. Should be kept a minimum with preferably a maximum of two per commercial business or community facility.
C. Should have no more than three colors and use colors that coordinate with the building colors.
D. Should be anchored into the mortar, not the masonry.
E. Should be of traditional materials such as finished wood, glass, copper, or bronze, plywood, plastic, or unfinished wood.
F. Should not cover or obscure architectural features.
G. Should not be backlit or internally lit
H. Should not be illuminated with visible bulbs, flashing lights, or luminous paints, but with remote sources.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff cannot recommend approval as the new sign should have borrowed characteristics of the original sign, which includes individual cut letters (no background), similar font and in a dark color. This was a typical design for signs during the mid-century when this building was built.
However, if the Design Review Subcommittee finds that the existing sign is acceptable, staff would then recommend approval with the following:
1. The wall sign shall meet Title 19: Chapter 19.50 of the Elgin Municipal Code. 2. Ensure that all letters are installed properly (the “D” in St. Edward is crooked.) 3. Ensure that the letters are centered properly on the green background – the right side of the sign has more field than on the left.
4. All holes from previous sign are repaired properly with soft mortar and matches the color of the limestone as close as possible.
Dr. Kathy Miller (school principal) was present for tonight’s COA discussion: In September 2020, the school name was changed to St. Joseph School to St. Edward Preparatory Academy. The school is affiliated by not legally a part of St. Edward’s High School (known as the green wave). Green and gold are the high school’s colors.
When the school requested bids for the signage, the proposal was for individual lettering. When installed, the green backer board was installed. The applicant noted that they are willing to work with commission for design, color, etc.
Committee is okay with font of lettering displayed. Backer board is not appropriate to the period, however due to the number of holes the new sign would have in the limestone; a backer board matching the stone color could be a solution requiring less pins in the limestone. The applicant will need to ensure the holes from the prior sign (St Joseph School) have been filled with soft mortar (no caulk, no hard mortar) matching the limestone as closely as possible. Concerns were expressed by the commission that if the limestone is damaged, the bas relief carving could eventually become damaged too.
Motion made by Committee Member Savel to approve with the following requirements: 1) exterior grade material must be used, 2) backer board to be used to minimize number of pins in the limestone, 3) paint colors: a) backboard to match limestone and b) individual letters to be dark (staff to approve both prior to installation), 4) spacing of lettering to be approved by staff and lettering needs to include a “.” after “ST”, and 5) all holes to be filled with soft mortar matching closely to the limestone color (no chalking, no hard mortar material). The motion was seconded by Committee Member Crist.
The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
423 Fulton Street – Removal of one window
The applicant submitted a Certificate of Appropriateness request to infill one window on the first floor east elevation.
The applicant noted that this window is located in the bathroom next to the shower and is causing continual maintenance due to water from the shower. The applicant did not indicate what the infill material would be. The exterior is masonry construction.
The proposed window is visible from the street.
Staff received an email today from the applicant, withdrawing their application. They have decided to repair the window, rather than replace.
ADDITIONAL STAFF COMMENTS:
∙ Staff is confirming the reappointments of committee members. There will be two new commissioners awaiting appointment by the city council.
∙ At 1212 Larkin Avenue (multi-dwelling structures behind the former Larkin Home) is almost completed. A few details are still needed for the exterior to meet the approved COA.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion to adjourn was made by Committee Member Savel.
The motion was seconded by Committee Member Ristow.
The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting of the Design Review Subcommittee was adjourned at 6:33p.m.
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