Kane County Reporter

City of Geneva Historic Preservation Commission met May 21

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

1. Roll Call

Present: Chairman Zellmer, Commissioners Jensen, McManus,

Phillips, Salomon, Stazin

Absent: None

Staff Present: Preservation Planner Michael Lambert

Others Present: Recording Secretary Anna Benson

2. Approval of Minutes

Minutes of April 16, 2024

Motion by Commissioner McManus to approve the meeting minutes from April 16, 2024. Seconded by Commissioner Phillips. A roll call vote followed and the motion passed 4-0. Commissioners Salomon and Stazin abstained.

3. Five Minute Field Guide: The Gold Standard of Preservation

Preservation Planner Michael Lambert spoke about how when he began working at Geneva 11.5 years ago, Geneva had a reputation of having a cutting-edge preservation community and was considered the gold standard of preservation. Geneva was among the earliest Illinois communities undertaking formal preservation work in 1979, when the Central Geneva Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. During his tenure, Mr. Lambert said he has tried to maintain the expectation that Geneva is an example of premier preservation practices state wide, while also striving to elevate the preservation program. With his upcoming retirement, Mr. Lambert wanted to leave the commission with “hallmarks” for a cutting-edge preservation initiative at the local level. The hallmarks highlighted in his presentation included a formal review process, informed participants with determinations made on factual evidence, one that seeks to “Tell the Fuller Story,” and involves an engaging and creative process. 

4. Review of Building Permit Applications (Certificate of Appropriateness)

A. 108 South Sixth Street CASE 2024-023

Applicant: John Lewis, Family First Services, Ltd, Contractor

Application for: New Siding and Attic Window Restoration at a Contributing Property

Mr. Lambert introduced the property, which was built in 1901. At some point prior to 1998 the exterior siding was removed and T-111 reverse board and batten panelized siding and fake stucco siding panels were added. At the same time, the attic window at the street facing gable was replaced with a non historic octagonal window. The applicant is requesting removal of the nonhistorical siding and replacement with a 6” exposure, LP Smartside Lap Siding with a smooth brushed finish and traditional trim details. They are also requesting approval to remove the octagonal attic gable window and replace it with a historic window that has been retained on site.

Mr. Lambert pointed out this project is not a “restoration” project. The house has been heavily altered over time and there is no historic documentation to provide the details of what the house looked like historically.

The contractor for the project, John Lewis, spoke and added that there will be a band board detail, like the one that is on the house currently but they plan to place it higher so it is above the window and doesn't interfere with the crown molding on that window. He also added that the homeowner is having the historic gable window frame rebuilt as it is in poor shape and then it will be placed centered on the gable, below where the octagonal window is found, which is where the framing inside shows it was likely originally placed.

Chairman Zellmer confirmed with Mr. Lewis that they are requesting to replace both the stucco and T-111 to which he replied yes.

Commissioner Jensen and the applicant discussed the color of the siding which he believes will be “Timberland Suede.”

Commissioner Jensen asked for clarification on the historic windows the applicant has. Mr. Lewis replied that the homeowner found two windows in the attic. He and Mr. Lambert believed that there was likely one in each gable, located on the front and the side. They are requesting to just put one in the front gable. The glass in the windows is colored and that will be retained. Two panes are amber and two are yellow. The applicant asked if it would be appropriate to put crown molding on top of that gable window and Mr. Lambert responded yes, and a sill underneath as well. Chairman Zellmer confirmed there will be trim on the sides as well, as well as corner boards on the new siding.

Commissioner Phillips asked if the band board that separates the second floor and the gabled area will be removed or if that detail will remain in the new siding and asked how that would allow for  crown molding above the second floor window. The applicant responded yes. Mr. Lambert added that typically under a “freeze board” or the band board under the eve there would not be a crown, but that the trim would just butt into the freeze board. The first floor window would have a crown and the second floor window would not.

The commissioners agreed that this proposal will greatly improve the look of the house.

Motion by Commissioner Salomon to approve 108 South Sixth Street as presented with some additional details that were provided that we approve of. Seconded by Commissioner Jensen. A roll call vote followed and the motion passed 6-0.

B. 509 Peyton Street CASE 2024-029

Applicant: Ray Henrich – Tried and True General Contracting, Inc.,

Contractor

Application for: New Front Stoop to Replace Non-historic Stoop

Mr. Lambert presented the property which dates back to the 1840’s. He provided a brief overview of its unique history which is that it is an early settlement house and a combination of two early settlement houses. There is currently a stone stoop, which is unsafe, non code compliant and not historically accurate. The applicant wishes to replace it with a more traditional wood stoop that would complement the historic architecture of the house. The proposal is for the entire porch to be made of cedar wood material. Mr. Lambert called it a straightforward project, but he cannot approve it administratively because it involves a front porch.

Carol Donahue, 1120 South Street, introduced herself as one of three owners, and asked if the commission had any questions. She added that the house has sat vacant for six years.

Commissioner Phillips asked a question regarding the combination of the houses just out of curiosity and that was briefly discussed.

Commissioner Jensen said the plans looked great and did not have any questions or concerns. The other commissioners agreed.

Motion by Commissioner Jensen to approve the application for 509 Peyton Street as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Salomon. A roll call vote followed and the motion passed 6-0. 

5. Secretary’s Report (Staff Updates)

Mr. Lambert reported that since the April Historic Preservation Commission meeting he has approved eight permits on the behalf of the commission and there are eight more in process. He stated there is a Special Historic Preservation Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Chairman Zellmer asked what the topic is and Mr. Lambert replied that it is for a demolition request for 117 S. River Lane.

6. New Business

A. From the Commission:

Commissioner Jensen thanked Preservation Planner Michael Lambert for everything he has done for Geneva and historic preservation. The other commissioner thanked Mr. Lambert as well.

They discussed if a replacement for his position has been found. Mr. Lambert replied that an offer has been made. They asked if a replacement for the open commissioner position had been filled.

Mr. Lambert reported that the application is open through May 28th and that the mayor will make an appointment shortly after that.

Mr. Lambert said he is unsure if there will be a June meeting at this time.

B. From the Public:

There was none.

7. Adjournment

At 7:35 pm Commissioner Stazin made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by

Commissioner Salomon. Motion passed by voice vote 6-0.

https://www.geneva.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05212024-2349