Kane County Reporter

City of Geneva Historic Preservation Commission met Nov. 19

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Call to Order

Chairman Pro Tem McManus called to order the November 19, 2024 Meeting of the Geneva Historic Preservation Commission at 7:00 pm.

1. Roll Call

Present: Chairman Pro Tem McManus, Commissioners Jensen, Phillips, Salomon, Tobler

Absent: Chairman Zellmer, Commissioner Stazin

Staff Present: Preservation Planner Jackie Boling

Others Present: Recording Secretary Anna Benson

2. Five Minute Field Guide -To Paint or Not to Paint?

Preservation Planner Jackie Boling read an excerpt from the August 2024 Southern Living magazine about painting the brick of homes. In summary, just because you can paint brick, doesn't mean you should. Painting brick fundamentally puts the integrity of the entire brick at a loss. Painting brick traps moisture inside the brick by blocking its natural breathability and prevents natural movement, among other cons. The article provided some tips on how to maintain a brick home and a home that has painted brick. Commissioner Phillips asked if Geneva has any policy about painting brick within the historic district. Ms. Boling responded that there is not a policy, although there is a recommendation to not do it.

3. Approval of Minutes

Motion by Commissioner Salomon to approve the minutes of the HPC meeting of October 15, 2024. Seconded by Commissioner Jensen. A roll call vote followed and the motion passed 5-0.

4. Permit Review 

A. 522 Franklin Street Case 2024 - 096 & 097

Applicant: Lea Adao, Owner

Request: 1. Proposed Porch Construction

 2. Proposed Demolition and Construction of Garage

Preservation Planner Jackie Boling introduced the property and the proposal. The original porch on this property was removed between 1970-1973 and there are no photos of the historic porch.

The only evidence is that it is shown on a Sanborn map. In October 2023, the applicant submitted a request for HPC deliberation regarding a proposed porch reconstruction. Approval was made by a motion to approve a design with schematics and comments made by the previous preservation planner, Michael Lambert. The new proposal for the porch is a “scaled- down” version of what was approved in October 2023.

The applicant, Lea Adao introduced herself. She reported that her architect said the new design is still period appropriate. She is no longer applying for the tax freeze, so she isn’t required to have that original level of detail. It simply needs to be period appropriate. The commissioners discussed the changes between the original proposal and the new proposal and felt comfortable moving forward with the scaled down design.

Motion by Commissioner Jensen to accept the proposed porch submission from 522 Franklin Street, Case 2024 - 096 as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Salomon.

A roll call vote followed and the motion passed 5-0.

Ms. Boling introduced the second request, which is for demolition of the existing garage. Ms. Boling reported that an engineer evaluated it and said it is in need of a tear down and rebuild and it is hazardous in its current state. Ms. Boling presented the new proposed garage which she said would be constructed of asphalt shingles and smooth Hardie Board.

Commissioner Jensen confirmed that the existing garage is not historical. The applicant Ms. Adao answered some questions from the commissioner regarding the new garage. She stated that the new garage is proposed to be 22’x22’. The current garage is 18’x18’. Ms. Adao informed the commission that her contractor told her that the most economical way to rebuild the garage would be to use a combination of vinyl sides and a cedar front facade. She reported that it would be $10,000 less to do the cedar/vinyl combo versus all Hardie Board. Chairman Pro Tem McManus commented that she doesn’t believe they have ever approved vinyl in the historic district, and other commissioners agreed. The commission discussed the situation with the applicant, stating that there are a lot of unknowns since the drawings and information they received do not reflect that proposal of using a combination of cedar and vinyl on the garage. Ms. Adao explained how she really would like to build this new garage before winter. She asked for permission just to demolish the existing garage and pour the slab. Chairman Pro Tem McManus asked Ms. Boling if they could separate the two requests. Ms. Boling responded that they could. The commissioners discussed with the applicant in detail the information they are missing and what they would need  to be able to make a decision about the wood/vinyl combination proposal. The applicant explained her situation more and asked the commission if there was a way to expedite the process since they only meet once a month. Ms. Boling said she could administratively approve something as long as the desire of the commission is outlined clearly in a motion. Commissioner Tobler circled back to the vinyl proposal itself and asked if they would be setting precedent by allowing vinyl in the historic district. Commissioner Phillips said the underlying question is if they would accept vinyl siding on the three faces that aren’t front facing in the historic district. Ultimately the commission emphasized that they need proper paperwork to adequately vote on anything. The applicant and her sister, Gina, ended up asking if the commission would approve the Hardie Board proposal tonight so that she could go forward with the project and complete it. The commission said yes they would. Chairman Pro Tem McManus said to Ms. Adao that the commission is not telling her how to go about this and if budget is a concern, they can address it at the next meeting with a new proposal. The applicant was insistent that she just needs it done as soon as possible. Ms. Boling proposed an option for the applicant where if the commission approved the application as submitted with Hardie Board tonight, and if by the next HPC meeting the garage is not yet sided, the applicant could bring the new proposal and ask to change it.

Motion by Commissioner Jensen to accept the proposal as presented on 522 Franklin Street, case # 2024 - 097. At this point Commission Salomon seconded but Commissioner Jensen said she was not finished with the motion. She added the applicant has the option of gathering estimates on keeping it with the wood siding in the front and the vinyl on the sides and the back and comparing that estimate to the current one. At this point Chairman Pro Tem McManus interrupted Commissioner Jensen’s motion and said that she believes that is a separate matter and that the motion should be just for the Hardie Board application as presented. Commissioner Jensen changed her motion to approve the proposal as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Salomon. A roll call vote followed and the motion passed 5-0.

B. 113 S Third Street Case 2024 - 098

Applicant: Geneva History Museum, Applicant

Request: Potential Door Replacement

Ms. Boling explained that this application is for the removal of the existing wooden doors at the entrance of the Geneva History Museum. They are non-historical and non-original doors. They would be replaced with new aluminum commercial grade doors. This will improve the appearance, security, and energy performance of the doors. The commission had no questions and there was no discussion. Commissioner Jensen added that the proposed doors are in line with the design guidelines.

Motion by Commissioner Phillips to approve the door replacement at 113 S Third Street, case # 2024 - 098 as brought forth to us in the agenda. Seconded by  Commissioner Tobler. A roll call vote followed and the motion passed 4-0.

Commissioner Jensen abstained.

C. 514 James Street Case 2024 - 099

Applicant: Steve Friedle, Owner

Request: Potential Window Replacement

Ms. Boling presented the proposal for window replacement at this property. Old, rotted and inoperable windows are proposed to be replaced with new Pella EnduraClad wood exterior aluminum-clad windows. She stated the current windows do not appear to be original and she showed photos of them. The applicant’s estimate in materials for the new windows is $32,991.

The applicant Steve Friedle approached the podium and introduced himself as the owner of the building. He said that he is a general contractor and will do the labor himself. The exterior trim will be refurbished and repainted. The size of the windows is not changing at all.

Commissioner Jensen confirmed with Ms. Boling that this property is a contributing property.

The commission discussed which facades of the home are visible and whether any of the windows are original or considered historical. Mr. Friedle said there are a few windows that could be salvaged but they are single panes and he would need to put storm windows on them.

Mr. Friedle reviewed the proposal for new Pella EnduraClad windows which are wood exterior aluminum-clad windows. The color proposed for the trim and windows is “White,” which is a bright, cool-tone white. The Pella quote has some of the windows listed as “Classic White” which is a typo. Chairman Pro Tem asked what the commission thought about the possibility of retaining any of the windows, such as the true divided light windows in the front. Ms. Boling added that it has been acceptable in the past to replace wood windows with aluminum-clad windows on historic homes. The applicant said the aluminum-clad windows will last the longest and are the best route.

The applicant and the commission discussed the grills on the windows. They reviewed the numbered photos of the windows and their location on the house. The applicant said he would like to put new grills on all windows the way that they are now, and in addition, there are some windows without any grills that he would like to add grills to. The grills would all be a simulated divided-lite style, ⅞” in a putty style to make it look like individual panes, in color white. The commission discussed their different preferences for the grills.

Commissioner Phillips pointed out that window #19 on the Pella quote says vinyl. The applicant responded that it must be a typo.

Motion by Commissioner Salomon to approve the proposal for 514 James Street for window replacement of all the windows presented, with the stipulation that the grill work on the front windows matches what is currently there. Grills for the other  three sides are at the discretion of the owner. Seconded by Commissioner Jensen. A roll call vote followed and the motion passed 5-0.

5. Secretary’s Report (Staff Updates)

Ms. Boling updated the commission that she has administratively approved nine building permits since the last meeting. She said she is hopeful that the new siding policy will be something that they can vote on at the December meeting. She added that she would draft something on painted masonry in the future.

6. New Business

A. From the Commission:

There was none.

B. From the Public:

There was none.

6. Adjournment

At 9:09 pm Commissioner Phillips made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Jensen. Motion passed by voice vote 5-0. 

https://www.geneva.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11192024-2448