Kane County Reporter

City of Batavia Historic Preservation Commission met Feb. 10

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER

Chair Bus called the Historic Preservation Commission meeting to order at 5:00 pm.

2. ROLL CALL

Members Present: Chair Bus, Commissioners Mahler, Allen and Connelly

Members Absent: Commissioners Koc and Saam

Also Present: Jeff Albertson, Building Commissioner; Peter

Gerardi, Recording Secretary

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 13, 2025

MOTION: To recommend approval of the minutes

MAKER: Connelly

SECOND: Mahler

VOICE VOTE: Motion carried.

4. ITEMS REMOVED/ADDED/CHANGED

None.

5. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC (NOT ON THE AGENDA)

None.

6. OTHER BUSINESS:

None.

7. COA REVIEW: 10 Shumway Avenue - Exterior Decks (Frank Mercadante, Applicant)

Terry Oppermann, Oppermann Architects, 516 North Washington Street, Naperville, made a Powerpoint presentation on behalf of the owners of Sturdy Shelter who could not attend the meeting. Chair Bus noted the subject building is contributing. Oppermann noted that they are planning a 2 tier deck on the east side of the building. He added that one of the decks will be directly accessible at grade from the Riverwalk and the upper deck will be accessible through the mezzanine level. He went through plans and images of the proposed project in some detail noting that many of the materials are the same as existing and the new materials are complementary. Oppermann noted that two existing windows on the upper level will be relocated and pointed to the antique leather color tone for the deck material being proposed.

Commissioner Allen asked about the past historical use of the building. Commissioner Mahler noted it was an opera house in the 1880s then became a theater and asked how much of the original opera house structure was retained after the renovation. Oppermann noted not much but the side walls and part of the east wall.

Chair Bus asked about control of Riverwalk traffic through the project. Oppermann noted that on several visits not much traffic goes through but people will be encouraged to stop and park their bikes. Commissioner Mahler asked about gate access to the lower deck. Oppermann noted that there are 2 gates that swing in on the north and south sides of the deck. Commissioner Connelly commented that the project is in line with the renovations, a very good looking addition to the building and will mesh well. Commissioner Allen indicated he is sentimental to this building and this project is an overall improvement.

MOTION: To approve the COA as submitted

MAKER: Mahler

SECOND: Allen

VOICE VOTE: AYE: Connelly, Mahler, Allen, Bus

NAY: None

ABSENT: Saam, Koc

4-0 Vote; motion carried.

8. UPDATES:

Commissioner Allen asked about the status of 106 North River Street. Albertson noted that the City Council approved that project and an RFP would be put out soon.

9. ADJOURNMENT:

There being no other business to discuss, Chair Bus asked for a motion to adjourn. There was a motion and a second. By a voice vote, all were in favor and the motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m.