Chambana Sun

City of Woodstock Historic Preservation Commission met April 24.

Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:

I. Call to Order:

The Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Woodstock was called to order by Chairman Kyle McCoy at 7:00 pm on Monday, April 24, 2017 in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

A Roll Call was taken.

Historic Preservation Commission Members Present: Marti Dejon, Erica Wilson, and Chairman Kyle McCoy.

Historic Preservation Commission Members Absent: Jerry Furlano and Rodney Paglialong.

Staff Present: Liaison City Planner Nancy Baker and Chief Deputy City Clerk Jane Howie.

Others Present: Elizabeth Annetti, Jamie Dioguardi, and Architect Ronald Flubacker.

II. Public Comment: none.

III. Acceptance Of Minutes:

Motion by E. Wilson, second by M. Dejon, to accept the Minutes from the March 27, 2017 meeting. Ayes: M. Dejon, E. Wilson, and Chair K. McCoy. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: Jerry Furlano and Rodney Paglialong. Minutes accepted as presented.

IV. General Business:

A. Discussion of overall concept plan and approval of Certificate of Appropriateness for certain improvements at 103-107 E. Judd and 220-228 N. Benton. Architect Ronald Flubacker presented an overview of the project. This building on the corner of E. Judd Street and N. Benton consists of four different parts. The top floors are currently used for residential use while the main level is commercial. Architect Flubacker said this is a very mundane, mediocre building as it stands. He shared photos of the building along with modifications that have been made over the years. The windows have been replaced with a cheap vinyl window. It is their goal, without over-doing the building, to revive it and give it some health. Original photos of the building showed murals on the building that were identification of the building’s businesses. Many layers of paint have covered the brick. Architect Flubacker continued to explain the current look of the building from each side and elevation; 360 degrees of the project.

The site plan of the project was shared. Their main focus of project’s beginning is to include more apartments above the main floor’s commercial space. Mr. Flubacker is not sure if the brick can be totally cleaned up. He may suggest a mural of some sort. He also mentioned the addition of an awning, mainly a rigid awning. However, no decisions have been made yet. With regard to the back side of building along railroad tracks, he has plans to open up some new windows, where windows have been filled in. He has suggestions for doors and windows that they’d like approved, along with full wood stair systems, similar to what’s out there now.

Chair McCoy asked if there are any questions. E. Wilson asked if the windows will be in current position and curved. Yes. Architect Flubacker said they would be clad aluminum, like a Marvin window. Not double hung windows. Windows will be sub-divided to present a historic appearance. E. Wilson asked if the building appears to have been sandblasted in the past. R. Flubacker said he believes the brick has been sandblasted several times. The problem he has with painting brick is the longevity issue of the brick. E. Wilson said the brick will become a maintenance issue because of the sandblasting in the past. She suggested perhaps a clear coat over the brick. R. Flubacker is still researching how best to proceed with the brick.

Chair McCoy talked about the problems on the back side of the building. He believes some brick replacement is necessary. R. Flubacker said some sections aren’t as bad as others. K. McCoy mentioned good and bad of miss matched brick color. He asked how closely the brick will be matched. R. Flubacker said the basement holds some available brick. Mr. Dioguardi said many of the openings will have brick removed. The removed brick can be used elsewhere on the building. E. Wilson asked if the stairway on the south elevation would be changing direction. R. Flubacker said that stairway is not currently enclosed. An enclosed stairwell is needed for a fire exit.

Architect Flubacker shared some hand-outs with the Commissioners. He’d like to install some Simpson, all-wood commercial-type doors, specifically #7002 or 7109. He explained different varieties of doors and mentioned a Marvin clad window, but that depends on the budget. They are also thinking about replacing windows when a tenant moves out before the next tenant moves in. J. Dioguardi said there are about 40 windows in the building. M. Dejon asked about the fit of the window. She noted that it appears that some of the windows don’t fit their space properly. R. Flubacker said many windows would have to be re-trimmed and he explained the needs of the windows going forward.

E. Wilson recommended with any masonry repairs on historic building, hire a professional who is accustomed to working on historic buildings. M. Dejon asked about awnings, particularly the mention of a rigid awning in one spot. It is believed that the original awnings were canvas awnings with a vertical stripe. He suggested a darker color, preferably a solid awning, perhaps with store logos or business identification. The awning will draw your eye in to the appropriate place.

K. McCoy mentioned the photo on the last page of R. Flubacker’s handout. A brief discussion ensued regarding the windows recommended; material, type, and color.

K. McCoy is glad to see that this building will be getting some TLC. The photos reveal the current condition of the building. R. Flubacker said this project will take some time, and will be dependent on the owner’s budget. The goal here today is to get the Commission to buy into the awning approach, the doors, and stairs. M. Dejon asked why they would go with wood stairs vs. wrought iron. R. Flubacker answered that it’s a cost issue.

K. McCoy explained the steps needed to proceed. The property is contributing, constructed around 1880. The Commission went through the ‘Intended Use for Structure’.

K. McCoy mentioned that he prefers the signage style murals. M. Dejon suggested something about the Farmers Market, a vintage appearance, perhaps with advertising of some sort. J. Dioguardi added that they’re looking for a creative way to paint the brick.

Motion by E. Wilson, second by M. Dejon to approve the Certification of Appropriateness. All present Commissioners were in favor.

B. Staff Updates

City Council approved three consulting agreements for the Old Courthouse. These Agreements will look at feasibility with a goal of buy in from IHPA (Illinois Historic Preservation Agency). E. Wilson asked if there are any grants available. N. Baker said there are not any longer. The grant program is very complex. N. Baker explained that larger foundations that offer grants are constrained by IRS rules. There is an Agreement for replacement of the Sheriffs House and Jail roof. There is a section under the Jail roof that will require some structural work. The City has requested a masonry assessment from Marion Restoration, which will identify the issues, provide cost estimates and list priorities. In addition, the City will apply for CDBG, Community Development Block Grants. N. Baker mentioned that there could be some left over funding to put toward masonry work.

The City’s Economic Development Department will be organizing a study for a Downtown Plan. ED Director Anderson would like to talk to this Commission to present the plan and get your input / feedback. N. Baker asked the Commission if they’d like to meet next month for this presentation and discussion. The Commission asked for some details of this plan, which N. Baker explained. A brief discussion ensued. N. Baker said some of the information will pertain to the edges of the historic district; older homes, re-zoning perhaps. K. McCoy said the City’s Economic Development Department is working hard to enhance areas to attract developers. N. Baker said G. Anderson would present the beginning stages of the process. The Commission would like to hear the presentation at one of their next regular meetings.

The Commission asked about possible school closures. N. Baker said the community is not growing as fast as had been projected. Many communities are experiencing the same issue.

V. Future Agenda Items: Presentation by ED Director Garrett Anderson.

VI. Adjournment:

Motion made by M. Dejon, second by E. Wilson, to adjourn this Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission. Ayes: M. Dejon, E. Wilson, and Chair K. McCoy. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: J. Furlano and R. Paglialong. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:13 pm.

http://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/historic_preservation_commission/meeting/7151/hpc_minutes_4-24-17.pdf