McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Historic Preservation Commission met March 27.

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 Vice-Chair Erica Wilson at 7:00 PM on Monday, March 27, 2017 in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

A Roll Call was taken.

Historic Preservation Commission Members Present: Jerry Furlano, Vice- Chair Erica Wilson, Marti Dejon, and Rodney Paglialong.

Historic Preservation Commission Members Absent: Chairman Kyle McCoy.

Staff Present: Liaison City Planner Nancy Baker, Grant Writer Terry Willcockson, and Chief Deputy City Clerk Jane Howie.

Others Present: John Puzzo, 679 Dane Street, Tina Hill, resident Rodney Poore, and Willis Johnson, 603 Rodger Street, Downers Grove.

II. Public Comment: none.

III. Acceptance of Minutes: 

Motion by R. Paglialong , second by J. Furlano, to accept the Minutes from the January 23, 2017 meeting. Ayes: J. Furlano, Vice-Chair E. Wilson, M. Dejon, and R. Paglialong. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: Chair K. McCoy. Minutes accepted as presented.

IV. General Business:

Certificate of Appropriateness for façade improvements to 333 W. Judd Street: Rodney Poore, owner of 333 E. Judd Street. Owns 10,000 square foot building on the corner, wants to install awnings on the building and a glass door on the side of his building facing Seminary. Vice-Chair Wilson noted that the building was constructed in 1996 and is therefore, “non-contributing”. In the photo submitted, the awnings are striped. She asked Mr. Poore if he was planning on having striped or a more neutral color such as beige and brown. In response, Mr. Poore said his architect suggested going with a copper or bronze solid color instead of striped. In addition, E. Wilson said is appears that the valance is fixed rather than loose, and asked what Mr. Poore’s intentions are. Mr. Poore replied that he will abide by the City Ordinance. E. Wilson asked a few more questions to clarify Mr. Poore’s wishes. E. Wilson asked if the Commissioners had any other comments or questions for Mr. Poore; they did not

Motion by M. Dejon to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a new door, windows, and awnings with the caveat that the awnings will be a solid color with a loose valance. second by J. Furlano. R. Paglialong recused himself from voting on this matter. Ayes: J. Furlano, Vice-Chair E. Wilson, and M. Dejon. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees:

R. Paglialong and Chair K. McCoy. Motion passed to accept the Certificate of Appropriateness for windows, doors, and awning at 333 E. Judd Street.

Public Hearing regarding Sign Ordinance Variation for Mural at 231 Main Street and consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness for wall modifications. Terry Willcockson, a member of the mural committee, was sworn in by Vice-Chair E. Wilson. Ms. Willcockson discussed how the mural project came to be. The mural concept came together quickly with four significant icons, Chester Gould, the creator of Dick Tracy Groundhog Day film from 25 years ago, Actor, Playwright, Producer Orson Welles, and Stars of the Opera House: many entertainers who performed in Woodstock. It is the hope that the mural would be on the wall along the pedway, which would be a natural connection to Woodstock’s Classic Cinemas Theatre.

Mr. John Puzzo, a professional mason and member of the Friends of the Opera House Board, said the wall itself is a challenge, and the group has looked for ways to prepare the wall to maintain the building and the mural.

John Puzzo is also the Fundraising Chairman for Friends of the Opera House. The Commissioners asked J. Puzzo to explain the necessary process to prepare the wall for a mural. Currently, the wall is not in very good shape for this type of project. The existing building that had been attached was removed. Mr. Puzzo explained the process in detail that includes a base coat and then a top coat which will help to hold onto the paint. Plans would include replacing the clay tile caps on the parapet wall with new metal caps. LED lights will be re-installed. A detail of the parapet was distributed. The plan is to very securely seal the wall as best as possible to avoid any moisture from getting in at the top. E. Wilson asked how far the ice and water shield comes in. J. Puzzo explained the exact location of this shield and he explained how the materials will be secured. Mr. Puzzo’s thought is to have the wall match the brown of the theatre next door. E. Wilson’s major concern is that the wall is well secured so that the wall remains tight / moisture proof.

Friends of the Opera House will continue raising money for this project for maintenance going forward. R. Palialong asked about this stucco technique and asked if this is common practice for murals. J. Puzzo answered yes, it is; he’s very familiar with the process. It is J. Puzzo’s desire that this mural lasts as long as possible. R. Paglialong asked about pressure washing to remove the paint. J. Puzzo said the wall has already been sealed to repel water, so the pressure washing won’t work properly. He explained another process that they believe will work better for this wall. E. Wilson asked if this wall has had any water issues in the past. J. Puzzo explained that there had been another building tight against this wall, made of cinder block. J. Puzzo said the pilasters will be cut back to allow for a flat surface. E. Wilson asked why the decision was made to apply the mural directly on the wall, rather than onto a material that is then attached to the wall. J. Puzzo explained how some of the murals in Belvidere were done. He mentioned how some of the paintings on the Waverly House on Main Street still have remnants of paint for decades ago. E. Wilson asked if J. Puzzo is concerned that moisture will get into the wall. Mr. Puzzo is not afraid of this.

Ms. Willcockson explained how the idea came about to install the mural on this wall. The group has a signed agreement from the building owner, Patrick O’ Rourke. The Johnson Family donated $10,000 to support this project; the City received a $20,000 grant from McHenry Community Grant Foundation. R. Paglialong asked if there’s a break-down of the costs. T. Willcockson said there will be an information kiosk that will provide historical information about each panel. Preliminary figures include $35,000 for the Muralist; however, no contract has been signed yet. $12,500 for the mason, $8500 for the roof. Phase 2 would include a sculpture garden, with a family-friendly groundhog.

R. Paglialong had concerns about the placement of the mural, the transients in this area, and about the cost of the project. He believes that $50,000-$60,000 is too much money to spend on this type of project. R. Paglialong doesn’t like the design and the connection to Woodstock, with four random images. He suggested, perhaps, Orson Welles and the Todd School for Boys. The images presented appear to be a stock collage. Also, the mural would be on the opposite site of the travel direction of Main Street. R. Paglialong added that he thinks it’s great that there’s this much community support for the project.

J. Furlano asked how the location was decided upon. T. Willcockson said this is the spot Councilman RB Thompson proposed as it’s the corridor that connects the train station and parking for the downtown. Thousands of people travel the pedway from parking to the theatre and to Main Street. M. Dejon can understand how this location was chosen. Anywhere else it could take away from the historic feel of the Square. It echoes the entertainment feeling of Woodstock. She is concerned about the wall itself, as an artist. She agreed that the wall, as it stands, is not attractive. J. Puzzo said he goes to the cinema often and he usually parks on Throop Street and there’s a lot of traffic going through that pedway on a daily basis. The mural will dress up this wall and the pedway. Mr. Puzzo said he loves the Opera House; it’s the jewel of the Square. He explained some of the items that will be included in the kiosk to inform the public of each section of the mural.

M. Dejon said she understands the feel good nature of the mural. She’s more concerned about the preparation of the wall; she worries about how the mural will fare over time. T. Willcockson said there is a protective barrier with the close proximity of the theatre nearby. She added that this is a pedestrian attraction and its position will not detract drivers on Main Street.

R. Paglialong asked what measures will be taken to protect the mural from defacement / graffiti. J. Puzzo said there are materials that can be applied to help. T. Willcockson believes the intricate nature of the mural will deter from graffiti.

J. Furlano said he understands and agrees that painting on the stucco is a good idea. He likes the idea. E. Wilson sees both points of view; its art, it’s subjective. She doesn’t have any problems with this; it’s a gateway in and out of the Square; it would be a hidden gem. She likes the colors and believes its location will not detract from historic buildings. E. Wilson added that the mural would be a conversation piece for people as well as a great connection between this group and the theatre. Her main concern is the longevity of the mural. She stressed the importance of having a maintenance plan in place as well as upkeep going forward. E. Wilson said she understands how some of the old murals look faded; she hopes a plan will be in place to take care of this mural. J. Furlano believes the mural will be a tourist attraction and bring more people to Woodstock. He believes that the more positivity that comes from it, the more funds will be raised.

Public Comments: Willis Johnson, was sworn in by Vice-Chair E. Wilson. Mr. Johnson is in favor of this project has already made a generous donation. It is his believe that the mural will be a big enhancement to the pedway and a great addition to the arts. Tonight’s goal is to approve a variance to the sign ordinance. There’s been a lot of effort in fundraising and it is Mr. Johnson’s hope that this Commission approves the variance.

The Public Hearing was closed at 7:59 PM.

Certificate of Appropriateness approval for improvements to the south wall of 231 Main Street. Motion to approve the work on this building, M. Dejon, second by J. Furlano. Ayes: J. Furlano, Vice-Chair E. Wilson, and M. Dejon. Nays.: R. Paglialong. Absentees: Chair K. McCoy. Abstentions: none. Motion passed to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for preparation of wall for mural.

Motion to approve variation of sign regulations for mural at 231 Main Street. Motion to approve by M. Dejon, second by J. Furlano. Ayes: J. Furlano, Vice-Chair E. Wilson, and M. Dejon. Nays.: R. Paglialong. Absentees: Chair K. McCoy. Abstentions: none. Motion passed to recommend the Variation of Sign Regulation for Mural at 231 Main Street to the City Council

Projects will be included on the April 18, 2017 City Council Agenda.

V. Future Agenda Items: R. Paglialong will let the Commission know when Window Preservation meeting is scheduled.

N. Baker stated that most grant organizations require a detailed scope of services and cost estimates before they will approve funding. To better position the City to apply for grants, N. Baker has obtained masonry assessment proposals and is in the process of obtaining a proposal to analyze second floor ceilings and courtroom finishes.

Construction projects for the upcoming year include repair / replacement of the roof on the Sheriff’s House and Jail and windows on the Old Courthouse. M. Dejon said the windows that have been installed look great. N. Baker said the company did a really nice job. Each window had its own issue, so it was a big job. The City will have someone look at the front windows to find out what needs to be done. R. Paglialong has a recommendation for a window restoration contractor.

VI. Adjournment: 

Motion made by M. Dejon, second by J. Furlano, to adjourn this Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission. Ayes: J. Furlano, Vice-Chair E. Wilson, M. Dejon, and R. Paglialong. Abstentions: none. Absentees: Chairman K. McCoy. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.

http://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/historic_preservation_commission/meeting/7161/hpc_minutes_3-27-17_4.pdf