McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Historic Preservation Commission met May 1

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

The Special Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Woodstock was called to order by Vice-Chairperson Erica Wilson at 7:00 PM on Monday, May 1, 2023 in Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall.

CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Marti Dejon, Tom Ellinghausen and Vice-Chair Erica Wilson.

COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Chair Donovan Day.

STAFF PRESENT: City Planner Darrell Moore and Chief Deputy City Clerk Jane Howie.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:

T. Ellinghausen mentioned that on the last page of the February 27, 2023 Minutes, under section b. Old Courthouse Center exterior signage, it read “E. Ellinghausen suggested.” It should be “T. Ellinghausen.”

Motion made by M. Dejon, second by T. Ellinghausen, to accept the February 27, 2023 Minutes, as corrected. Ayes: M. Dejon, T. Ellinghausen and Vice-Chair E. Wilson. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: D. Day. Motion carried; Minutes accepted as corrected above.

OTHERS PRESENT: none.

PUBLIC COMMENT: none.

OLD BUSINESS: none.

NEW BUSINESS:

a. 209 N. Benton Street – Replacement Windows Certificate of Appropriateness

Attorney Craig Krandel was in attendance along with Michael Cavanaugh, co-owner of the building located at 209 N. Benton Street. They wanted to discuss the process, and obtain permission, to replace windows. They wished to keep the integrity of what is there today, and added that the surrounding area has a mixed variety of windows. Mr. Cavanaugh wanted permission from the Commission and the City to accept the windows he had already purchased. However, on the two narrow windows on each side of the entry door he will leave the existing wood windows, if directed by the Commission.

T. Ellinghausen asked for additional information. Mr. Cavanaugh had a few photos to share with the Commissioners. He shared the size of glass that would be installed along with the size of the frames; the frames are not more than - inches wide. There are two units in each opening divided by a single mullion.

Mr. Cavanaugh said these are the same type of windows that are located in other buildings in the area of his building. Commissioners noted that one of the main goals of historic preservation is to preserve what was originally included in the building at the time of construction,. In addition, there are a lot of great historic, and original, features to this building and the City wishes to preserve / retain what is there. M. Dejon asked about the area beneath the windows. Mr. Cavanaugh said they didn’t want to pull off what was there. He added that, on the attached building, which he also owns, the lintels are in bad shape and the brick is deteriorating. Last summer they replaced the steel, which was in poor condition, and they have replaced broken bricks. He stated that he believes these conditions will be found on the subject building and, therefore, a stronger metal-frame window is appropriate.

The group discussed warranties for different types of windows. Commissioners commented that this proposal would not include original materials. The original window was one large display window; the proposed window would not look the same. It was noted by the Commission that, if the lintel is deteriorated, it should be replaced, and that the window should never accept any of the weight of the building wall.

It was noted that the former building owner, Mr. Caldwell, replaced the windows 20 years ago without involvement of the City. It is unknown if there are structural issues. The petitioner said the tenant needs a secure, insulated piece of glass, which is why he wants to replace the window at this time. A Commissioner suggested the addition of an interior storm for these windows.

C. Krandel asked the Commission if they would allow the petitioner to install the window he has purchased, and make the correction in four years when the tenant moves out. Petitioner understands he didn’t follow the appropriate guidelines. He wasn’t aware that there were specific guidelines for historic buildings. Mr. Cavanaugh asked the Commissioners about putting a contract in place to allow him to install the purchased window, noting the appropriate-sized window would be installed in its place at some time in the future. M. Dejon was not in favor of such a contract, neither was E. Wilson. D. Moore stated that the Commission cannot enter into contracts.

As it pertained to the building’s main entrance door, swinging inward or outward, D. Moore suggested that the Mr. Cavanaugh check with the Fire Marshall about this. It was noted that the front-door replacement would not be an issue.

Motion to deny this request by T. Ellinghausen, second by M. Dejon. The request was denied by a vote of 3-0.

Commissioners reiterated that they’d like a flyer created for all owners of buildings in the historic district to inform them of this commission and the requirements prior to doing any work on their building. Discussion ensued about the information provided. T. Ellinghausen asked about having a bright pink sheet of paper that would include Historic Preservation guidelines and requirements that can be shared with all building owners in the historic district. D. Moore said a building permit is not needed for window replacement. However, he suggested, perhaps, putting a permit in place for window replacement in the historic district could be helpful.

REPORTS AND DISCUSSION

a. Preservation Month Proclamation

D. Moore read the Preservation Month Proclamation, which was adopted by the Woodstock City Council at their April 18th meeting; May is Preservation Month. He mentioned that Change Orders for the Old Courthouse were also approved at that meeting. He added that several entities wrote letters to the City thanking them for all their work restoring the former McHenry County Courthouse (i.e. the Old Courthouse & Sheriff’s House). He mentioned the change in scope and unforeseen conditions experienced throughout this complex project. He shared some of the conditions that were uncovered and how the issues have been handled.

D. Moore shared that the City Council has agreed to have colored lighting installed at the Old Courthouse. The Opera House may have this same lighting in the future.

b. Union Place – former Die Cast Site development proposal

D. Moore said the Plan Commission voted against the proposed Die Cast site development. He shared some of the concerns the Plan Commissioners had shared during that meeting.

c. Old Courthouse Center

Landmarks Illinois’ website has a list of 2023’s Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois.

Commissioners discussed the proposed remodeling of the exterior at Liquid Blues. It was noted that some of the work has been completed.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: none.

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion made by M. Dejon, second by T. Ellinghausen, to adjourn this Special Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission. Ayes: M. Dejon, T. Ellinghausen and Vice-Chair E. Wilson.

Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: Chair Donovan Day. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:53 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/historic_preservation_commission/meeting/46864/historic_preservation_commission_-_special_meeting_minutes_5-1-23.pdf