Peoria Standard

City of Batavia Historic Preservation Commission met March 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 Saam

Members Absent: Commissioners Koc and Connelly

Also Present: Mayor Schielke; Jeff Albertson; Building Commissioner; Drew Rackow, Planning & Zoning Officer; Zach Ewoldt, Planner; Anthony Isom, Economic Development Manager; Peter Gerardi, Recording Secretary

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 10, 2025

MOTION: To recommend approval of the minutes

MAKER: Saam

SECOND: Mahler

VOICE VOTE: Motion carried.

4. ITEMS REMOVED/ADDED/CHANGED

None.

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

None.

6. COA REVIEW: 28 South Water Street - Exterior Façade & Site Improvements (BEI Commercial Real Estate, Applicant)

Wendy Franco, 140 First Street, gave a brief presentation on a proposed new commercial storefront door, a sidewalk approach and window replacements at the Tower Business Center building. Chair Bus noted this is a significant building. Franco noted that of the four existing windows on the south elevation one would be removed and the opening expanded for a 42 inch wide, ADA compliant door. Chair Bus inquired about the lintel over the new door. Franco noted the “eyebrow” feature over the door would be maintained. She added the proposed windows are vinyl and new sills of a natural stone and showed a sample window. Commissioner Mahler noted that the opening for the door would need to be expanded and suggested consulting a structural engineer to make sure the stone lintel can support what is above it.

There was considerable discussion about the proposed size of the windows versus the existing opening size and the color and texture match of the sill material. It was decided by consensus to split this COA into two parts. Building Commissioner Albertson asked for guidance on vinyl windows because the design guidelines don’t recommend that material although there seemed to be a consensus on the higher quality of the proposed vinyl window sample. Commissioner Mahler noted that certain data on the windows should be available from the manufacturer.

MOTION: To approve the COA as amended to include the proposed modifications to the south elevation only

MAKER: Saam

SECOND: Mahler

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

NAY: None

ABSENT: Koc and Connelly

4-0 Vote; motion carried.

7. COA REVIEW: 21 North River Street - Exterior Façade & Site Improvements (Carrie Sebold, Applicant)

Carrie Sebold, 38W401 Johnathan Lane and architect James Nalepa of 1245 E. Diehl Rd. Suite 101 in Naperville, made a presentation regarding a proposed restaurant and board game venue. It was noted that the building is a non-contributing building. Nalepa indicated the existing structure is a painted CMU block building and a cultured stone veneer is proposed; samples were passed around. He added that parapet walls would add height to conceal rooftop equipment and a deck in the back of the building would be removed and replaced.

Commissioner Saam asked about the height of the parapet walls. Nalepa noted they were sized to screen rooftop equipment from River Street sightlines as well as from the other side of the river.

MOTION: To approve the COA as submitted

MAKER: Mahler

SECOND: Saam

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

NAY: None

ABSENT: Koc and Connelly

4-0 Vote; motion carried.

8. DISCUSSION: Downtown Zoning Code Update (City Of Batavia, Applicant)

Zach Ewoldt noted that in conjunction with the Downtown Plan site development regulations and material guidelines are being proposed for the Zoning Code and includes pre-approved building materials and prohibited materials as well as window/transparency issues and temporary storefront window coverings. Ewoldt indicated he was soliciting feedback from the Commission on these proposed changes. Chair Bus asked about the Historic Preservation District boundaries in relation to the Downtown Plan sub areas. Ewoldt said he will provide a map to that effect. Commissioner Allen asked if the changes conform with surrounding municipalities. Chair Bus added that the Commission should review the proposed changes and compare with existing guidelines noting that the Commission is planning on updating the guidelines and suggested a special meeting for that purpose. Ewoldt noted it was a combination of input from the consultant, Batavia community member input and other surrounding communities. Anthony Isom made some commentary about current interest in development downtown Batavia and is expected in the near future

9. UPDATES:

None.

10. OTHER BUSINESS:

None.

11. 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 6:18 p.m.

https://www.bataviail.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/21636?fileID=16621