MINUTES
TOWN OF NORMAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
CONFERENCE ROOM C, CITY HALL
100 EAST PHOENIX AVENUE
NORMAL, ILLINOIS
REGULAR MEETING
March 9, 2004
7 p.m.
Members Present
Anne Matter, Bruce Warloe, Nancy Armstrong, Kathy Burgess, Kathy Smith Whitman
Members Absent
Tammy Griffard, Bob Ward
Others Present
Mercy Davison, Town Attorney; Jack Chizmar, 606 Normal Ave.; Gene Irving, Normal
Call to Order
Ms. Matter called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and noted a quorum was present.
Minutes
Ms. Armstrong moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 10, 2004, and Mr. Warloe seconded. The motion carried 4-0. (Ms. Smith Whitman was not present for the vote.)
Certificate of Appropriateness, CA-04-03-02, 606 Normal Ave.
The owner of 606 Normal Ave., Jack Chizmar, provided a brief summary of his plan to replace the nonhistorically appropriate front porch metal railings and columns with Fiberon and Permacast, both modern materials. The commissioners expressed concern with the style of the Fiberon, which would be used for all but the columns. Fiberon is only available in two styles (Colonial and Mission), and neither suits the style of the house. The commissioners noted that Fiberon has an “artificial” appearance that would not complement the house. They also noted that Fiberon can not be painted. Concerns with the Permacast focused on the inability to custom design the pieces and the likelihood that the available dimensions would not be the right proportion for the house. Mr. Chizmar asked the commissioners for recommended alternate materials. The commissioners suggested wood and Azec, which had been approved at an earlier meeting for porch posts at 5 Broadway Place.
The commission also discussed with Mr. Chizmar the possibility of using Bone Grant funds for a nonhistoric material that achieves an appropriate historic appearance. They recommended that Mr. Chizmar submit a Bone Grant application with bid estimates for a variety of materials, including wood, Fiberon, and Azec. The commissioners also recommended that Mr. Chizmar submit any photos of the original front porch or designs of porches on similar houses.
Ms. Armstrong moved to table the Certificate of Appropriateness until Mr. Chizmar provides additional information on alternative materials. Ms. Burgess seconded. The motion carried 4-0. (Ms. Smith Whitman was not present for this vote.)
Certificate of Appropriateness, CA-04-03-04, 5 Broadway Place
Ms. Matter summarized her application to add storm windows to her house at 5 Broadway Place. The windows would be identical to the original, wood-framed storm windows that no longer exist. Ms. Armstrong moved to approve the application, and Ms. Burgess seconded. The motion carried 4-0, with Ms. Smith Whitman present for the vote and Ms. Matter abstaining.
Downtown Demolition, 200 E. College and 111 E. Beaufort
Ms. Davison summarized the upcoming demolitions of 200 E. College (commonly known as the Stubblefield Funeral Home) and 111 E. Beaufort (commonly known as The Gallery). Both are owned by the Town, and both are located in downtown Normal. The commissioners first discussed The Gallery, noting that the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency has already signed off on this demolition. The commissioners agreed that the structure has historic qualities, including its unique architecture and status as possibly the oldest commercial structure in the Town. However, the majority of the commissioners agreed that, given the extreme deterioration of the structure and the high quality design of the proposed replacement structure, they would not object to the demolition.
The commissioners did not reach a conclusion on the Stubblefield structure. All raised concerns with the replacement structure, given the prominent location and high level of visibility. All agreed that the existing structure, although potentially lacking in architectural significance, has attained some level of cultural significance due to its location. Consensus could not be reached, however, on whether the possible historic significance of this structure would warrant a denial of the demolition permit, when submitted.
Ms. Davison provided information on the redevelopment plans for the site. Although no architectural designs are yet available, Ms. Davison stated that the design discussions to date have always focused on the need to use the site for a well-designed, high-quality structure.
The commissioners will reconsider this item at its April meeting.
Other Business
- Brick Street Preservation. The commissioners discussed options for better ensuring the protection of the remaining brick streets in Normal. The commission directed Ms. Davison to update the existing list of brick streets, previously prepared by City Engineer Wayne Aldrich, to include Florence from Hester to Fell, Hester from Payne Place to Hovey, and Hester from Vernon north to the railroad tracks. The commissioners will review the list at their April 2004 meeting and make a recommendation to the Council on the issue of brick street preservation.
- Heritage Preservation Awards. The subcommittee agreed to meet later in March 2004 in order to prepare a list of nominations for the April commission meeting.
- 604 Broadway. The commissioners discussed possible locations for 604 Broadway if the Town Council approves the relocation of the structure. The commissioners asked Ms. Davison to follow up with Town staff on Town-owned sites.
- Bone Grant Program revisions. The commissioners requested that Ms. Davison schedule a special work session to discuss this topic.
- State preservation conference. The commissioners asked Ms. Davison to follow up on registration, travel, and reimbursement for the June 2004 state conference.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Ms. Smith Whitman moved that the meeting be adjourned at approximately 8:30 p.m. Ms. Burgess seconded. The motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Mercy Davison
Town of Normal Staff