Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout99-164 Resolution No. 99-164 RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN AMENDED ELGIN FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that it hereby adopts an amended Elgin Facade Improvement Program dated June 17, 1999 for the improvement, renovation and restoration of buildings to the original architecture of the building, a copy of which is attached. s/ Ed Schock Ed Schock, Mayor Presented: June 23 , 1999 Adopted: June 23 , 1999 Vote : Yeas 7 Nays 0 Attest : s/ Dolonna Mecum Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk June 17, 1999 ELGIN FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Introduction The City of Elgin has committed itself to revitalization of its center city. This commitment manifests itself in implementation of the Center City Master Plan, a blueprint for redevelopment of Elgin' s center core area . A vital component to the success of this redevelop- ment effort is the involvement of private property owners . The City hopes to encourage private investment in commercial buildings of the financ area through a program which offers ualitvcofttheirtstorefronts . businesses to improve the appearance and q The Elgin Facade Improvement program is designed to promote improve- ments to storefronts itowners or business center cre, Improvement Program, property apply for g rants equal to 35 percent of target area are eligible to the cost of improving their storefronts r building facades . These grants are provided in recognition of the positive impact individual facade renovations can have on the overall appearance and quality of their storefronts . Target Area ' s target area is presented as Exhibit A. A map indicating the program tance through the Facade Improvement Pro- The building for which assis gram is sought must be located in the target area . Type of Assistance Pr operty owners or business owners who install at least $1to0035Of improvement under this program will i receive percent of the cost of the work. It is not the purpose of the program buildina?seregulargmainter.ancets which may be considered part of the g r ram only once. Each eligible improvement will be funded by the p_og However, the applicant may present the project in phases with completion scheduled within two phase facade improvements not base . Rebates may then be approved for each p Facade renovations of upper floors may be eligible if first floor improvements are included in the project or if the existing ground floor is compatible with the original building architecture as determined by -the City' s staff architect . Ownership Eligible applicants may be the ownthe°tar et area. Businessgownerse owner of a commercial business in g planned must who are tenants of a building for which improvements are provide written consent from the building owner for all proposed improvements . The tenant applicant mustuhave thelprogramfive-year lease at the location in order - 1 - Eligible Improvements The Facade Improvement Program is geared to facade improvements ranging from minor repairs and painting to complete facade renovation. Eligible improvements include brick cleaning and tuck pointing, painting, signs , window display area remodeling, exterior lighting, window and/or door replacement, awnings , restoration of original architectural features and other improvements visible from the street and have a positive appearance of the building . Sandblasting of brick will not be funded under the program nor will the program participate in any project which includes sandblasting. Awnings and canopies may be used as a design element if those features are compatible with the original building design and complement the building' s architectural features . Mansard roofs and fixed shingle canopies will not be an eligible cost under the program. Detailed architectural design work is an eligible cost under the program. All facades generally visible from a public right-of-way, including front, sides and rear of building, are eligible for the Facade Improvement Program. In addition to the financial assistance, applicants will receive a conceptual design and an outline work specification prepared by an architect under contract with the city. 2 - The Facade Improvement Application Process Application and Administrative Procedures 1 . Merchants or property owners will receive a copy of the Elgin Facade Improvement Program guidelines and application form. The completed application should be submitted to the Program Coordinator for processing along with a $50 . 00 non-refundable application fee . If more applications are received than current funding levels will allow, the City reserves the right to prioritize the applications on the basis of the location of the project, the extent of the work, the level of private funding and the relative impact of the proposed improvements on the area . 2 . All application materials will be forwarded to an architect selected by the City. The architect will prepare a conceptual design plan and an outline work specification. On-site inspections or personal interviews with the applicant will be conducted by the architect . 3 . The Department of Code Administration, at the request of the Program Coordinator, shall make an inspection of all exterior improvements and file a written report with the Program Coordinator regarding any corrections to be included in, the facade improvements . 4 . After the conceptual design and outline specifications are completed, the applicant will meet with the Program Coordinator, Historic Preservation Specialist and Rehabilitation Specialist to discuss the proposed improvements and cost estimates . S . Applicant may then choose one of the following courses of action: 1) the applicant may elect to proceed with the application based on the general concept developed by the architect, or 2) the applicant may decide to withdraw from the program at this time . 6 . The Elgin Heritage Commission will review the application and provide comment . The application and accompanying materials will be provided to the Secretary of the Commission who will notify the Commission members of their availability. The Commission will be allowed one week to review the application materials . The Secretary will pass along all comments to the Program Coordinator. Heritage Commission comments are advisory in nature . 7 . The application materials, design drawings and Heritage Commission comments will be reviewed by the Program Coordinator, Historic Preservation Specialist and Rehabilitation Specialist . The application will be approved or disapproved after considering the following: 1) the compatibility of the proposed improvements with the overall architectural design goals for the area; 2) the relationship between the proposed improvements and the general character of the streetscape and other buildings in the area; 3) the overall impact of the improvements on the appearance and marketability of the building; 4) the relationship between the improvements and the original architecture or historic significance of the building or area; and 5) the recommendations of the City staff and/or the architect regarding any of the above and compliance with City codes . 8 . After the application is approved, and if no further architectural or engineering plans are required, the applicant may begin to solicit bids from contractors of his or her choice. However, if more detailed drawings or specifications are required, the applicant has the following options : 1) the applicant may retain the services of the architect who prepared the conceptual drawings, or 2) the applicant may choose to hire a design professional of his or her own choice . 9 . After the applicant has received at least two bids for each of the approved work items, the applicant shall notify the Program Coordinator as to the contractor selected, the contract amount, and the anticipated date of construction. Copies of all bids and proposals shall be submitted promptly to the Program Coordinator. The applicant may not serve as his/her own contractor except in those instances where the applicant is an owner or partner in a company regularly doing business as a building contractor and in the opinion of the city such company has the capacity and skill to perform the proposed improvements . 10 . Upon City approval of the contractor, a Facade Improvement Program Agreement will be drafted and will require that all improvements must be completed within 180 days of the date of the Agreement, unless otherwise authorized by the City; and further stipulate that property owners shall be responsible for properly maintaining such facade improvement for a period of five (5) years without alteration unless such changes are submitted for review and approval by the Program Coordinator. A copy of the signed contract for work to be performed shall be made a part of this Agreement . 11 . Required building permits must be obtained before the work begins . Questions regarding permit requirements should be directed to the City' s Department of Code Administration. Permit fees for facade improvements under the program will be waived. 12 . After all necessary permits have been issued, work may proceed. All change orders must be approved by the Program Coordinator in writing. 13 . Upon completion of the project, copies of all bids, contracts, and invoices must be submitted to the Program Coordinator. City staff will inspect the work for compliance with City codes and conformance with the design plans approved for this project . 14 . If all of the requirements listed above are satisfied, a check will be issued from the City to the applicant for 35 percent of the total project cost . Note : payment will be issued only upon completion of all work items as originally approved. Major changes or elimination of certain items in the approved design plan must be approved by a City staff review team. 15 . In the event that an application is not approved, the applicant may appeal the decision to the City Council . The applicant shall notify the Program Coordinator, in writing, with a request to appeal within ten working days of receiving notice of the disapproved application. The City Council will hear the appeal and review the arguments from both the applicant and staff . The City Council may vote to uphold or reverse the staff decision. Ineligible Improvements The following improvements are ineligible under the Elgin Facade Improvement Program: 1 . Substantial reconstruction, expansion, or major structural repairs . 2 . Interior remodeling (except window display areas) . 3 . Purchase of furnishings, equipment, or other personal property which does not become a part of the real estate . 4 . Improvements completed or in progress prior to notification of approval . Definitions FACADE The front or main face of a building or other exterior wall which is visible from a public street . STOREFRONT Generally, a storefront can be defined as a 30-foot front measured along the street . Correspondence All questions and comments regarding this Program shall be directed to . Program Coordinator - Facade Improvement Program City of Elgin 150 Dexter Court Elgin, IL 60120-5555 Facade Improvement Program Partial Restoration Component Purpose The purpose of this component is to provide the participant with an alternative to undertaking a comprehensive exteriorwrestoration ready project . This program will allow a prop for a full restoration project to make significant positive improvements to the property. Eligible Improvements The following are eligible activities under the partial restoration program: 1 . Brick Cleaning 2 . Tuck Pointing 3 . Brick Replacement 4 . signage 5 . Awning 6 . Window Replacement (second story and above only) ' 7 . Building Lighting g . Painting for Peeling Paint - colors to be approved by City - a choice of recommended colors will be offered 9 . Replacement of specific architectural features , such as cornice, lintels , etc . 10 . Landscaping - reviewed on a case-by-case basis Ineligible Activities The following activities are ineligible for rebate under the program: 1 . Roofs 2 . First floor window and door replacement 3 . Bulkhead replacement - unless no further storefront work is needed 4 . Creation of new and/or incompatible architectural features 5 . Repair or replacement of architectural features incompatible with original architecture of structure, such as mansard roofs . 6 - Application Interested persons shall complete a program application, including a non-refundable $50 . 00 application fee . Applications shall be submitted to : Director, New Century Partnership for Elgin 150 Dexter Court Elgin, IL 60120 Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis . Project Assessment an upon receipt of application and fee, the Cihew�pDlicantnrelative to architect to review the repairs desired by * he applicant a ant relative list the subject property. The arTamtstaffllthe architect and applicant of recommended repairs . Program will meet to discuss and agree upon repairs to be undertaken. Rebate A er bate of 35 percent of the total project cost, to a maximum of $5 , 000 . 00 is allowed. Rebate will be made upon completion of the project and upon providing City staff with copies of paid invoices and all contractors ' waivers of lien. Type of Assistance A property owner may participate in the partial restoration on a one-time basis . However, the property owner may p the comprehensive restoration program at a later time . Contract with City of Elgin The applicant will enter into a contract with the City of Elgin in order to formalize participation in the program. The contract will set forth the terms of participation.tcontract haslbeen executedteunless project shall commence until approved by the City. 7 - '.FACADEIM.PRO/TEXT081/NEWCENTU.Ry Target Area KIMBALL ST 0 •r > u r r u O ul WATER ST O Z PARK ST O a ° K \ R / 0 Ilzll NORTH ST OFr "ORTII R ,U C;';C C U ° O DEXTr_n AVE N ° �� 1 • J_ o N T Nf (O R w Z / Z 'r O °G� (fit -------- � DIVISION ST N v D J , � a C ` HIGHLAND AVE _ z c?P u i OL F 9L 9L \ OF EAST CIIICAGO ST p P '} EAST CHICAGO ST F- ' N Q J W `\ Z U) 1A O ST OUPAGE ST DVPAGE. _— r ; Elgin Facade z R Improvement T ut FULTON ST EULTON ST Program s� NOT TO SCALE PRAIRIE ST \\ PRAIRIE ST I Gail Borden Library 2 Appellate Court Target Area Municipal Building 4 Civic Center N olk.Piln C r y City of Elgin Agenda Item No. June 15, 1999 TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council FROM: Joyce A. Parker, City Manager SUBJECT: Amendment to Facade Improvement Program Guidelines PURPOSE The purpose of this memorandum is to provide information to the Mayor and City Council members to consider amendments to the three Facade Improvement Program guidelines currently offered by the City of Elgin. BACKGROUND The City of Elgin currently offers three building improvement programs that provide funding assistance to building owners or tenants for exterior enhancement to the buildings . The three programs are : 1) Facade Improvement Program 2) State Street Facade Program 3) Neighborhood Business Improvement Program Eligible improvements include brick cleaning and tuck point- ing, painting, window display area remodeling, exterior lighting, window and/or door replacement, awning, restoration of original architectural features, signage and landscape and parking improvements . The guidelines for the Facade Program and Neighborhood Busi- ness Improvement Program contain the provisions that "the applicant may not serve as his/her own contractor" . This provision does not appear in the State Street Facade Program. The presence of this provision in two of the program guide- lines and its absence in the third has recently caused some confusion with regard to the application provision prohibit- ing a building owner to serve as the contractor on a Neighbor- hood Business Improvement grant . Two of the three applicants for Neighborhood Business Improvement funds have been from owners who were also involved in the building trades and were interested and qualified to perform the authorized improve- ments to their buildings . Mistakenly, one applicant was approved to construct the improvements to his building. • 'Amendments to FIP Guidelines June 15, 1999 Page 2 Recent experience has indicated that investors purchasing a building in the downtown area that requires significant interior and exterior improvements tend also to be involved in the construction trades. Address Owner 1 . 150-154 East Chicago Street Kresmery 2 . 168 East Highland Avenue Kresmery 3 . 168-172 East Chicago Street Shales 4 . 21-29 South Grove Avenue PanCor 5 . 384 Division Anderson 6 . 801-805 Dundee Avenue Schroeder Schroeder and Anderson were the low bidders on the improve- ments for their properties . Seagren/Shales is the low bidder for the project proposed by Marlene Shales. Kresmery and PanCor did not participate directly under any city-structured facade program, but received significant city funding assis- tance and were not limited by any city prohibition relating to performing direct work on their projects . Due to the significant interest in building ownership and improvement by individuals and firms involved in the construc- tion field, staff would recommend that all parties be operat- ing under consistent standards. Thus, staff would suggest that the requirements in the Neighborhood Business Improve- ment and the Facade Program prohibiting applicants from serving as their contractor be modified. Staff would suggest that the following language be added to the three impacted improvement programs: "The applicant may not serve as his/her own contractor except in those instances where the applicant is an owner or partner in a company regularly doing business as a contractor and in the opinion of the City such company has the capacity and skill to perform the pro- posed improvements . " COMMUNITY GROUPS/INTERESTED PERSONS CONTACTED None . t FINANCIAL IMPACT \1v None. - 'Amen'dments to FIP Guidelines June 15, 1999 Page 3 LEGAL IMPACT None . ALTERNATIVES 1 . Change guidelines as proposed. 2 . Retain current guidelines . RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the program guidelines for the Facade Program and the Neighborhood Business Improvement Program be amended to allow applicants that are owners or partners in companies regularly doing business as contractors to serve as contractor for their project (s) . Resp tfully submitted, Jo e A. Parker City Manager RHM:amp