HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCDATE=AUGUST 5, 2008 (4) Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes page 2
August 5, 2008
3. 409 Douglas Avenue:
The plaque was scored on the criteria of architectural significance,historical significance
and current maintenance, and received the following average scores in each of the three
categories.
Architectural Significance: 8.4
Historical Significance: 8.2
Current Maintenance: 8.2
Since the application received more than the minimum of 6 points in each category it was
eligible to be awarded a plaque.
A motion was made by Commissioner Couture to award a plaque with the following
inscription: 1892, J.T. Jencks.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Durrenberger and passed unanimously.
D. Old Business
a. Local landmark Designation—703 Raymond Street. Jennifer reported that the property
owner, Erin Fitzgerald, called her concerned that the application was being unfairly delayed. She
explained that the commission needed a cohesive narrative, suggested contacting Mary
Hill, and sent examples of past narratives. Ms. Fitzgerald has until August 13`h to submit the
required narrative to be considered for a public hearing on September 2"d
b. Burnham Plan Centennial: Chairman Briska and Jennifer Fritz-Williams along with Miriam
Lytle at the Gail Borden Library and Liz Marston at EAHS have a meeting next week to finalize
the travelling display layout. Deadline to upload activities to the Centennial website is August
30`h.
c. Bronze Plaques: Commissioner Chapman reported that the cobblestone houses will be first.
She used Jerry Turnquist's research to finalize the information on the plaque. The plaques will
be small, approximately 12" x 12". The cost will be about$199 per plaque without the post. We
will need property owners consent.
d.Virtual Tour: Commissioner Chapman stated that the text is ready for the cobblestone house
tour. She is working on the text for the existing landmarks and `movers/shakers.' Jennifer said
that she would take pictures of the buildings. Commissioner Chapman asked Chairman Briska to
review the text for the `movers/shakers' portion. He suggested Mr. Alft, and Jerry Turnquist
could review the text as well. Commissioner Chapman will have a full report to present at the
October meeting. Chairman Briska suggested getting interior photos of the landmarks if possible
for inclusion on the website.
e. Crocker Theatre Facade: Jennifer Fritz-Williams reported that Commissioner Couture and
she had found the Crocker theatre fagade on broken pallets, exposed to the elements, and severely
deteriorated. Pictures were passed around to the commissioners for them to get the full sense of
the situation. Commissioner Couture stated that the pieces were originally stored inside until the
building was torn down. Chairman Briska stated that the city spent a lot of money, possibly
$500,000, to remove, tag and record those pieces. Jennifer said that she would find out if a map
or record of the locations of the pieces exists and if so, who has it. Chairman Briska requested
that the city relocate the pieces to prevent further deterioration and seriously consider reusing the
pieces in a new project downtown.