HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCDATE=FEBRUARY 5, 2008 (11) Elgin Heritage Commission: Minutes page 3
April 1, 2008
4. Plaques around town: Commissioners Skaggs and Chapman and Jennifer Fritz-Williams
met for lunch on March 28`h to discuss ideas for a bronze plaque program and revising the
website to contain virtual tours, audio, and a more user friendly format. Virtual tours planned
include the "Top 25"homes in town, cobblestones, Sears homes, etc. The intent is to get
Mike Alft to provide historical background and possibly even the audio portion. Several
commissioners had suggestions on where to get additional information and promote the new
concept. Mike Johnson should be contacted for information on cobblestone houses. Cross-
promotion could be shared with the Visitor's Bureau and Jeff Myers at Channel 17.
Commissioner Skaggs will research the "Top 25" homes fbr review by the commission at
their next meeting.
Staff will go over the existing website for corrections and rearranging.
E. New Business.
1. Local Landmark Designation—324 Franklin Street: Jennifer Fritz-Williams stated that
the application to nominate 324 Franklin Street had been received and the owner was present
to answer any questions or concerns that the commissioners may have.
Briska: Why do you want to be a landmark?
Owner: I have put a lot of work into this restoration, it is not in a district and I want to
see it preserved.
Briska: Have you considered a plaque?
Owner: There is no protection with a plaque. This is a pre-civil war house.
Pepa: Can we come out for a tour?
Owner: Yes!
Briska: Could the entire cluster of homes be included in the nomination? It would lend
more credibility to the nomination.
Owner: I hadn't thought it through like that. I don't own the other properties and I am
not close to the neighbors.
Couture: For 1850's this was high-style. Maybe not ion comparison to the 1880's and
90's but for its day and age it was phenomenal. I mean most homes at that time in Elgin
were wood shacks.
Skaggs: I agree
Ristow: This home is unique in Elgin. This designation needs to happen since the site is
threatened by development along Dundee Avenue.
Couture: I agree that having the neighbors and a mini district would be better.
Durrenberger: I don't want to delay the nomination.
Commissioner Durrenberger moved to accept the application of 324 Franklin Street as a
local landmark.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ristow and passed unanimously.
A public hearing will be held at the next Elgin Heritage Commission, June 3`d
Commissioner Briska reminded the owner that any proposed exterior work would fall
under the Design Review Guidelines during the review process.