HomeMy WebLinkAboutG12-03 Recorded 11-. FILED FOR RECORD
KANE COUNTY. ILL.
2003K055293 2t3APR -3 AM 15
RECORDER
State of Illinois )
County of Kane) ss
City of Elgin )
CERTIFICATE OF CITY CLERK
I, Dolonna Mecum, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that I am the duly qualified City Clerk of
the City of Elgin, in the Counties of Kane and Cook in the State of Illinois, and that as such City
Clerk I am the keeper and custodian of the files and records of said City of Elgin and the seal
thereof.
I DO FURTHER CERTIFY that the attached is a full, true, and correct copy of:
ORDINANCE NO. G12-03
AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING THE ELGIN HISTORIC DISTRICT BY ADDING THERETO THE
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 55 SOUTH LIBERTY STREET
1.13 passed by the Elgin City Council at its legally convened meeting held on February 26, 2003.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the corporate seal of the
City of Elgin at the said City in the County and State aforesaid this March 17, 2003.
City Clerk
(SEAL)
This instrument prepared by: Return to:
William A. Cogley Dolonna Mecum I1 r}U(
Corporation Counsel Elgin City Clerk
City of Elgin 150 Dexter Court
150 Dexter Court Elgin, IL 60120 fj
Elgin, IL 60120
POOR ORIGINAL
Reorder Not Reser'►81
Ftyr A
Ordinance No. G12-03
AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING THE ELGIN HISTORIC DISTRICT BY ADDING THERETO
THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 55 SOUTH LIBERTY STREET
WHEREAS, on March 11, 1981 the City Council of the City of
Elgin adopted a resolution entitled "Resolution Designating the
Elgin Historic District" ; and
WHEREAS, on January 13 , 1988 the City Council of the City of
Elgin passed Ordinance No. G8-88 entitled "An Ordinance to Provide
for the Designation and Preservation of Historically and
Architecturally Significant Property" which designated the Elgin
Historic District as an historic district pursuant to the terms and
provisions of Chapter 20 . 12 of the Elgin Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, an application has been submitted by the owner of the
property located at 55 South Liberty Street to include his property
within the boundaries of the Elgin Historic District ; and
WHEREAS, the property located at 55 South Liberty Street is
contiguous to the existing Elgin Historic District; and
WHEREAS, the Elgin Heritage Commission conducted a public
hearing on January 7, 2003 to consider including the property
located at 55 South Liberty Street within the Elgin Historic
District; and
WHEREAS, The Elgin Heritage Commission adopted a resolution
determining that the property located at 55 South Liberty Street
meets the criteria for designation within an historic district and
recommending that the boundaries of the Elgin Historic District be
expanded to include said property within the historic district .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS :
Section 1 . That the City Council of the City of Elgin hereby
designates the property commonly known as 55 South Liberty Street,
Elgin, Illinois as a part of the Elgin Historic District, such
property at 55 South Liberty Street being legally described as
follows :
Lots 1, 2 and 3 of Block II of Eastview Addition to
Elgin, in the City of Elgin, Kane County, Illinois .
Section 2 . That Exhibit A of Ordinance No. G8-88 which
provides for the legal description for the Elgin Historic District
be and is hereby amended by adding thereto the legal description
for 55 South Liberty Street as set forth in Section 1 hereof .
Section 3 . That the City Clerk is hereby directed within
seven (7) days of the passage of this ordinance to send a copy of
this ordinance by regular mail to the Elgin Heritage Commission,
the Planning and Development Commission, the Department of Code
Administration and to the nominated property at 55 South Liberty
Street . The City Clerk is hereby further directed to cause a
certified copy of this ordinance to be recorded with the Kane
County Recorder.
Section 4 . That all ordinances or parts of ordinances in
conflict with the provisions of this ordinance be and are hereby
repealed.
Section 5 . That this ordinance shall be in full force and
effect upon its passage .
s/ Ed Schock
Ed Schock, Mayor
Presented: February 26, 2003
Passed: February 26, 2003
Omnibus Vote: Yeas : 6 Nays : 0
Recorded: February 27, 2003
Attest :
s/ Dolonna Mecum
Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk
2oo3K455293
Ordinance No. G12-03
AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING THE ELGIN HISTORIC DISTRICT BY ADDING THERETO
THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 55 SOUTH LIBERTY STREET
WHEREAS, on March 11, 1981 the City Council of the City of
Elgin adopted a resolution entitled "Resolution Designating the
Elgin Historic District" ; and
WHEREAS, on January 13 , 1988 the City Council of the City of
Elgin passed Ordinance No. G8-88 entitled "An Ordinance to Provide
for the Designation and Preservation of Historically and
Architecturally Significant Property" which designated the Elgin
Historic District as an historic district pursuant to the terms and
provisions of Chapter 20 . 12 of the Elgin Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, an application has been submitted by the owner of the
property located at 55 South Liberty Street to include his property
within the boundaries of the Elgin Historic District; and
WHEREAS, the property located at 55 South Liberty Street is
contiguous to the existing Elgin Historic District; and
WHEREAS, the Elgin Heritage Commission conducted a public
hearing on January 7, 2003 to consider including the property
located at 55 South Liberty Street within the Elgin Historic
District; and
WHEREAS, The Elgin Heritage Commission adopted a resolution
determining that the property located at 55 South Liberty Street
meets the criteria for designation within an historic district and
recommending that the boundaries of the Elgin Historic District be
expanded to include said property within the historic district .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS :
Section 1 . That the City Council of the City of Elgin hereby
designates the property commonly known as 55 South Liberty Street,
Elgin, Illinois as a part of the Elgin Historic District, such
property at 55 South Liberty Street being legally described as
follows :
Lots 1, 2 and 3 of Block II of Eastview Addition to
Elgin, in the City of Elgin, Kane County, Illinois .
Section 2 . That Exhibit A of Ordinance No. G8-88 which
provides for the legal description for the Elgin Historic District
be and is hereby amended by adding thereto the legal description
for 55 South Liberty Street as set forth in Section 1 hereof .
Section 3 . That the City Clerk is hereby directed within
seven (7) days of the passage of this ordinance to send a copy of
this ordinance by regular mail to the Elgin Heritage Commission,
the Planning and Development Commission, the Department of Code
Administration and to the nominated property at 55 South Liberty
Street . The City Clerk is hereby further directed to cause a
certified copy of this ordinance to be recorded with the Kane
County Recorder.
Section 4 . That all ordinances or parts of ordinances in
conflict with the provisions of this ordinance be and are hereby
repealed.
Section 5 . That this ordinance shall be in full force and
effect upon its passage .
s/ Ed Schock
Ed Schock, Mayor
Presented: February 26, 2003
Passed: February 26, 2003
Omnibus Vote : Yeas : 6 Nays : 0
Recorded: February 27, 2003
Attest :
s/ Dolonna Mecum
Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk
Agenda Item No. 0
City of Elgin
or IIIA
n°R�rcoFE�sF
E .�: :•
L =�
February 7, 2003 G 'j ''
N
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
QUALITY HOUSING
FROM: Olufemi Folarin, Interim City Manager
SUBJECT: Amendment of the Boundaries of the Elgin Historic
District to Include the Property at 55 S . Liberty
Street
PURPOSE
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the Mayor and
members of the City Council with information to consider an
amendment to the boundaries of the Elgin Historic District to
include the property at 55 S. Liberty Street .
111 BACKGROUND
An application was submitted to the Elgin Heritage Commission by
the owner of the property at 55 S. Liberty Street, Ms. C. Kathryn
Klink, to include her property within the boundaries of the Elgin
Historic District . Information on the architectural style and
history of the property was also submitted.
The Elgin Heritage Commission conducted a public hearing on
January 7, 2003, to obtain testimony from the property owner and
concerned citizens on the proposed inclusion. No opposition to
the proposal was heard. The Commission subsequently passed a
resolution recommending the inclusion of the property within the
district .
Title 20 of the Elgin Municipal Code; Chapter 20 . 06; Section
20 . 06 . 120 "Amendment or Rescission of Designation, " allows for
the amendment of the boundaries of the historic district thus
allowing for the inclusion of the property.
The Elgin Historic District was designated in 1981 . The
surrounding neighborhood also has properties similar to those
included within the district . However, the rationale used to
determine the boundary of the district at this location was to
• only include properties up to Eastview Street .
The property owner has thus requested inclusion in the district
to benefit from the protection afforded by the historic
•
• 55 S . Liberty Street
February 7, 2003
Page 2
preservation ordinance along with the City' s grant programs and
other state and federal financial incentives . No request from any
other property owners has been received by the City.
Historic Significance
The property at 55 S . Liberty Street matches the homes that are
already part of the Elgin Historic District . The area is
considered to be one of the older, established residential
neighborhoods on the east side of Elgin. The Queen Anne design of
the structure embodies the character of other similar homes found
within the historic district . This type of architectural style is
representative of Midwest period housing of the late 19th
Century. The structure is in good condition exhibiting
sufficient integrity of location, design, materials and
workmanship to make it worthy of preservation or restoration.
Requirements after inclusion within the Elgin Historic District
• If adopted, an ordinance amending the boundaries of the Elgin
Historic District will require that the no-charge Certificate of
Appropriateness (COA) be secured for exterior work to the
structure .
The COA is administratively approved approximately 75% of the
time . Administratively approved COAs can be processed over the
counter the same day along with the normally required building
permit . Larger or more complicated projects are reviewed by the
Design Review Subcommittee of the Elgin Heritage Commission.
Appeals of the Design Review Subcommittee ' s decisions can be made
to the whole Heritage Commission and ultimately to the City
Council . Regardless of the forum of the review, staff and
commissioners take the approach of working with the property
owner to suggest improvements and alternatives, as necessary, to
help the property owner add to the overall character of the
building. To date, over 3 , 500 COAs have been issued for exterior
work in the city' s historic districts and landmarks .
The framework used for COA application reviews is the 150 page
Elgin Design Guideline Manual . The guidelines provide a user-
friendly format to property owners, architects, and contractors
considering rehabilitation and maintenance projects . It is also
used as a reference source emphasizing illustrations offering
• various options and solutions to property owners during the
process of improving their older homes .
Designation of the property as a local Elgin landmark will also
make it eligible to participate in the 50/50 and 75/25 Historic
• 55 S . Liberty Street
February 7 , 2003
Page 3
Architectural Rehabilitation Grant programs that encourage the
restoration of the exteriors of properties within Elgin' s
historic districts and individual landmarks .
COMMUNITY GROUPS/INTERESTED PERSONS CONTACTED
A public hearing was conducted by the Elgin Heritage Commission
on January 7, 2003 . A transcript from the hearing was obtained
and is attached.
At their regular meeting scheduled on January 7 , 2003 , the
Commission adopted a resolution and finding of fact on the
nomination. The Commission determined that the nominated
structure met more than one of the criteria for designation as
required by the ordinance . The Commission voted unanimously to
recommend to the City Council that the structure be included
within the Elgin Historic District . Copies of their resolution
and report on the findings of the Commission are attached.
4#7.14/ FINANCIAL IMPACT
The expenses associated with the inclusion of the property within
the Elgin Historic District include the cost of conducting the
public hearing and mailing printed educational and informational
material , estimated to be under $500 . There are sufficient funds
($22 , 000 budgeted and $21 , 642 available) within the Elgin
Heritage Commission FY 2003 budget (account number 275-0000-
791 . 80-46, Contributions) to cover the expenses .
EGAL IMPACT
None .
ALTERNATIVES
1 . Accept the recommendation of the Elgin Heritage Commission
to amend the boundaries of the Elgin Historic District to
include the property at 55 S . Liberty Street .
2 . Reject the recommendation of the Elgin Heritage Commission
to amend the boundaries of the Elgin Historic District to
include the property at 55 S . Liberty Street .
•
,
• 55 S. Liberty Street
February 7, 2003
Page 4
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council amend the boundaries of
the Elgin Historic District to include the property 55 S. Liberty
Street .
Respectfully submitted,
Olufemi Fo •
Interim Ci •er
SS/sr
•
111
ELGIN HERITAGE COMMISSION
CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING
55 SOUTH LIBERTY STREET TO BE INCLUDED WITHIN
THE ELGIN HISTORIC DISTRICT
WHEREAS, the property described as 55 South Liberty Street, attached hereto, is located in the near
east part of the City of Elgin, Illinois;and
WHEREAS,the property described as 55 South Liberty Street, attached hereto,has been identified by
the Elgin Heritage Commission as a significant historical and architectural property within City of
Elgin; and
WHEREAS, the property at 55 South Liberty Street is currently located adjacent to the boundaries of
the Elgin Historic District, designated in 1981; and
WHEREAS, the property at 55 South Liberty Street, constructed in c.1886, embodies architectural
characteristics of the Queen Anne Style that is found within the Elgin Historic District; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to designate properties that have special historic, cultural, community,
or aesthetic interest or value for the purpose of recognizing Elgin's historic, aesthetic,architectural
and cultural heritage; enhancing one of the City's oldest residential areas; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to promote civic pride through an awareness of Elgin's unique
development and history; and encourage the conservation and preservation of an important segment
of the man-made environment of the City of Elgin.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ELGIN HERITAGE COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that the Elgin Heritage Commission, hereby recommends the property
described and attached hereto, and made part hereof by reference, to be included within the Elgin
Historic District,by amending the boundaries of said historic district.
s/Dan Miller
Dan Miller, Chairman
Elgin Heritage Commission
Presented: January 7,2003
Adopted: January 7,2003
Vote: Yeas: 5 Nays: 0
Attest:
s/Sarosh Saher
Sarosh B. Saher,
• Urban Design & Preservation Specialist
City of Elgin
• ELGIN HERITAGE COMMISSION
CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS
Report on the findings of the Elgin Heritage Commission concerning the inclusion of
55 South Liberty Street into the Elgin Historic District.
Per Title 20 of the Elgin Municipal Code; Chapter 20.06; Section 20.06.070 (Findings and
Recommendations of the Elgin Heritage Commission)
A. Explanation of the significance or lack of significance of the nominated property into a
historic district as it relates to the criteria for designation;
The significance of the nominated historic district was determined to meet the Criteria as
outlined in Section 20.06.030(Criteria for Consideration of Nomination).
Criteria A. The nominated property has character, interest, or value as part of the
development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the community.
The property at 55 South Liberty Street meets the requirements that it matches the homes in
their period of significance, that are already part of the Elgin Historic District, The structure
is architecturally and historically significant and considered to be in one of the oldest
residential neighborhoods in Elgin.
• Criteria D. The nominated structure embodies distinguishing characteristics of several
architectural styles valuable of the study of a period, type and method of construction.
The proposed property embodies the characteristics of other Queen Anne homes found within
the Elgin Historic District. The characteristic of this style is composed of a number of parts,
including towers, dormers, bay windows, and corbelled chimneys. Wall surfaces such as
coursed shingles, clapboards, and inset panels of sawn wooden ornament are combined with
irregular, asymmetrical roof lines and decorative wrap-around porches. Windows may
include small square or diamond panes, and the more typically 2-over-2 double-hung sash.
Criteria G. The nominated structure embodies elements of design, detailing, materials and
craftsmanship that render it architecturally significant.
The proposed property reflects Victorian architecture which is representative of the Midwest
period housing of the mid to late 19th Century.
Criteria J. The nominated structure is suitable for preservation and restoration.
The proposed property, within the boundaries of the Elgin Historic District, is in a condition
exhibiting sufficient integrity of location, design, materials and workmanship to make it
worthy of preservation or restoration.
Note: Please refer to the Lord's Park Neighborhood Historic Resources Survey, Elgin Illinois,
2000.
110 B. Explanation of the integrity or lack of integrity of the nominated property.
Elgin Heritage Commission 2
55 South Liberty Street -Finding of Fact
Please refer to the Lord's Park Neighborhood Historic Resources Survey, Elgin Illinois, 2000.
The property is rated significant with regards to its architectural characteristics. The structures is
a representative example of the Queen Anne Style. It contains two turrets, the northern of which
features a bell shaped roof, topped with a finial. Many of the windows contain stained glass
windows that are original to the house and add to its character. The front porch to the house is
currently enclosed, and would have been open at the time of construction of the house. A porte
cochere for carriages/automobiles is located on the north elevation of the house. Most of these
features are intact (with the exception of the enclosed front porch) and would need minimal
repair to keep them in an appropriate state of maintenance.
D. In the case of a nominated historic district found to meet the criteria for designation:
1. The significant exterior architectural features of the structures within the nominated
historic district that would be protected are as follows:
a. Foundations
b. Siding
c. Masonry
• d. Stucco
e. Roofs, Chimneys, Gutters, and Down spouts
f. Entrances and Doors -
g. Windows
h. Porches and Stoops
I. Cornices and Friezes
j. Ornamentation: Trim, Brackets, Hood molds, Shutters, Awnings, Light Fixtures
k. Garages and Outbuildings (accessory structures)
2. The types of alterations and demolitions that should be reviewed for appropriateness
pursuant to the provisions of Chapters 20.08 and 20.10 of title 20.
Per Chapter 20.08 the types of alterations that would be reviewed for appropriateness,where
a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) shall be required before the following actions
affecting the exterior architectural appearance of any designated landmark, or any property
within an historic district may be undertaken:
a. Any construction, alteration, removal or demolition requiring a building permit from the
City;
b. Any construction, alteration, removal or demolition affecting a significant exterior
architectural feature as specified above and including any of the following:
• i. Additions to Buildings
* One- and Two-Story Additions
•
Elgin Heritage Commission 3
55 South Liberty Street - Finding of Fact
* Roof line Additions: Dormers, Skylights
* Structures on buildings: Antennas, Solar Panels, Skylights, Vents
ii. Construction of new Buildings
* Design Concepts for Infill Buildings
* New Garages and Outbuildings
iii. Entryways
* Porches and Entry Vestibules
* Structures for Handicap Access in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA)
* Awnings
iv. Proposals for Building Sites
* Fences and Walls
* Site Lighting, Outdoor Furniture
* Pools, Fountains, Gazebos, Pergolas
* Mechanicals: air conditioners, dumpsters
* Sidewalks, Driveways, Grade Changes
• v. Proposals for paint removal
vi. Proposals for Graphics and Signage
Notwithstanding any of the provisions of Title 20 to the contrary, a Certificate of Economic
Hardship may be issued to allow for the performance of work for a which a Certificate of
Appropriateness has been denied.
IV. Proposed design guidelines for applying the criteria for review of Certificates of
Appropriateness to the nominated landmark structure.
The guidelines document currently used is the Elgin Design Guideline Manual.
V. The relationship of the nominated landmark structure to the ongoing efforts of the
Elgin Heritage Commission to identify and nominate all potential areas and
structures that meet the criteria for designation.
Per Chapter 3.70.060 - "Duties and Responsibilities," the following are in keeping with the
ongoing efforts of the Elgin Heritage Commission to identify and nominate all potential areas
and structures for landmark designation.
• Item 7: to investigate, hold public hearings and recommend to the city council designation of
certain Elgin sites, structures or areas as having special historic, community, architectural or
Elgin Heritage Commission 4
55 South Liberty Street - Finding of Fact
archeological value as "landmarks" or "historic districts."
The nomination of the property at 55 South Liberty Street has been proposed by the owner of the
property Ms. C. Kathryn Klink, and recommended by the Elgin Heritage Commission for
inclusion within the Elgin Historic District.
VI. Recommendations as to appropriate permitted uses, special uses, height and area
regulations, minimum dwelling size, floor area, sign regulations and placing
regulations necessary or appropriate to the preservation of the nominated landmark
structure.
The regulations for permitted uses, special uses, height and area regulations, minimum
dwelling size, floor area, sign regulations and placing regulations necessary or appropriate to
the preservation of the nominated landmark structure shall comply with the provisions of
Title 19 (Zoning) of the Elgin Municipal Code.
VII. A map showing the location of the nominated landmark. (Attachment A)
•
110
•
•
4•_1 /z____________ 1 II i
Elgin Historic
District Boundary N
Designated 1981
A flWQI& )
// F _
I/ •
- - ..
MDC Sr
[ ---1
V
._-. 1.01,M1 5T
f
5
( I i i-,gi 1,1*
o
DIVISKInt SE______ i________L _____ z z
2L 11
I r
{3 �� { _ EtWO Pt
_ — I r
E CH oCE.60 ST4110— e.
1
— ��E� — — __ 31 . r_,
\ [
Property at 55 S. Liberty St. t---- -
a FLLTON SEN _ - Y
9
1
•
3 i
‘40,gp ,5. / .
illiii:
ST >� SlEl1A CT
•
C
lENlE Cf
\
FNIllllt7D
PCNtET PL
f
0
• •et \
Eto
D City of Elgin
z: Mayor
Ed Schock
- ��°kirEotvl'�
Council Members
Juan Figueroa
Robert Gilliam
Ruth Munson
John Walters
Stuart Wasllowski
January 13,2003 Marie Yearman
Kathryn Klink
320 N.Spring Street
Elgin, IL 60120
RE: Inclusion of 55 South Liberty Street within the Elgin Historic District
Transmittal of findings and determination of the Elgin Heritage Commission
Dear Ms. Klink, •
At their last meeting held on January 7, 2003,the Elgin Heritage Commission passed a resolution to
recommend to the Elgin City Council the inclusion of property at 55 South Liberty Street within the
Elgin Historic District.The information on the findings,determinations and resolution of the
Commission regarding the nomination will be transmitted to the City Council for their consideration.
• For your reference, copies of the findings,determinations and resolution of the Commission are
attached along with this letter.
The information submitted by the Elgin Heritage Commission, is likely to be heard and discussed by
the Elgin City Council Committee of the Whole at their first meeting in February.
Copies of the transcript of the Public Hearing that was held on January 7,2003 to obtain the testimony
of the property owners and interested parties on the issue of the designation will soon be available at
City Hall for your reference. Please contact me if you wish to obtain copies of this document.
If you have any questions or require additional information,please do not hesitate to contact me at
(847)931-5943.
Sincerely,
/1131):5°)1161 i
Sarosh B. Saher
Urban Design&Preservation Specialist
cc: Elgin Heritage Commission
William A. Cogley, Corporation Counsel, City of Elgin
John Edwards,Code Enforcement Officer, City of Elgin
•
150 Dexter Court • Elgin, IL 60120-5555 • Phone 847/931-6100 • Fax 847/931-5610 •TDD 847/931-5616
,. www.cityofelgin.org
:., Printed on recycled paper
ELGIN HERITAGE COMMISSION
Tuesday,January 7,2003 7:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers (North Tower)
Notice for Public Hearing
The Elgin Heritage Commission has scheduled a public hearing to consider a request by
the property owner at 55 South Liberty Street for the property be included within the
Elgin Historic District.
A public hearing has been scheduled by the Elgin Heritage Commission on
Tuesday, January 7, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Second Floor,North
Tower of City Hall, 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, IL 60120, to obtain oral and written
testimony on the nomination from the property owner and concerned citizens.
At the public hearing, owners of the property, residents and concerned citizens
will be given the opportunity to comment on the nomination. The members of the Elgin
Heritage Commission will be in attendance and may also present expert testimony or
evidence regarding the issue.
A legal description of 55 South Liberty Street is as follows: Lots 1, 2 and 3 of
Block 2 of Eastview Addition to Elgin, Kane County Illinois.
•
•
Staff comments at public hearing—January 7, 2003
55 South Liberty Street- Inclusion within the Elgin Historic District
The owner of the property at 55 South Liberty Street, Ms. Kathryn Klink, submitted a request to
the City of Elgin to include the subject property within the Elgin Historic District. Currently, the
property lies adjacent to the district and its northern and western property lines abut the boundary
of the district.
The Elgin Historic District was designated by the Elgin City Council in 1981 with a delineation
of the boundary to an extent where the subject property was excluded. The property owner has
indicated her intention to be included within the district in order to be eligible for the benefits
that designation provides—preservation of the property and eligibility to participate in the
rehabilitation grant programs.
Based on the information provided by the property owner on the history and architecture of the
property—association of the original property owners with Peter Burritt, an influential Elgin
businessman, and the Queen Anne style in which it is built, the property has sufficient integrity
of architectural and historic character to either be included within the Elgin Historic District or
even be designated individually as a local Elgin landmark. With either form of designation, the
property will be subject to the requirements of Title 20 of the Elgin Municipal Code - "Historic
Preservation." However, the level of recognition when designated as a local Elgin landmark is
greater.
Corporation Counsel recommends that procedures be followed as outlined in Title 20 of the
Elgin Municipal Code to include the property. If recommended and approved for inclusion, the
legal description of the boundary of the Elgin Historic District will need to be amended to
include the subject property. If recommended for designation as a local Elgin landmark, an
ordinance designating the property as a landmark will be created and recorded with the Kane
County recorder.
110
•
FL
4.4,��oFFF c
!f' N,1"e City of Elgin Mayor
y
.Zr.► < Ed Schock
Council Members
Juan Figueroa
Robert Gilliam
Ruth Munson
John Walters
Stuart Wasilowski
December 9,2002 Marie Yearman
Kathryn Klink
320 N.Spring Street
Elgin, IL 60120
RE: Inclusion of 55 South Liberty Street within the Elgin Historic District
Notice of Public Hearing
Dear Ms.Klink,
This letter is to inform you that the Elgin Heritage Commission has schedule a public hearing on January
7,2003, at 7:00 p.m.,to consider your request to include your property within the Elgin Historic District.
Notice for the hearing will be published in a local newspaper on Wednesday, December 11, 2002.
The public hearing will take place in City Council Chambers, Second Floor,North Tower of City Hall,
150 Dexter Court, Elgin,IL 60120, to obtain oral and written testimony on the subject decisions from the
110 property owners and concerned citizens.
At the public hearing, owners of the property,residents and concerned citizens will be given the
opportunity to comment on the subject decision.The members of the Elgin Heritage Commission will be
in attendance and may also present expert testimony or evidence regarding the issue.
I would encourage you to attend the public hearing where you may also provide the Commission with
additional information regarding the subject matter being discussed. For your reference, a notice of the
public hearing is enclosed.
Additionally,please note that by virtue of the nomination being accepted by the Elgin Heritage
Commission,the property is subject to the requirements of Title 20 of the Elgin Municipal Code-
"Historic Preservation" and as such a Certificate of Appropriateness(COA)will need to be obtained prior
to work on the exterior of the structure. For more information on obtaining a COA for exterior work,you
may contact RuthAnne Hall,Planning and Preservation Coordinator, at(847) 931-6104.
In the meantime, if you have any questions,please do not hesitate to contact me at(847) 931-5943.
Sincerely,
ev Sarosh B.Saher
Urban Design&Preservation Specialist
150 Dexter Court• Elgin, IL 60120-5555 • Phone 847/931-6100 • Fax 847/931-5610 •TDD 847/931-5616
www.cityofelgin.org
Printed on recycled paper
•
P. 01 *
TRANSACTION REPORT
DEC-05-2002 THU 03:21 PM *
• DATE START RECEIVER TX TIME PAGES TYPE NOTE M# DP *
* DEC-05 03:20 PM 918478887714 21" 2 SEND OK 833
:K TOTAL : 21S PAGES: 2 t
\,l OF etc>
r -City of Elgin
� Mayor
Ed Schuck
Council Members
Juan Figueroa
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES Robert Gilliam
Ruth Munson
John Walters
Stuart Wasilowski
FAX COVER LETTER Marie Yearman
•
41) DATE _ l 015 ) 02- FROM Siti41-C CAlt-ne-
T 0
_ U p L( oCAss Co0 Ra Eie /VS
RE PuucHtEID1(' I V PHONE 847/931 - ` t 3
FAX (e411 , M . J )4 FAX 847/931 -6075
Total pages including cover letter 2. Email --- 14e/'-.S @cityofelgin.org
o Q ❑ ❑
�iNo =Xo-oma
co as av�i�OO QVo3 nomV o�U °'�N�Nvao ti
�Vuva 'W ��H 0Zo� ccoco y}�yyoa`o�c�c ;Vi _
d.„7,F2JNN O-Ori- �222VE>H5tEcZEgCOTL OiOmy,,
aL - O U O
Y t O Va?L O+- L W
pQDy'^p}NQ�«t��NnU-O OCt�O V aV pu �O+-��L��C
d=Y1CTh L-NyD C,_IL L-Ci �oc__3�y°rna a_Jo %t.-�CL�� LO�CIay�cV ypt�Ot
• da O Vm7�Ca_ -jdiS—3coc�'; :V00
0OC}}ayCa�—€JOo—
wall- •
—�O
1- aQ o-1:111C"
O o"3
Nt U.aaFtO w
•
OF E-40
F'����§ City of Elgin Mayor
`i"'" Ed Schock
Council Members
Juan Figueroa
Robert Gilliam
Ruth Munson
John Walters
OctoberStuart Wasilowski
21, 2002
Marie Yearman
C.Kathryn Klink
320 N. Spring Street
Elgin, IL 60120
RE: 55 South Liberty Street—Nomination for inclusion in the Elgin Historic District
Dear Ms.Klink,
We received your application for inclusion of the above property within the Elgin Historic
District. The fee structure that you may use to file the application may be the Landmark filing fee
outlined as follows(in a check made out to the City of Elgin) :
Landmark Filing Fee: $25.00
Transcript Deposit: $100.00
Total fees: $125.00
• Following the receipt of the application,the Elgin Heritage Commission is required to schedule a
public hearing to obtain testimony and comment of citizens regarding the subject nomination.
Property owners need to be informed at least 30 days prior to the hearing and notice of the public
hearing needs to be published in the papers at least 15 days prior to the hearing.
The next meeting of the Commission is November 5,2002,at which time your application will be
presented to the Commission. However,there is not sufficient time to publish notice of the
hearing in the papers.Therefore the public hearing will need to be scheduled for the next
available meeting of the Commission, which is on January 7,2003, since the Commission does
not formally meet in December.
We will inform you as to the location and time of the hearing. I also need a phone number to
contact you,since the number you provided(847-622-8984)rings at a fax machine. In the
meantime, if you have any questions,please do not hesitate to contact me at(847)931-5943.
Sincerely,
1
Sarosh B. Saher
Urban Design&Preservation Specialist
• C: Elgin Heritage Commission
150 Dexter Court• Elgin, IL 60120-5555 • Phone 847/931-6100 • Fax 847/931-5610 •TDD 847/931-5616
,�(� www.cityofelgin.org
¶d9 Printed on recycled paper
• CITY OF ELGIN Date received: I 0
I1J5JD2
ff
i BG+aMJ dFi "tis�i]jr.
11 Application for Landmark
Designation s �
Applicant Information: e0L-1-- hrin
•Name: J
Street: S 5 t Lib ri--y City: I q ;b ► L Zip: 6,01)6
Telephone: (work) SIJ /{' (home) (1/7 ^ 6 - p e y
Nominated Property information:
ridNameo Property: d S �2C arn
`� h e- h2611)
f P rty:
Address of Property: �`s S • L Ae_ri-uf
Si
Name of Property Owner: L Lfh Nj nk
Address of Property Owner: .? i) N • S (IS- L t p'e r4-y— EL? t 31'J 1
•
Required Documentation: (please check if provided with application)
❑ Conunon street address of the property.
❑ Legal description of the proposed landmark property.
❑N Map delineating the proposed landmark property.
One black and white photograph of each side of the principal structure and of any other structure(s)
located on the property for the proposed landmark.
A written narrative describing the proposed landmark property and setting forth the reason(s)for
proposing the designation of the property as a landmark. (Please reference the Criteria for Nomination
under Section 20.06.030 of the Elgin Municipal Code)
I/We Hereby affirm that all information and exhibits herein submitted are true and correct to the best of
my/or kno ledge.
Applicant's Sign ture Date
hk.
Applicant's Name
Landmark Filing Fee: (525:00) - •Vv Historic District Filing Fee($250.00).
• Transcript Deposit: ($100.00) ;t70'(10 Transcript Deposit($100.00)
Total fees: ($1-25.00) 1251r0 Total fees ($350.14 ;:
4110 55 S. LIBERTY STREET
APPLICATION FOR ANNEXATION INTO
THE LORD'S PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT
What follows is an attempt by the owner of 55 S.Liberty St.,Elgin,IL (C. Kathryn Klink)to complete
the necessary documentation to be considered for annexation into thek Historic District of Elgin,IL.
IV. NOMINATION AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
1. Street Address
55 S.Liberty St.,Elgin,IL
2. Legal Description
Lots 1,2 and 3 of Block II of Eastview Addition to Elgin,in the City of Elgin,Kane County,
Illinois.
See enclosed Plat of Survey.
3. Map
. 55 S.Liberty is located on the corner of Eastview Street and Liberty Street. On the north side of
Eastview Street is the Lord's Park Historic District boundary line. 55 S.Liberty is located on the
south side of Eastview Street. Annexing this building into the historic district will simply extend
the boundary line to include the three lots immediately to the south of the existing boundary line.
See enclosed: -current map of Elgin
- 1892 Kane County Atlas with lot numbers indicated
-beFdk Historic Distric map
4. Black and White Photographs
See enclosed photographs.
5. Reasons for Nomination
A. See the historical and architectural significance of 55 S.Liberty as prepared by Mary Hill for
historic plaque application.
B. See owner's additional comments on historical/architectural features.
•
I
0 Elgin Design Guideline Manual
ELGIN HISTORICS . L l u X4—`1 DISTRICT
DISTRICT BOUNDARY S ` I
Designated 1981
_ _-:- Iii: 1111I11111i - i� ii i�ii t
�,J PARK St g -
• T-
Ifo
. � � ss� _
b N r. -',
'L _ o = '
i 7
R a F. S
- DIVISION
�. A.
«, IRT. �;._. .
od Ell..
_ pow CT.'
t. :
■r.
-----
� :._ .
DUPA9E ST. 3 Iiiiiiii 11.11
.0 _ L.—.1
- Z C ?� f
v PARK f a �\�� :�
a p i
RiILTON ST. Q #
El 1 .
PRAIRIE ST.
!cam
oil" ,
r
-
itt -
•
4
_ - SS s ' L.t� tr }�
\ i o o PD� IT 3T = w.n — •. r _� mn' IAN �f rLL��, r d NOR
KI I g m EN ®''�' �— �� SUMMIQ {1 a ST• ,I, rrs:T1 ',
�t`�` EN HEL'-1....1.1.._ /' MONTF1••jJ'I_�,"IVERYI .4 _
AMEICAN •7.41 ,7 11117;,.'
�5 PARK -It
:4 "; Iia rrs l ]�C1�C]►/ {P{AA SHF_R/OA4>�ii 'urs.^ �I� _ \Q_ '. ._ t t t t• 4.0. G . .
rt RA IND ,y{yl7 � � H�LOHI - ii7lOD ``�`�"..,CT '•:�-
r H .110„ .._... CC F _\ .
3AOt130N. .nAli t RO + OHDt !o. lirirk4v
s:.
A ";iyl r. M
Yl ta.• �!' rte_ J�•_.■� c4 ,O ,.iJ: IR dir'':,. �,,- LOaF.:,� '.N
V \ 1,`+-14,-7 Em � IIB�1 ma I,,', , o 1 fI Pi , , _ ,q ;41"11k._ 0
; \. �!, ,1�; fir. O.! EE, E= , I tt tr, j�.�.' rf ri/!so- ''4(c...„,..z 1 ii : ' 1 is 8,r`�l[4: ?a •:.•
,,,,ii,,,;,..it u esu \�3 `, ii am x um - D ® Iva.
!< S{IL :'� 0' ST :,s7 TV 'R • �G i '- .ul CY
dis
�"k0 '• , .7 E�I�!.. i%hill-=i r� r I "...1st w I . ��/8 ^. ONO I
� ��� ® ;+:�F3 ���;�.�C'N�A��I .e ( ��S 4240%, � 5� ..� ,� '� 1 � OR HDR .
_ -+-_ \, Y DOL 1
e3 .7ce I-
.'iTT 90' �u f�i, , LAURErS Zt 2 CO i MAN _r i�..� ' t, , .•.
i v �A .r �.�4] �• • N DR 200.` 0 IIF• • C'A
;44,
`� ”"'.'Na�1 `�, �/ 414(10 L� Q 617211H/
' f"� V V 4-6'
D pMACKEY IN <y .
' 'AlI F/s1 \ '.:gy m ,7.T l� �i ELN l q�yt,p.� 't c �'1 L
e GI � +(� Z g P C N3U 3% 0
�--� 11/4 *to Vii`\' f
-/' 1 u.�e til m1 i �i 3T j �lY` ,;.. 9 �' _ $ i.i�I N c If C'n uo A+ ' 1 t,
__,_ ,. ,,' 111 El 1 d i � t �` �-s•t V OEM A ^ _ w r1E 7 , Sp
a _ T, -
` \ I*oer' MG V H.t l i >!a`,;
I El 111H
11
i Lc-
--i-- I -.,,: it 7„,;-„,s\-1,.. :� e t b CON ' Zrw. OAK . R, •• 1 0' iii._ �'! ooDs ���,,, 0, Y 4, �.� y ,I0 .r ENT �:rr � @°� LnLsr a ro IRE•I ! /V�¢' AR r
co--1 g .Vi HA',.ING \ ' NDEN I rG Fl: Ismr. . mr.e.,,,,,,:.or„.,", .. . par RY I yt,"" •
FAR '
•
ii„,,,
ca Yi
,._ ';, - _ F' iL'1.:4J Erin L113 \ W � _ i�11/��o J�, 1V1, 14:1
�' SNE
'' 1 - � L / ";7• ' '� 'per .
�•• 0 ^ i p Ni„ AL,rWt4i 1= A � ;\ 1D'•�'T ®s .m '' } p•.,I �H' `�.. ��pp!, CT -
u t
',' II
ls ► 1\(. -.,,. _.. .,.-- CITY
.�- MTATE OFFICE i E-..... willILIEY1� BLVD ‘- ' -------004... tok
� STATE OFFICE
ELGIN: Lit FJ AV ,.„., -'� - "� �,,
P _ . r
U ri ,
t NW +` ----- `' to .:iglu ., r\---.�-., .c\,0
- Pt KA, w :,-tri.,
»tY{� •MS ,i i { .r A ALS ATE•• - \ W .p � �1 . ..•
N7 1 2. N.
a BLUE .
`PRIV, ,.e.', DA:':r - ii *iw2
I® IrI, , ,_,. /...,`
,,,..► :i hm_ .�er �� ap ,
. -r moi•
o °�� ;30 3'2W-9N �� 3
33
r .
-.. Kame- L'v t-y y9fias IF
a_i `_ 4. /;-
" VA I LS HEIRS
I i i t t
-; , _mi .n CClIY -
•
Iv
II
1,1 6 ti ¢ - M 4 25.08 ac •r: a.
® r
„____,,r_... _..,,,-
,t,-LAND '
�164,. o
r ij . 7� !�=� A K w 0 0
- 1�' - _
f:e..1•44 . gg7r i-'Y_A.'•^. moi! - r
d eirines
6.
3 ai S
a, '', _may _
z_ ',: -/ -...
i•-: Q2/ - - - • - 11 " _ _-a te .• `• .
gl
2$i'1iS.I S 1t 2, 141 u 4-
1 5 ' ; : ' l L't td 1
: 1 f^ x• T 7'
IF 51
!6 t 8 •Q C ; i..: ira '74- U3 �l7 ta 'rn`T•'
"f' 3:0'
qr
IILIE .. _ ST. _ -•
' rt. ,_ii. _, + �'� 43,
5 1 `RI c :t ! 3 'L t52; j(1� �� I:'• `I :, :
k =� Ire, I,'`e r� it,,,,,,.,
=:esaq ��.
` Ik:6:I
F O • •�r • 1
tt,
• x �o —------- :- _ ` -.: ' t a
st
s'11:+3
i'� �!� 4 4 5-71 6 1 8 7W-118
Imo!'-+ l— .-1 I' It4t�: ..Lc i 3a �? 4.' 1. 1E 17
'I 3 la a ) jt6! t3 3, t� I/2. 1 t/ s ZO• •' 4� f ^-'—_..�..fi£._.,..
g t !� - �� FOR;
�] , as cc, 1 1. ' a - : ! ,. r,-, sem; ' 1,,
-77-1---C7---11-1 2 $.1 t 12 i V;
9 CC ;`�Alai'F ! 5 I' 18 j g -'� . ' \ 4 a it
TL'. -- I N A Q �L r _ I _ �`t_i ; . ir.,' _l 1 Zs.
. EN AVE . :7
tki 4 I " 1-7.- 1 ., V
8' grezzvx N I y ,r col. c.LExss sra.
4®
1r t a ' � ^ ru � $ �. /3
d 1 3- C h. l .-. 176.7
s
1415g'9 , I9 .917 -L-4'tl t0 ~ ` r ?! 4 S - $ ---
1. ,
.r..navrvsaars 6 >-r- 1 ' ti.;;„
�- J -, 9P.P�
ZES . ..r 01 4. t apt i 2 3 a 15 r
'1 r,.tele
.4 /1 9 18 2 ,,A.7= '= 7c 115 Ell . '.1 ,t7 1_C:4 G
r 7 0� c I ;n
..4 i I* 41
1R 97 fa y n 4 ' I I
t` fn1r--,._
.3 5 S • Li be_r1-1 4S--( •
f 1
-- res ea\ ck QS p r c f c(r7d (or
hi_sioNt P1atue. appI('cal-con
• H"istoricalArchitectural
James Davidson's Addition included a large tract of land on the southeast corner of
Liberty and E. Chicago Streets. Edward C. Lovell acquired the south 4 rods of lot 9 and
all of lot 11 except 4 acres in 1883 and named it "East View Addition." Lots 1 and 2 of
the Addition were on the corner of S. Liberty Street and East View Avenue, facing
Liberty while lot 3 was just behind, facing East View.
In 1887, Alfred Cheesman bought lot 2 from Lovell and four years later, Elizabeth
Chapman bought lots 1 and 3 from Lovell. Several weeks after that, Cheesman sold his
lot to Elizabeth Chapman. Review of annual construction published in the Elgin Daily
Courier, December 19, 1891, indicates that a house was built for "W.P. Chapman,
Liberty, $8,000" by John Wright. The Elgin City Directory for 1890-91 lists William
Chapman as living on Chicago Street and in the 1892 directory, he is at 27 S. Liberty.
When the city realigned its address numbering system in 1894, Chapman is at 55 S.'
Liberty.
(N.B.: Elizabeth Chapman's husband's name on the deed is listed as Wellington;Elgin City
Directories list William Chapman at 55 S. Liberty.)
In 1892, Elizabeth and Wellington Chapman mortgaged 55 S. Liberty for $6,000, with
Peter Burritt holding the mortgage. Burritt died soon after and the executors of his estate,
David McBride and Rebecca McBride Burritt Gilbert, engaged in a transaction to make
Rebecca Gilbert the holder of the remaining$5000 mortgage.
Rebecca M.B. Gilbert was Burritt's wife. He was much older than she and there were
some who thought Rebecca married him for his money. Burritt died in 1892. Rebecca
• married William.J. Gilbert in January 1894; he too, was much older than Rebecca. She
was the daughter of Thomas McBride, a well known Elgin businessman. Rebecca died in
Miami, Florida in December 1944. Rebecca divided her time between Elgin and Miami
and was returned to Elgin for burial. Her obituary in the Elgin Daily Courier-News,
December 18, 1944 indicates that she was one of Elgin's wealthiest women and owned
much property in the city, including the unfinished Burritt Building in downtown Elgin on
S. Grove Avenue, Rebecca was a member of numerous social, civic, and literary clubs.
Rebecca M.B. Gilbert is buried with her husband and infant daughter in a plot next to
Peter Burritt in Bluff City Cemetery.
The house was lived in by its owners for just a few years and by 1896, the Chapman's
were gone. It was then rented out with Reverend Austen deBlois, pastor of the First
Baptist Church, occupying it from 1899 to 1903. Howard Winne was the next occupant,
perhaps renting the house in anticipation of a contract made in 1902 in which the
Chapman's agreed to warrant the property to Winne when he paid the asking price of
$8500 and that he assume the mortgage held by Rebecca Gilbert.
In October 1907, the Chapman's, then of Yates County,New York, warranted 55 S.
Liberty to Robert Aitchison of Chicago. Included in the warranty deed was the contract
with Winne. The following month, Aitchison as the legal owner of the property declared
Wine's agreement cancelled due to his non-performance of the contract. The following
February, Helen Winne would be warranted the property by Aitchison subject to a
mortgage of$5000, but time was on no one's side except Rebecca's.
As co-executor of Peter Bunitt's estate and the person holding the aforementioned
mortgage, Rebecca Gilbert initiated foreclosure proceedings against the Chapman's, the
• Winne's, Aitchison, George Wilson and the Hamilton National Bank in Chicago--everyone
• who was legally involved in 55 S. Liberty. A Sheriffs Sale was held and Rebecca Gilbert,
being the highest bidder at $5950, was given the deed to the property in November 1909.
55 S. Liberty remained rental property and had been divided into several apartments. In
December 1941, Rebecca Gilbert placed 55 S. Liberty into a trust that became known as
The Gilbert Irrevocable Trust (a trust that cannot be revoked so that a third party could
benefit from it). Rebecca Gilbert died in 1944. The trustees of The Gilbert Irrevocable
Trust were deeded an undivided one half interest in 55 S. Liberty per Rebecca's last will
and testament. Then, in 1957, The Gilbert Irrevocable Trust deeded all 16 parcels of land
in Rebecca's estate to the The Gilbert Trust. The two trusts included Rebecca's two
• •
? (l Q , In 1958, 5, S. Liberty Street, a lovely, large house barely lived in as a single residence
1 and • •{ into apartments, was sold to Robert and Jeannette Stoner for$9,000
from the Gilbert Trust. Stoner's kept the house until 2000, when it was sold to its present
owner.
Robert Stoner was a good hearted philanthropist who loved to travel. He was a
dedicated Shriner who actively involved himself in the group's activities. Stoner kept a
vintage automobile, which he used for Shriner activities, in the carriage house. He
installed an in ground swimming pool for his wife who used it regularly until the house
was sold.
Architectural
• Lord's Park Historic Resources Survey, 2000, indicates that 55 S. Liberty is significant
to the historical nature of the area for its style-Queen Anne. The overall theme of the
Queen Anne style is a departure from simplicity. Previous architectural styles were
horizontal,vertical, and symmetricaL The Queen Anne made a radical change away from
that by doing anything but. Shingles of varied shapes were combined with horizontal
clapboards on wall surfaces; roof lines on a single house might be hipped, front gabled,
and cross gabled;windows might be single, double, and triple in a random arrangement in
a single wall facade—all aimed toward breaking up the simplicity (or monotony) and
adding texture and interest. "Painted Ladies,"the modern day descriptor for Queen
Anne's done in a riot of colors, continue the theme. 55 S. Liberty contains the
aforementioned roof lines, wall cladding, and windows. It is done in the Free Classic
subtype of Queen Anne's. The entire house is stately and restrained in its use of Queen
Anne detail.
Queen Anne's also used towers or turrets as additional "busy-ness" to add texture and
55 S. Liberty has 2 of them. The north turret of the house, facing the intersection of E.
Chicago and S. Liberty Streets features a bell-shaped roof topped with a finial. The turret
is rounded at the third and second floors with brackets underneath, then becomes
rectangular at the first floor. The south facade turret, facing no intersection thus having
no statement to make to the neighbors, is less elaborate: it is four sided with little
decoration.
The cross gabled section of the house contains a two storied bay window on the south
facade while the north facade has a window set diagonally into the corner where the walls
• meet. This same north facade of the cross gabled section was used to make a stairway,
porch, and door providing access to the upper level apartments. The use of Classical
• columns set on stone blocks, and rounded shingles make this entrance look like it has
always been part of the original design_
Lovely Sin Alass windows are seen in the west and south facing facades to catch the
sunlight. Windows are 1 over 1 paned; some are round topped_
The front porch features a pedimented roof with simple columns set on stone blocks—
Classical elements. The porch was once open rather than enclosed.
The present owner found original curved glass windows and original woodwork for the r
stairway in the attic. Perhaps the most treasured find in the entire house was a scale model }o t cs'
replica of the house in its mostly original state. It shows the original front porch, designed Lit" 0�► `t
to match the south facade turret A porte cochere(a porch roof projecting over a '"'� r1pa�,�
driveway at the entrance to the house)is on the East View Avenue side of the house,
where the stairway Td r�to upper lev - w. 1 h c o d c t a l So Shows
4 S nut.1 vper� " opt i- sccon oar acevtg Lt btr�y sf rfet, uJhitiv^
c ju102 e o ed •
•
•
• OWNER'S ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ON HISTORICAL/ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
IDENTIFICATION OF HOW 55 S. LIBERTY STREET MEETS THE CRITERIA FOR
CONSIDERATION
In addition to Mary Hill's description,there is the original carriage house that sits in the rear corner of
Lot three. It has a basement with hills of dirt(i..e. no real floor). The first floor currently is larger than a three car
garage as the depth is twice as deep as a garage. The second floor still has the hay shoots, a double door to hoist
the hay into the area,and the remnants of the stable hands living quarters(woodwork, chimney,plastered walls).
The carriage house remains in its original state except for three 1960's garage doors.
The Stoner's also installed,in the 1960's,a large in ground swimming pool with a deep end. It is
enclosed with an aluminum type frame,corrugated plastic walls and roof, and six double door,glass, sliding doors.
The property is surrounded by older trees, the most precious being a huge oak tree that drapes over the
rear garage/deck/pool area. I have been told by a tree specialist the oak tree is around 100 years old,therefore
making it"original"to the property.
This past September John Crowe,of Berkley Crowe Chimney Sweep and Restoration, rebuilt the two
chimneys on the home. He determined the old chimneys were not original and in very bad repair. He then went
on to design two historically appropriate chimneys. Due to the grandness of the home,he made the larger chimney
more decorative. He has done a spectacular job, and I feel I can now say the home has two historically appropriate
chimneys carefully designed by John Crowe to match the features of the home. John has also signed his chimney
by writing into the wet cement of the crown.
• I have little additional knowledge of the architectural/historical significance of the home outside of what
Mary Hill has cited. As I review the criteria listed to consider annexing a home into the historic district,I feel 55
S. Liberty meets many of the criteria. I have heard that on the corner of Liberty and Chicago where a large brick
apartment building now stands,there was a grand mansion. It appears 55 S. Liberty is all that is left of that corner
area that hints of the grandness of the mansion type homes that used to stand in the immediate area. This appears
to meet Criteria A. The original owner of the home, Wellington Chapman, is listed as a railroad contractor in the
1892 and 1892 phone directories. His occupation has,perhaps,some bearing on the development of the
community during that time.(Criteria A)
I do not know if the builder,John Wright,was a master builder who influenced the community(Criteria
E),but perhaps someone reviewing this will have knowledge about him. The home appears to meet Criteria D and
El in that the Lord's Park Historic Resources Survey,2000 has listed it as"significant to the historical nature of the
area for its"Queen Anne style. (Mary Hill) It is a very visible home on a corner of busy Liberty Street(Criteria 1-I).
Finally,the home is affiliated with Peter and Rebecca's Burritt who were prominent people in Elgin with
a building downtown named after Peter Burritt. Mary Hill, in doing the home's research, came to hold a different
view toward Rebecca Burritt-Gilbert. Mary commented that Rebecca is often portrayed harshly,but after studying
how Rebecca handled the foreclosure of 55 S.Liberty in 1909, Mary Hill concluded it appeared Rebecca Gilbert
was an effective business woman who was perhaps not appreciated during a time that did not accept aggressive
minded women. (Criteria C)
Of the ten criteria for consideration listed, it appears 55 S. Liberty meets six to eight. I trust this
committee will be able to identify additional aspects of the home that meet the criterion necessary for acceptance
into the-Lewdie-Park Historic District.
411
• • •
•04/1:i . 'I t f ', •�' -1.4.,......*;
4. i 1..
ni„yt yr+f., 9 _ '?• . 1�if.
w
w •':441'.
it w • •g) , .. 4 .•ry J •• .: i ' .
...;.,;4' ra j y •, 4C
' : m y� IC •
'""w441. r
, ' •::d . : ' 4';•••v;;;:s:-",- '1,--- v-
li
1.,L
t , r
> F. I $, two"" r• NtiJ; '*; i " i t }+ •i . »d .., � • Ifk a/ 6yI a+ K ' � T. I a,4> � P I1aill
•
'� n. *C# """`.Loi .,, , t
0
x.• ,, • ,
•1. . 1.. ;
, I 4.f i„• 2: , ,
• .
'•• ! :•14.*, . ..f-TT;: •t s c:1 =
• 1r
„ . . ..,.,: . '..,., .- . 1 I.:i . , ,r• ..::„•t,,,,.._,,, _ • . _
. .„. ai, ".:t.-"••,-.:. _. .t:i..4 -.-
. I
.4' • r: %., g;• , .
• to. ,It 4•.:Ii•Avo.4. ..r. .,,. ; i• • , .. ..
• • 1 , •• ..- op .'...,,- : --4,„.
•• i , ,
Als(rts
;,,Jei-e.f•'' • '•*e-... -- '4' ' .
. • :V.' ik..,...:..1, .ls.!:-.
OF lir-'7 -
_ . .
. 1
. ..ii• .., , . _ ,, ., ,, _ .,-
.
.. _
••'•,.- •-4,••,, -
.4„,r,.12 to -' •1 4 . _,., -,., -
i. .4•Z-.4P. / .; .'
• '''
•S•ig ' u•-- ‘. •.`. -.-
. • ,-,
_
•;!:.vc• ; • "":V.--- . -•
. .._
_. t •, •,-
• •V .: • .•P.••,...it
-s---
. . . ,
.,.;...,... . .
' •/
!Ix.- -;••.
• .:••• • i....-..,-.--,''' -
:•-$41t •
• • • *"•- •_.• to .
41 _ ::•,?...0,4i.I.Ibir. '-‘,....,, . .004••
- -. - - , -,..40."..'• -Sr;,-
, _,1 , • -..-flit %-4 •
,,• -
lisviegi 1 .1'T', 1 ts --.- " '---.--."------_:-'..-f•'St-5.::=.71:::;:-.:-.: .-- 0
•
• - .
. 1 L — i ...
•4
1 ..,,..
_...... ......., ... . . ,__
f•1 .... ...._.
- • 1 ; .
•
f .
•
A , ...
. s -
k k-• ..1 47 .
i i ,.._ „.•'', •ti•-
.. . • . •:-I 4,.--•-.,,,,5,..1'.' 1.'
X • ,,,..., , ,•-• ,,,..„
•41, '-'..A 4.-lk '' i
. •): .. ,
.• •$4 ‘.•6; -. • , .—......,.._._ 5
'"' 17.-'• -11
- ; -,i 3 ,1
- .i' "*. •''." • or •,I.Et • '.-
...dLth .--,i•- •, -
*. • •t• '' 1 :vb..v_21-41 4..s _L--_
- . .?.. 'S• . . iv ... •
-- 7
4.* .•
;4".% • ' '4q.
•4 •• •
••.--- a•ii_e: --i44 •
. .r
•• :J.' -
P• .. se.........,. -4
• - ..i.t.:;.!••- N' /
.. .
•....4,1 • .r: et..
•
. . .
.•.4. , .
.. .•
is s ‘ • k.
•t.•4.1 . ..
.. t t . ... .-.e•r -• •• taka, ., ,
.. •. •- v14.or ,‘ ..4,-N. 411-• •• . c..`4•4. '';:s;;-•• -t• ' *--
. -
. .t . •.
. ..•
. .
• 0 00....Jo,.•.......‘-.-..:•;.1.... - •. ...-:. . ••,;..1"" '•1:: .;•.-.... • .e
t- •ze,.,.„rt. iik, ..,_,..1„ ..:.• . .
•
- .• •
. . -.-• ., • ... ..; L.,,.•-: .11':It ....
4.;-e%•%../-ir,..•.1' ,'•..—
• . • - ., 1. •:111 t • ?.. •
-,.,-vl-? ..:•,-: .. . •
:, , .
- . • 1• - .: --7re. '....."• •.Y.":11e...., :C. -"a-r4s-*fo.,• - .• ,:,,t . '
..-•
... ..ir.....43,-
,. • ' •..' . - lik.:::. .-• .. •' " ' • ,. • "•-•;1:!.•;-,f."- '-• . • . .„
Oirk#:: .. ...•- At, '':i•-•• ..:—- -, . - --• ' - ''-`-- — —
0
• •
,
••
r
j'�lps '
••
-, . h7p. 111TiT^,TiI17 Il4; •yyrg,} aiw.� ;; :it 11.‘q
It} .' , ••
•
i,"---,
. S} ''
' � Jle 4 RGr �� {+_J� _� •w,wr...
'fir • t 0 /lirl IJ l fOttjt 7't « . I •
}
IJ {1
ti p�.LT 1 t II,I,I if
\ '`.1 \,..\147,,,,,,,,,,....,.........,, 't] , A..
,. ,
,,,,, .. ,... , ,,... . „....,_ ,.:. . H.,- •• e
e.
I'.........::.'.....'"'"'"*", .47,--,,,,.......
1. { IItig4 I..� I 4.
•
p'4br '.
VI
:a " a.�U+A�'IL.W ' mctIlt ({,. C.,:4w>„
�•I
A..�
•
•`Iwiwwl•allw••n..+Iw' �ilY '.., '�
'rd41•Ia.eiLMw�lsn •' 7 .. it':
4•H..,,<,,_. .- ... .ice R .-i
• • •
•
4.1 y, ,r,°'
I � •:; .;;,,,,,,A;',.4.. 414. ' :i.;,,,,,,••,....,...„,,,fd "f ,
461...2.k'44•4% iii ., ,
..kc#4'.1:2•42,dg.''',....2•1- :'. ...,,:„.0.,,,,' ,.:1 . ' . ' 41t qt1; 0 ''''''''''''''''.
•
f u .e S, �14 J!� k J )
..tl)
I • ?!.•......:..,:‘,..„;',....'s.;;;,'"';'''
.;M. i I 1 -,Y f
y: awe w
y ti a, ,
4 t ;( 'AN,'_ i ' ;
f , ttthultr —Ya ni,, ;31, at�/-c vzaF"
"I • ° •,Nye8T. . I
• .i „ t
••....,.....L,, ....• • r .. ,.:.%.,'. ,..',.'','',../..g....,'''.'
tltl SISI �i '., .'.
t , Ili, 1 , %,,",I..i•
' 1...ftH :t . l'i' . '::4;;:,•,::,.1. ',
r'0, -ii'',' 1: ' ' 1 4: a , i „,.. ,
i•• i 'p� P� rt
• rry f
_ '' �7SCK_tP'
410 • 0
. r . .
. ,. -"..* • t
•
,ro
. ..,if4 .• . 4111t I.
P..'
.•
1..
'4/" • .
' 7...y...... .
PI...•
,.,.—.; • • ;64,
I .
1
Y ..
• ••• 4
4.4.6,..i.....1... fa..
•it'/0. •••• -
• ,,,,4„ ,f.,•• .
.....„4-_,,=.•
,11;:=01 .....r..1.....
—' • ,A,44,. .•
' - - - f•,trlix.r., •,,*,,
. r ,, •,,i••••,40,.:ift 01.40,•:.,-
4,. .,
•
. ,
' ,. ,., f,.i*,"-..-."..,t.;•,,,• .
, . .
. ' 1..'r.1'....::'''' ''f101irtk''' '.‘• ...i .
• , 'II
. ...
' '1,:i j ti'l i':, . , .•
. . ,. . .
•.
,.
ft .'•P '•••1 '
oir 0 , .• .- ,. .
.. •
.,. ••,
, .
• ,
• ' 1 .:* :„ .., .• .
. •
•
, - . „.
„ .... . 3
r ,P
1 '''' '''.."
.
'
...,... •.1",
';'.,:n, a .,
.. .
. . i ,; ,;..ii kr.. , •- 3e. a .....,..
—. *
• *
,. .,.. . s.:...,•••;- ..., . 7. ,:.
." .. •. iillilti ,
• i 3.,,.,•,:.1•;;;If;•,•,!,,, , ; -..•
S=sti,‘,...zsp,y z ,
, .
• v.* •.7.0#:r
..,... ,
.,
.4
. ''.•‘'
• .
. i , 0,,,;,,,ii•, 4,
... , •,, , • t ,
r,••
•'• 4.,
••#/*Ki'..;:;',-!••*.e.•••1*,' ,;;;
•
,e; • 0-;;;
•
,.
... ....
;
P,....•i• • .1.
'.." , ••„,
..
. ,
, ,..
.. ,‘!.al..'•'....:.1' - i
• .
.,
•:
'': ' ".;,...,-'' , .. 4 • '
• •
• .,X.-• 441 , l'IM/Mre#4 ,,,' 1.'
•...'.• • *144 . . . .. ,
' . •••.: •••*.. t ' 'Y'I' , .
- ... '.1 '• ,,• , . ; .;'' ' • ••
•• to,
. .1. • :' it. • . •' i . ..
,,••• . ,r I
- 7.•../:..'...
.........„-'- •;4:111'."'.-
.i'.—l.l4'•'i••-,..'k•4,.•a'.,
•,"ir:"'.i.i..,,„i
t1i..k,4i•_•.•••r4..
•.'.
.....
4C4., • ,..f• s'."•,.*.r. .r.p,,.".,..•,.,-•.'•'''••'70"4'••0 4.i,'-7
4,.,••.•,
,.••t
..0
'• ...
•. ,
.•'
. '.•'f..
'Ir'#...•
.'„,A.'•.
...
.'0
.•-'
,.!
.. •-,.•.'
. -:•..
,-•,,:..••4I1.4f.,1•.0
f,..1t.,.,.,.;'..•,...4.,.4,.„,'t T:,'•1,
•',.'
..”
.-
44 . . -;4.
a l' 2
i.;: , 1f••';,;,'i"•i
,..-1*-I.,4.ft,•rf1.
t
,,,4.t1%I.4lL•
'4a'
..r
. • , 4,- ,••:-.$.•
...
. .
•• 1
• ' • '.z../;-4°;
• •
•••.
,-, , i••••,. . „ ,j-• •
. •..•
...
.1
. •
.1611 .
• ..0
s
,J`
•
L .••••k.4•4•4•44•.•N• .VIJ•ti.• t •4{11.1 ' 1.•
:
,
'F,
•
p. P 40464 "G ti: � `4`'e , •
f1 M15prAN''I „( . i .i.t ' i '• �.. `' t.. r ,.
p •
' ''1018 kr 1 i 1 M.. .,I Jif�''
Y i' y#
d fY $ q f' d.i,V
....ae,. ...al,cuvYw8ypi0pk v ••••. u 0,4
,•
.4.sesi
i r, 1. P Yr . k. f•. 1,, ;1 " X66. sx.a�iw►',w
k�' ' l :f
�• 4prmry,ViM1Tau
Y v +k TMi d' , lye�, •. .1k,. . ,�' . • •
1..:,',,, "i i t !,,,,.,14,3" k,,,,!,,,,;41‘,.;•,.,. ' 1 M.. ' it
0
0
0 .
. .
.I,
.... • - • K ;'
. .
. ,.• ,. . i •.,..
'i • i • •' 44 or , • ' 64
,
• ••e •P.:(AP
t „-.• .
• g v •!j I
-"'
, , -. ‘ii.,• t't.'-.• • • .....,.
•42'Iftt- ,ar. ' , .•:*
. I- • •we, :a V
he .
:.•
' •• , •
'•-
11
• t. ' ' ' ,
.•
' , s'- .:1911'6':i r,oit.0.7..OLY'e'''''Y.-• ';'‘
'7 -, • .1',,'.If gl,11,11kii401.%ttv.,,-
-.,.. ..,!.. 14 etigt:4,41.i..7.;•••ii.,,,„
-•-•!-3-•Nze-••••
'' ''''"'.C....... • ri et I
''.
Ir, - , - r:,
ro.....rf
l)rtittl
II4
/147,4,-
1 ,,..-.'.'t.x.,,,t.,,,,•-•, , 1, sz,..
r‘I'g t.v.?;•'' '1/..16;2''
.•
-Ii .,
. ,
.• '
.01%
•
BEFORE THE ELGIN HERITAGE COMMISSION
• IN RE : Katheryn Klink
55 South Liberty Street )
Elgin, Illinois
Elgin Illinois
• January 7 , 2003
7 : 02 p . m .
•
•
REPORT
OF
PROCEEDINGS
•
Reported by Patrici.a Jean Drogos
2
z ,
1 BEFORE :
2 THE ELGIN HERITAGE COMMISSION
3 MR . ''DAN MILLER,
4 Chair;
5 MR . STEVEN STROUD,
6 MR . DENNIS ROXWORTHY,
7 MR . DAVID JURINA,
8 MR . ERIC PEPA,
9 Members .
10 PRESENT :
11 MR SAROSH SAHER,
12 Urban Design & Preservation Specialist ;
13 MS RUTHANNE HALL,
14 Planning & Preservation Coordinator .
15
16 REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS had before the Elgin
17 Heritage Commission at the hearing of the
18 above-entitled cause on Tuesday, the 7th day of
19 January AD 2003 , commencing at 7 : 02 p .m. at 150
20 Dexter Court , Elgin, Illinois .
21
22
23
24
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY , LTD .
( 847.) 741-1410
3
1 CHAIRMAN MILLER : I ' d like to formally call the
2 public hearing to order .
3 Take the roll call .
4 MR . SAHER : Dan Miller .
5 CHAIRMAN MILLER : Here .
6 MR . SAHER : Eric Pepa .
7 MR . PEPA : Here .
8 MR . SAHER : Steven Stroud .
• 9 MR . STROUD : Here .
10 MR . SAHER : Dave Jurina .
11 MR . JURINA : Here .
• 12 MR . SAHER : Dennis Roxworthy
13 MR . ROXWORTHY : Here .
14 MR . SAHER : We have RuthAnne Hall and I ' m Sarosh
15 Saher representing staff .
16 We have Kathy Klink, the property owner,
17 representing 55 South Liberty Street .
18 And Pat Drogos , the court reporter .
19 CHAIRMAN MILLER : I would still like to go
20 around and have ourselves introduce ourselves to
21 Kathy . She may not have heard us as we were going
22 around .
4111
23 RuthAnne , introduce yourself .
24 MS . HALL : She knows me .
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY , LTD .
( 847 ) 741- 1410
4
t.
I
1 RuthAnne Hall , City of Elgin .
2 MR . SAHER : I ' m Sarosh Saher . I ' m with the City
3 of Elgin .
4 MR . PEPA : I 'm Eric Pepa .
5 MS . KLINK : Eric?
6 MR . PEPA : Eric Pepa . I ' m a local architect
7 here in Elgin .
8 CHAIRMAN MILLER : Dan Miller .
9 MR . ROXWORTHY : Dennis Roxworthy .
10 MR . JURINA : David Jurina .
11 MR . STROUD : Steve Stroud .
12 MS . KLINK : Hi . I ' m Kathy Klink . ;l
13 Am I supposed to say that ?
14 CHAIRMAN Miller : Yes . We like to know you,
15 too .
16 MR . SAHER : Okay .
17 CHAIRMAN MILLER : The purpose of the public
18 hearing is to obtain the comments of the property
19 owners , residents , and concerned citizens regarding
20 the current nomination for 55 South Liberty .
21 Oral testimony will be recorded by the
22 court recorder . Written testimony mayalso be
23 submitted and will be made a part of the permanent
24 record .
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY, LTD .
( 847 ) 741-1410
5
III
. t
1 The Elgin Heritage Commission serves as a
2 volunteer citizens advisory board appointed by the
3 Mayor and Members of the Elgin City Council .
4 The role of the Commission is to conduct
5 the hearing and to obtain testimony . Members of the
6 Commission will be asked to withhold any comments
7 till the very end of the meeting , unless they have a
8 compelling desire to address a point immediately .
9 There will be no formal action by the Elgin
10 Heritage Commission at the hearing . The Commission
11 will obtain testimony , consider it carefully, and act
III
12 on the nomination proposal at the next scheduled
13 meeting .
14 Those who wish to speak may do so . Before
15 a speaker commences , the speaker needs to state his
16 or her name and their address for the sake of the
17 record . .
18 If the speaker wishes to have any written
19 testimony submitted, they may do so at the end of the
20 session .
21 The property we ' re considering tonight is
22 at 55 South Liberty .
410 23 Sarosh, or, RuthAnne , will you give us a
24 historic and architectural significance . summary of
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY, LTD .
( 847 ) 741-1410
6
r €
1 the property?
2 MR . SAHER : Do you want me to do that?
3 MS . HALL : Yeah , go ahead .
4 MR . SAHER: The owner of the property at 55
5 South Liberty Street , Ms . Katheryn Klink, has
6 submitted a request to the City of Elgin to include
7 the subject property within the Elgin Historic
8 District . Currently the property lies adjacent to
9 the district and its northern and .western proper
10 lines abut the property of the district .
11 The Elgin Historic District was designated
14*
12 by the Elgin City Council in 1981 with a delineationF
13 of the boundary to an extent where the subject
14 property was excluded . The property owner has
15 indicated her intention to be included within the
16 district in order to be eligible for the benefits
17 . that designation provides ; which are : preservation
18 of the property and eligibility to participate in the
19 rehabilitation grant programs .
20 Based on the information provided by the
21 property owner on the history and architecture of the
22 property; which are : association of the original
23 property owners were Peter Burrit , an influential
24 Elgin business man , and the Queen Anne style in which
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY, LTD .
( 847 ) 741-1410
7
Aft
1 the property is built ; the property has sufficient
2 integrity of architectural and historic character to
3 either be included within the Elgin Historic District
4 or even be designated individually as a local Elgin
5 landmark . With either form of designation the
6 property will be subject to the requirements of Title
7 20 of the Elgin Municipal Code , or the Historic
8 Preservation Ordinance . However, the level of
9 recognition when designated as a local Elgin landmark
10 is greater ..
11 Corporation Counsel or our legal department
12 recommends that procedures be followed as outlined in
13 Title 20 of the Elgin Municipal Code to include the
14 property .
15 If recommended and approved for inclusion ,
16 the legal description of the boundary of the Elgin
17 Historic District will need to be amended to include
18 the subject property .
19 If recommended for designation as a local
20 Elgin landmark, an ordinance designating the property
21 as a landmark will be created and recorded with the
22 Kane County recorder .
23 So either way you have to make a decision
410
24 on how you wish to go .
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY , LTD .
( 847 ) 741 -1410
8
'.
1 If you feel that the property possesses
2 sufficient integrity of architectural character , then
3 you can even consider individual designation .
4 Regulation and subject to Title 20 are exactly the
5 same .
6 CHAIRMAN MILLER : I hadn ' t thought of that .
7 At this time we ' ll open it to public
8 testimony . The property owners , concerned citizens ,
9 anyone that wishes may present their comments to the
10 Commission . Speakers will need to state their name .
11 and address for the record before presenting their
12 comments .
13 Kathy, did you want to talk to us?
14 MS . KLINK : Okay . My name . is Kathy Klink, at 55
15 South Liberty, Elgin .
16 I really don ' t have anything extra to say
17 other than what has been stated in Mary Hill ' s
18 history on the property, and the page that I wrote ,
19 which I ' m assuming you ' ve read .
20 I don ' t -- if you have questions you want
21 to ask me about the property, fine ; but I don ' t have
22 anything extra to say .
23 I do have one question . Can I ask it now41)
24 or later?
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY, LTD .
( 847 ) 741-1410
9
111
1 CHAIRMAN MILLER : Sure .
2 MS . KLINK : I know I ' ve asked Sarosh this
3 already, but what does that mean where it says the
4 level of recognition when designated as a local Elgin
5 landmark is greater?
6 MR . SAHER : Can I answer that ?
7 CHAIRMAN MILLER : By all means .
8 MR . SAHER : Essentially when you look at a
9 property as included within a historic district , it
10 is one of many properties and doesn ' t get
11 individually singled out for recognition .
• 12 However , if you designate a property
13 individually as an Elgin landmark, outside the
14 Historic District , then it is recognized for its
15 individual merit .
16 So obviously there the recognition would be
17 greater, rather than just one of many properties .
18 MS . KLINK : So it ' s just recognition .
19 And I know I called and asked you about it ,
20 but it doesn ' t make any difference in terms of
21 funding that ' s available to you?
22 MR . SAHER : None whatsoever . Not in funding or
23 in -- subject to the regulations .
24 CHAIRMAN MILLER : I wonder how the legal
JANSON REPORTING &RECORD COPY, LTD .
( 847 ) 741-1410
10
1 department would feel ?
2 I mean , would it be less of a hassle to go
3 independent rather than trying to change the
4 boundaries of this Historic District ?
5 MR . SAHER : Staff wise , I think, yeah, it would
6 be definitely less of a hassle than to modify that
7 legal description that we have .
8 CHAIRMAN MILLER : That ' s unbelievable .
9 MR . SAHER : It ' s unbelievably long , yeah .
10 So -- plus , I think, just looking at the
11 property itself , it does possess quite a bit of
12 individual --
13 CHAIRMAN MILLER : It ' s significant .
14 MR . SAHER : It is significant to be individually
15 designated .
16 MR . STROUD : Is it part of the Gifford Park area
17 or the original Historic District area?
18 MS . HALL : No . It ' s part of the Lords Park .
19 MR . STROUD : It ' s contiguous to but not part of?
20 MR . SAHER : The reason is -- that it wasn ' t a
21 part of it was -- I didn ' t quite figure out that
22 rationle ; which was , the Historic District was --
23 stopped right at this point in 1981 .
24 And perhaps , Dan , if you remember from ' 81 ?
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY, LTD .
( 847 ) 741-1410
11
4111
1 Because normally our boundaries go all the
2 way down to Villa Street but stop at Channing , and
3 then just shoot right up Channing going past DuPage ,
4 and then kind of jogging up Rugby Place , and then
5 cutting through the rear property lines of many
6 properties to exclude the large , open spaces adjacent
7 to Channing School . And then just cuts right across
8 to Liberty Street and goes across Liberty Street
9 north of Eastview, not south of Eastview . And this
10 property is south of Eastview .
11 So it could have been that they were just
• 12 looking at property immediately on either side of
13 Chicago Street at that point , and just continued the
14 line straight out , and that ' s the rationale I thought
15 would be probably the logical thing .
16 MS . KLINK : Well , my understanding is the house
17 across the street on Eastview, on the north side, is
18 in?
19 MR . SAHER : Yes .
20 MS . KLINK : There is a sign there , "Historic
21 District . "
22 MR . SAHER : And you are not .
• 23 MS . KLINK : Which I found unusual , too , which is
24 why it just wasn ' t included .
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY, LTD .
( 847 ) 741 - 1410
12
-`kpy
a !
1 MR . SAHER : Right .
2 MR . ROXWORTHY : The one next door to the one I
3 rehabbed is historical , Dutch Colonial .
4 MS . KLINK : Yeah .
5 MR . ROXWORTHY : That ' s in the District .
6 MS . HALL : No , that ' s in the Elgin National
7 Walk . •
8 MR . ROXWORTHY : No, that would be in the first
9 historical district .
10 MS . HALL : I know which one you are talking
11 about .
Al'
12 MR . ROXWORTHY : The one across the street .
13 MS . HALL : Yeah , okay .
14 MR . ROXWORTHY : That faces Eastview .
15 MR . SAHER : Right .
16 CHAIRMAN MILLER : I was in the van when we drove
17 around and set the boundaries . I honestly don ' t
18 remember the rationale , but what you are saying
19 sounds reasonable .
20 MR . SAHER : Okay .
21 One of the concerns that Steve Hart , when
22 he e-mailed me stating that he wouldn ' t be able to
23 come to the meeting , said he was concerned that there
24 would be too much gerrymandering of the existing
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY, LTD .
( 847 ) 741-1410
13
1 boundary if we were to include it within the Historic
2 District , and thought maybe just looking at it
3 individually would probably be better .
•
4 So rather than kind of almost have the
5 boundary wrap around some properties and almost look
6 like it was excluding a few and including this one,
7 so it could be questioned in the future , and it just
8 didn ' t seem too sound a rationale for him . And he
9 felt going individually would probably be better for
10 the property .
11 MS . KLINK : I own the property next to it , at
• 12 101 South Liberty, and I would possibly like to,
13 before I sell that -- if and when I sell it , have it
14 put into the Historic District , also .
15 So I don ' t know if that makes a difference
16 in how this one is designated .'
17 MR . SAHER : That would be an interesting point .
18 Yeah .
19 CHAIRMAN MILLER : See , it wouldn ' t have
20 significance to, you know, be an individual landmark .
21 MS . KLINK : No, it wouldn ' t . It ' s like a
22 farmhouse, type . I think it ' s a nice house , but it ' s
• 23 more of a -- to me it seems like a farmhouse .
24 MR . SAHER : There may come a time in the future
'JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY, LTD .
( 847 ) 741-1410
14
1 when a lot more property owners get together and
2 possibly request inclusion within the Historic
3 District ; but to look at it individually, probably
4 not .
5 And if we look at this particular one as an
6 inclusion, then we could possibly look at that ; but
7 then we would really be stretching the boundary
8 around other properties , and that just doesn ' t seem
9 logical .
10 MR . PEPA : On the other hand, there are very,
11 very few houses -- right --that have landmark
12 status . , )
13 MR . SAHER : Yes .
14 MR . PEPA : There is Margaret Place .
15 MR . SAHER : Margaret Place .
16 MS . HALL : 214 South Liberty .
17 MS . KLINK : I ' d like to hear what these are with
18 landmark status . I couldn ' t hear .
19 MR . SAHR : 214 South State Street , the big
20 white house on South State Street .
21 MR . PEPA : That one was .
22 MS . KLINK : Okay .
23 MR . SAHER : Then there is 600 Margaret Place ,
24 which is down the street from you .
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY, LTD .
( 847 ) 741-1410
15
111
1 There is Fire Barn No . 3 on Dundee , 820
2 Dundee Avenue .
3 MR . PEPA : The Tower Building .
4 MR . SAHER : The Tower Building , the Professional
5 Building .
6 MS . HALL : Fire Barn No . 5 .
7 MR . SAHER : Fire Barn No . 5 .
8 MS . HALL : And the observatory .
9 MR . SAHER : Are those -- I think those are
10 National Registered Properties .
11 The Stone Cottage at 355 Prairie .
• 12 CHAIRMAN MILLER : And Herzog ' s Church .
13 MR . SAHER : Right .
14 MS . KLINK : That has landmark status .
15 CHAIRMAN MILLER : Well , it ' s on the National
16 Register .
17 MR . SAHER : National Register , right.
18 But these buildings are so significant in
19 their historic and architectural character that they
20 were designated as individual landmark .
21 MR . PEPA : I guess that ' s my question , is , you
22 know, the landmark status seems to me that it should
• 23 really be a high threshold, purity of architectural
24 form .
JANS.ONREPORTING & RECORD COPY , LTD .
( 847 ) 741-1410
16
1 And that there you have the addition or the
2 porch enclosure in the front . Was that original?
3 MS . KLINK : No .
4 MR . PEPA : No .
5 MS . KLINK : I ' ve a to-scale models of the home
6 that Mr . Stone , the previous owner who owned it for
7 40 years -- when he changed the original front porch .
8 CHAIRMAN MILLER : Yeah .
9 MS . KLINK : But I have a to-scale model. I know
10 Dan and Dennis have seen it . And it shows the
11 original front porch , which makes itlooks much
12 better . I hate that front porch . �. .
13 MR . ROXWORTHY : The house stands pretty proud
14 right. there . It ' s somewhat of a mansion-type house .
15 MR . SAHER : Sometimes looking at a building
16 prior to it being restored back to it ' s original as a
17 landmark is also possible . It doesn ' t have to be in
18 its pristine condition .
19 We can look at it for its potential or for
20 its historic association as well , which was in this
21 case with the Birch (phonetic ) family .
22 But your point is certainly well taken .
23 MR . PEPA : There are only two residences that
24 have landmark status .
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY, LTD .
( 847 ) 741-1410
17
1 MR . SAHER : Both of them are in exceptional
2 condition . They have been restored . They are unique
3 for their architectural character, especially the one
4 at 214 South State Street .
5 MR . JURINA : Why can ' t we do both?
6 MR . SAHER : Pardon?
7 MR . JURINA : Why couldn ' t we do both?
8 MR . SAHER : There is no necessity to do both .
9 It ' s generally one or the other .
10 To do one you don ' t have to do the other
• 11 because it receives all the benefits that the other
12 type of designation receives .
13 MR . JURINA : But it does abut , I mean, right
14 next to it .
15 MR . STROUD : I would say to bring it into the
16 Historic District even though somebody ' s going to
17 have to write a little bit .
18 MR . SAHER : We can do that .
19 MR . STROUD : It opens the door to other
20 adjoining properties to join in as well .
21 MR . SAHER : Okay .
22 MR . STROUD : I think that that ' s the distinct
411) 23 advantage of making it part of the District .
24 MR . SAHER : Okay . That should be no problem .
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY, LTD .
( 847 ) 741- 1410
18
1 I was just saying it ' s just a matter of
2 doing a little more than just writing it up .
3 MR . STROUD : I agree with Eric that I think the
4 threshold for an individual landmark should be a
5 little bit higher .
6 By bringing it in in this way it leaves it
7 a lot of room, the house, to be brought back to its
8 original state . And there is a lot of -- there is
9 room for improvement . The porch --
10 MS . KLINK : I know .
11 MR.. STROUD : -- is one thing .
12 MS . KLINK : I have the bills to show you, too,
13 to prove it .
14 MR . STROUD : But I think in a lot of ways I
15 would like the site joined to the Historic District
16 mainly for the idea of adding more properties to the
17 Historic District .
18 MR . SAHER : Okay .
19 CHAIRMAN MILLER : Other comments by
20 Commissioners ?
21 (No audible response . )
22 CHAIRMAN MILLER : Questions for Kathy?
23 MR . SAHER : One question more .
24 If you are going to be considering it as
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD. COPY , LTD .
( 847 ) 741-1410
19
111
1 part of the Historic District , do you want to take
2 into consideration the other request of Ms . Klink;
3 which is to include the property immediately south of
4 this property as well?
5 MR . ROXWORTHY : I would .
6 MR . SAHER : We would need additional information
7 from you . We would need a lot of information from
8 you .
9 MR . STROUD : You would need to prepare the
10 paperwork and then -- if we agree to it .
11 MR . SAHER : You don ' t have to necessarily hold
• 12 another public hearing .
13 MS . HALL : However , I don ' t know if we need to
14 come to a decision soon ; because Ms . Klink wanted to
15 apply for grants .
16 So in light of the fact that the grant
17 deadline is on February 7th , she may not be able to
18 get the information for 101 South Liberty in time for
19 that . So it might be that we would have to hold a
20 second hearing just so she would be able to meet the
21 deadlines .
22 MR . SAHER : That sounds good .
• 23 MR . PEPA : I would think that we would have to,
24 anyway, just for public notice .
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY , LTD .
( 847 ) 741-1410
20
i
1 MR . STROUD : Yeah . Legal sake .
2 MS . HALL : Yes .
3 MR . SAHER : Although the reason for holding a
4 public hearing is to determine , during the Historic
5 District designation , whether other properties around
6 are eligible to be included or not .
7 And this is the way we ' ve usually done it .
8 And we ' ve done it in two Historic Districts in Elgin .
9 I ' m not saying that we have to do it right
10 now . We do it when the property owner is ready with
11 the information , because we would certainly want to
12 do it with information submitted to the City .
13 MS . KLINK : Wouldn ' t I have -- do you have to
14 have the history done on it ; what Mary Hill did?
15 MS . HALL : Correct .
16 MR . SAHER : Because we are looking at it as an
17 individual property . We are not looking at them as a
18 group .
19 If we were looking at them as a group, we
20 would still need the information , but a little more
21 general in nature .
22 MR . ROXWORTHY : You might want to get ahold of
23 Mary . She ' s really busy .
24 MS . KLINK : She ' s booked . I know .
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY , LTD .
( 847 ) 741-1410
21
1 MR . STROUD : Do we need a motion ?
2 MR . SAHER : You need to close the public hearing
3 first .
4 MS . HALL : It will be on the agenda for the next
5 meeting , if that ' s okay .
6 MR . SAHER : Following this .
7 MR . STROUD : Okay . In the past on some things
8 we have been able to vote the same night .
9 MS . HALL : Right . But it ' s at a separate
10 meeting .
11 MR . STROUD : Okay .
111 12 MR . SAHER : Which means we close this public
13 hearing , and then start your next meeting, and then
14 vote .
15 MS . KLINK : I have a question .
16 MR . SANER : Yes ?
17 MS . KLINK : I ' d like his question -- like in the
18 future , could I have it also declared a landmark
19 status ?
20 It can be both?
21 MR . SAHER : It can be only be landmark if the
22 Commission determines .
• 23 MS . KLINK : Only --
24 MR . SAHER : Only a landmark if the Commission
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY, LTD .
( 847 ) 741-1410
22
1 would recommend it to the Council for designation .
2 MS . KLINK : But it could be in the Historic
3 District and be a landmark status ?
4 MR . SAHER : Right .
5 MS . HALL : You would receive no further benefit
6 for that .
7 What you might consider is National
8 Register status , which would delineate you further .
9 CHAIRMAN MILLER : . More prestigious .
10 MR . SAHER : That ' s National Recognition .
11 MS . KLINK : So there is other things ?
12 MR . SAHER : There are properties in Elgin that C
13 are listed .
14 MR . ROXWORTHY : This is local , what you ' re
15 asking .
16 MS . HALL : Right . Because you would gain --
17 MS . KLINK : There is a good possibility it could
18 get those?
19 MS . HALL : Once restored, yes .
20 MR . JURINA : As a local landmark you are
21 eligible for a little nicer plaque . That ' s all .
22 That ' s the only other advantage of being a local
23 landmark . So you get a little --
24 MR . SAHER : That ' s the only other advantage .
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY, LTD .
( 847 ) 741-1410 •
23
1 There is no other advantage . Everything else is
2 equal between the two .
3 MS . KLINK : Because I tend to agree with some of
4 you that it ' s not in the state -- a beautiful state
5 like these other properties . I ' m surprised that you
6 would even consider it for that , actually .
7 MR . ROXWORTHY : It ' s got a lot of grand
8 features .
9 MR . STROUD : It has potential .
10 MR . SAHER : It has potential .
11 MR . STROUD : It once was and may be again .
110)
12 MR . JURINA : Is it considered contributing right
13 now?
14 MR . SAHER : Oh , yeah , certainly .
15 MR . JURINA : But it ' s not the next one .
16 MS . HALL : It ' s not significant .
17 MR . SAHER : It could be rated significant , too .
18 MR . JURINA : That ' s what I thought . The
19 architecture is unaltered .
20 MR . SAHER : No . Significance could have very
21 important associations with people , and a high style ,
22 and looking at the magnitude of the property, the
• 23 size of the property -- those are all in its
24 advantage ' to be considered .
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY , LTD .
( 847 ) 741-1410
24
1 MR . STROUD : Dennis , our house , before we had
2 the wrap around -- before we had the parade porch was
3 considered significant .
4 MR . JURINA : I ' ll vote --
5 MR . SAHER : It doesn ' t have to be in pristine
6 condition .
7 MR . ROXWORTHY : Okay .
8 MR . SAHER : If it was a simpler style house ,
9 yes , we would look at condition , and changes , and
10 alterations ; but this starts off as being on an
11 higher level .
171
12 MR . ROXWORTHY : Our house on Bellevue , the one
13 I ' m going to keep, the little bungalow, it is
14 significant because they are not touched . They ' re
15 virgin houses .
16 That was the reason I ask that .
17 MR . JURINA : I move to close the public hearing .
18 MR . STROUD : Second .
19 CHAIRMAN MILLER : All those in favor , signify by
20 saying , "Aye . "
21 (WHEREUPON , there was a chorus of
22 Ayes . )
23 CHAIRMAN MILLER : Opposed?
24 (No audible response . )
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY, LTD .
( 847 ) 741-1410
25
1 CHAIRMAN MILLER : The Elgin Heritage Commission
2 will convene a meeting within 30 days following the
3 close of this public hearing to make a determination
4 on the final evidence and whether to recommend to the
5 Elgin City Council the inclusion of 55 South Liberty
6 within the Elgin Heritage Commission , requiring
7 modification of boundary description .
8 This determination will be passed by
9 resolution of the Commission, and will be accompanied
10 by a report stating the findings of the Elgin
11 Heritage Commission concerning the issue .
• 12 A notice of the determination of the
13 Commission , including a copy of the report , will be
14 sent within seven days of adopting the resolution, by
15 regular mail , to the common address of the property
16 owner .
17 If the property is included within the
18 boundaries of the Elgin Historic District by the
19 Elgin City Council , a certified copy of the ordinance
20 designating the landmark will be recorded with the
21 County recorder in the County of Kane , in which the
22 landmark is located .
4Ik23 • In the event the nomination is rejected by
24 the City Council , a new petition or nomination for
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY, LTD .
( 847 ) 741-1410 J
26
1 the subject property may not be filed with the Elgin
2 Heritage Commission for a period of one year from the
3 date of denial .
4 Thanks for coming .
5
6
7 (Which were all the proceedings .
8 had in said matter on said date . )
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
• JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY , LTD .
( 847 ) 741 -1410
27
1 STATE OF ILLINOIS )
SS :
2 COUNTY OF McHENRY )
3
4 I hereby certify that I reported in
• 5 shorthand the proceedings had at the hearing in the
6 above-entitled cause , and that the foregoing Report
7 of Proceedings is a true , correct , and complete
8 transcript of my shorthand notes so taken at the time
9 and place set forth .
10
11
y � C
Notary Public/ j •
13 CSR Certificate No . 084 -001712
Registered Professional Reporter
14
15
16 •
OFFICIAL SEAL
17 PATRICIA JEAN DROGOS
NOTARY PUBLIC,STATE OF ILLINOIS
18 MY COMMISSION EXPIRES:10/01/06
•
19
20
21
22
• 23
24
JANSON REPORTING & RECORD COPY , LTD .
( 847 ) 741 -1410
g 1.
7..
.
4,;=