Lake County Gazette

City of Highland Park Historic Preservation Commission met April 11.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

CALL TO ORDER

At 7:30 p.m., Chairwoman Salamasick called the meeting to order and asked Staff to call the roll.

ROLL CALL

Commissioners Present: Chairwoman Salamasick, Commissioners Bernstein, Illes, Pierce, Sogin, & Reinstein

Commissioner Absent: Becker

Councilman Present: Blumberg

Student Commissioner Present: Arbetter

Staff declared that a quorum was present.

Staff Present: Cross & Jackson

Chairwoman Salamasick asked audience members to introduce him/herself.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Commissioner Sogin moved to approve the March 14, 2019, regular meeting minutes.

Commissioner Illes seconded the motion.

 On a roll call vote

 Voting Yea: Chairwoman Salamasick, Commissioners Bernstein, Illes, Pierce, Sogin, &  Reinstein

 Voting Nay: None

 Chairwoman Salamasick declared that the motion passed unanimously.

SCHEDULED BUSINESS

1. Certificate of Appropriateness for the Property at 175 Ravine Drive (continued from 3/14/19)

Chairwoman Salamasick recused herself; she asked Vice Chair Sogin to direct the meeting.

 Planner Jackson reviewed the house:

 Pingrey house is Tudor-Revival style; additions were made

 Built in 1925

 Landmarked in 2002

 Passed approvals include the deck, divided-light windows, east addition, garage addition

 Floor plans were illustrated

 Changes are opaque finished railing (on deck), opaque finished railing (of garage), clear glass material for railing (rear of building and garage), single-pane glass from divided-light windows (to take advantage of ravine views)

 Standards are available (to review if needed)

Mr. Michael Menn, Principal, Michael Menn Ltd., 1930 Phillips Avenue, Northbrook, IL noted the owner wishes to take full advantage of unobstructed ravine views, thus the decision to install single-pane glass (rather than divided-light windows); not visible from the street; secluded side of house.

Some HPC comments are:

 Other areas have divided-light windows

 Do you often have different kinds of windows on the first floor of the same room? Mr. Menn advised – at the front of the house, it’s for curb appeal; taking advantage of the back is not unusual for lovely views.

 Please explain the deck again over the garage; what is the opaque material? Mr. Menn explained same; trying to mirror what was on the original house; framing material, wood studs, sheathing; stucco finish.

 What is the white strip above the garage? Petitioner noted – the same material, just painted

 Vice Chair asked Staff if colors are the purview of the HPC. Senior Planner Cross noted – yes.

 The glass railing is a great solution; love that it is matched on the garage; understand the privacy. Concern is the issue of windows. The back of the house is also historic. A poor decision in today’s world. To keep the windows in the front is the same reason to keep the windows in the back – architectural integrity; go with the period of the house; a shame. Disappointed that the owner heard us but then did the exact opposite.

Councilman Blumberg asked in terms of designing additions to historic homes, how often are incongruous windows placed? Mr. Menn advised – it depends on the level of preservation. Typically, his experience has been what’s visible to the public/right of way, and what is done on the back side of the house is at the owner’s discretion. He does not know if that applies to this set of rules. Councilman Blumberg stated, in his experience involved with the HPC, there is a desire to make COA’s work; want the owner to be comfortable in the home; usable; enjoyable.

He commented that the impact of integrity is in question when alternate windows are used. Vice Chair Sogin stated if the discussion was of the other three sides of the house, the HPC would be more adamant in using divided-light windows. However, being that this is the back of the house, it’s a very big change to the house; has a divided view. Senior Planner Cross reminded to refer to the standards (streetscape, etc.).

Planner Jackson highlighted the Standards that apply and explained same -- #3, #7, and #14. Vice Chair Sogin suggested reversibility be considered.

Commissioner Reinstein stated the criteria could be interpreted that the windows should match; defining character; matches in the front but not in the back. It’s wonderful what’s being done to save this beautiful house; don’t want to deny homeowners the discretion of doing what they want. He also commented that muttons in some houses have contemporary additions that have full picture windows that look awful. The intention was different in the past. Now it seems integrity should remain; tastes change. He wishes he could tell the owner how disappointed he is, though he is happy this home is being restored so beautifully.

Commissioner Pierce stated she concurs as she loves seeing stunning facades and dislikes not-so- stunning ones. Commissioner Bernstein appreciates that the owner wants to view the ravine (not obstructed).

Mr. Menn stated a great deal of thought has been put into this. No one will see this; it is a reversal thing. He noted the owner has done everything to keep the integrity; this is one thing he would like relief on.

Commissioner Pierce moved to approve the COA as presented. Commissioner Bernstein seconded the motion.

On a roll call vote

Voting Yea: Vice Chair Sogin, Commissioners Bernstein, Illes, Pierce, & Reinstein 

Voting Nay: None

Vice Chair Sogin declared that the motion passed unanimously. Chairwoman Salamasick returned to the meeting at 7:54 p.m.

2. Certificate of Appropriateness for the Property at 169 Laurel Avenue

Planner Jackson reviewed the house:

 Amendment to an existing COA (approved in December, 2018)

 Aerial photos were shown

 R.S. Vail house; landmarked in 2013

 Craftsman Colonial Revival style

 Built c. 1915; several additions; detached garage

 Applicant originally intended to attach garage to house; now proposing changes to the rear (back porch, basement door, etc.); removing stairway, extending porch

 Photos, floor plans, elevations were displayed

 Criteria standards were referenced

Mr. Michael Menn, Principal, Michael Menn Ltd., 1930 Phillips Avenue, Northbrook, IL stated the owner has cut back due to budgetary constraints; found a way to keep the existing foundation in place so that it appears to almost be a part of the original structure; trying to match windows; will have stucco to match and painted the same color.

Some HPC comments are:

 Are you retaining the existing garage. Mr. Menn advised – yes, nothing is changing 

 As it doesn’t connect, how far do you walk? Mr. Menn advised - about 19 ft.

 Excited about this restoration as this house has been on the market for quite a while 

 A great job in cleaning up the back, matching the windows even in the back 

Planner Jackson noted the following criteria standards would apply and explained same: #3, #10, #14. 

Commissioner Reinstein moved to approve the COA. Commissioner Bernstein seconded the motion.

On a roll call vote

Voting Yea: Chairwoman Salamasick, Commissioners Bernstein, Illes, Pierce, Sogin, & Reinstein 

Voting Nay: None

Chairwoman Salamasick declared that the motion passed unanimously.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

 Training in Evanston

Senior Planner Cross noted the City of Evanston staff is working with the National Alliance for Preservation Commissions for HPC Commissioners. He will email information on a training opportunity.

 CLG Grant Application

Senior Planner Cross stated Staff is pursuing a grant for the multi-year project of updating the surveys. Two applications may be proposed the first year; will be submitted tomorrow (as that is the deadline).

 Signs

Commissioner Pierce noted the signs for historic homes that HPC designed have been placed. She is thrilled to have these signs proudly displayed. Applause was given. Senior Planner Cross complimented Planner Jackson for her hard work. Planner Jackson credited Vice Chair Sogin as numerous calls have been received to add more signs. Vice Chair Sogin stated signs do not indicate – paid for by HPC. She noted people feel really good about this. Signs will be removed at the end of May. She would like the HPC to receive recognition. Commissioner Reinstein suggested a press release. Planner Jackson will facilitate this. Compliments flowed about the web site as well. Commissioner Reinstein mentioned his mother installed 32 signs.

Commissioner Pierce believes the City and neighbors are very happy with the HPC. Councilman Blumberg concurred.

 Removal of Floors from the House on Central

Councilman Blumberg advised the appeal deadline for the above has occurred. Senior Planner Cross advised Petitioner did not plan to appeal and is taking several months to consider options.

Councilman Blumberg stated he believes the interaction between the HPC and Applicant was productive. He noted perhaps they would use the house as meeting space or Administrative Offices, etc. Chairman Salamasick stated if they were to utilize the house, she would encourage Petitioner to remove the floors so they would be preserved and not (further) degraded.

BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC

There was no Business from the Public.

OTHER BUSINESS

The next HPC meeting is scheduled for May 9, 2019.

STAFF REPORT

There is no Staff Report.

ADJOURNMENT

Chairwoman Salamasick moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:14 p.m. Commissioner Bernstein seconded the motion.

On a roll call vote

Voting Yea: Chairwoman Salamasick, Commissioners Bernstein, Illes, Pierce, Sogin, &

Reinstein Voting Nay: None

Chairwoman Salamasick declared that the motion passed unanimously.

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