Lake County Gazette

City of Highland Park Historic Preservation Commission met Dec. 12.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

CALL TO ORDER

At 7:31 p.m., Chairwoman Salamasick called the meeting to order and asked Staff to call the roll.

ROLL CALL

Commissioners Present: Chairwoman Salamasick, Commissioners Becker, Illes, & Sogin

Commissioner Absent: Reinstein & Pierce

Councilman Absent: Blumberg

Student Council Absent: Arbetter

Staff declared that a quorum was present.

Staff Present: Awsumb, Cross, & Kosmatka

Others Present: Cerabona

Chairwoman Salamasick asked audience members to introduce him/herself.

• Follansbee House

• Georgian-Revival style

• Architect is unknown

• Plat of survey was illustrated

• Photos, renderings, proposed decks, and railings were shown • Samples were displayed and distributed

• COA standards were identified

Some HPC comments are:

• The proposed guest deck railing does not have detail of the previous railing’s spindles • Not reasonable to request the railings be matched

Commissioner Becker moved that the proposed new deck meets the COA. Commissioner Illes seconded the motion.

On a roll call vote

Voting Yea: Chairwoman Salamasick, Commissioners Becker, Illes, & Sogin

Voting Nay: None

Chairwoman Salamasick declared that the motion passed unanimously.

2. Certificate of Appropriateness: 441 Cedar Avenue

Planner Kosmatka reviewed the house:

• Battledeck house

• Local landmark; National Register

• Built 1930

• International style

• Architect is Henry Dubin

• Wood decking units are deteriorating; proposing additional alternative of ceramic style (long lasting)

• COA Application Summary was reviewed

• Tile samples were displayed

• Photos were shown

• COA standards were referenced

The architect advised the owners are guided by preservation principles. Drains would be cleaned out annually. The easement is owned by Landmark Illinois. This surface is out of the public view.

Some HPC comments are:

• A good way to use a more modern, more durable material

• This cannot be seen

• Could be regarded as an interior improvement

Commissioner Sogin moved that this meets the COA standard. Commissioner Becker seconded the motion.

On a roll call vote

Voting Yea: Chairwoman Salamasick, Commissioners Becker, Illes, & Sogin

Voting Nay: None

Chairwoman Salamasick declared that the motion passed unanimously. Determination of Significance: 490 Hazel Avenue

Planner Kosmatka reviewed the house:

• Built c. 1885

• Queen-Anne style

• Architect is unknown

• Part of Hazel Prospect Historic District

• Elevations were shown and explained

• Plat of Survey was illustrated

• Architectural features were reviewed; alterations were noted

• Landmark criteria was identified

Petitioner asked about differences between criteria #s 4 and 6. Chairwoman Salamasick and Senior Planner Cross explained same.

Some HPC comments are:

• Thomas Spencer is awfully important; he resided next door at 500 Hazel and gave 490 Hazel as a wedding present

• There are several family compounds in Highland Park; if this house was one block away from Thomas Spencer’s house, this discussion wouldn’t take place

• We have the massing of a Queen-Anne house; not the best example, but it is a diminishing style

• Criteria #s 1, 4, and 6 apply

Petitioner stated the process makes her uncomfortable. She offered background and takes pride in being a good steward of her house. It is difficult to find another home. Complications (schools) are unsettling. They rejected landmark status (and tax benefits). She has not tried to sell. She states many houses like hers sit on market. A contemporary interpretation of the property needs to be addressed.

Chairwoman Salamasick stated these are not new sentiments. She noted this is not a public shaming and rather a conversation. The goal of the HPC is to preserve historic homes (a non-renewable resource).

Commissioner Sogin stated the HPC is not saying this house cannot be torn down. Petitioner reiterated she is looking for a house.

The main intention is not to go against the HPC.

Chairwoman Salamasick stated the goal of the delay is to preserve the home – not to be difficult.

Senior Planner Cross added that the demolition review could expire. The worst-case scenario is to advertise as a teardown.

Deputy Director Awsumb introduced himself and stated communication should take place after the demolition delay. He shared that a demolition is not a long project.

Petitioner advised she would like to look in the Spring and Summer of 2020 for another house.

Senior Planner Cross reiterated this is not meant to monkey wrench Highland Park residents’ plans – but rather to preserve the house.

Commissioner Sogin asked what kind of house the Petitioner is seeking. Petitioner advised: • Southern exposure

• 3-car attached garage

• 1st floor master

• Room to host Passover

• 3-season room with fireplace • 2 offices

• Walking distance to town

Senior Planner Cross read the definition of the demolition delay from the code.

It was stated there is 180-day delay then 1 year for the permit. Senior Planner Cross advised one could withdraw the demolition delay if desired.

Commissioner Sogin moved that this property meets criteria #1, 4, and 6. Commissioner Becker seconded the motion.

On a roll call vote

Voting Yea: Chairwoman Salamasick, Commissioners Becker, Illes, & Sogin

Voting Nay: None

Chairwoman Salamasick declared that the motion passed unanimously.

Everyone wished Commissioner Becker well as this is her last meeting. She departed at 8:30 p.m.

OTHER BUSINESS

• Ravinia Streetscape Plan

Deputy Director Awsumb offered a PowerPoint presentation of the streetscape and lighting in the Ravinia District:

o The City established a TIF District in 2005; timeline began in 2011 o Landscape Architecture Plan

o Utility, storm water, water sewer.

o Infrastructure Improvement Action Plan

o Vendors were hired

o Milestone memo

2020 Plan

o Goals & Objectives

o Link on City’s web site

o Signage

o Brown Park (Park District property)

o Would need to come before the HPC for a COA o Pedestrian path on all sides of Brown Park

o Light brightness consistency was shared

o Light poles (modern, sleek, and traditional)

o Benches (including wave benches)

o Vegetation, floral planters, pavers

Next steps were shared.

Chairwoman Salamasick suggested it would be nice if there were lights on Roger Williams toward Rosewood Beach.

Historic Preservation Strategic Plan

Senior Planner Cross advised there would be 3 new HPC members starting in January. He congratulated Planner Kosmatka for helping during Planner Jackson’s absence. Planner Jackson will return in January.

Senior Planner Cross advised he would outline and broadcast a vision on the Preservation Strategic plan in January. Goals would be set in February and March. Objectives would be established. An Action Plan would be implemented. City Council will receive same in Q3.

Next meeting is scheduled for January 9, 2020.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m.

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