===== PDF PAGE 1 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] WHERE HISTORY & PROGRESS MEET Approved 02.24.26 HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMISSION January 27, 2026 – 6:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order, Roll Call, and Establishment of a Quorum The meeting was called to order by Chairman Letsche at 6:00p.m. Roll call found Chairman Letsche, and Commissioners Pletcher, Vigsnes, and Christman present. Commissioner Edwards and Reverend Andrews were absent. With four members present, a quorum was established. Staff in attendance included Interim Director of Community Development John Sterrett, Director of Business and Community Relations Kelley Chrisse, Director of Public Works Mehul Patel, Chief Building Official Stuart Caravello, and City Museum Director Sara Phalen. 2. Public Comment - None 3. Approval of the draft September 23, 2025 Meeting Minutes Commissioner Pletcher made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Christman, to approve the September 23, 2025 meeting minutes. With a voice vote of all ayes the motion carried and the minutes were approved. 5. Certificate of Appropriateness Review A. COA 26-01 – 132 Main Street – West Chicago City Museum – Masonry Repair Mr. Sterrett stated that the City is requesting approval for a comprehensive masonry restoration project at 132 Main Street to address necessary exterior repairs and preserve the historic character of the West Chicago City Museum. This building is a cornerstone of the historic district and requires significant attention to address deterioration on the East (Main Street), West (Turner Court), and North elevations. Architectural plans and condition photographs detailing the necessary repairs were prepared by Tassone Architects, Inc. and are included in the meeting packet. The proposed work includes extensive removal and replacement of extremely deteriorated brick, stone, gutters, and coping on the building. The building is of high historical significance to the City. Constructed in 1884 as "Turner Town Hall," it served as the municipality's first “Town Hall”, housing the police and fire departments and serving as a community hub for over 90 years. It is a distinct example of Italianate architecture and is one of only two properties in West Chicago listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Director Patel gave a presentation on the proposed work and provided the Commissioners with additional information on the project. The Commission stressed the importance of the selected contractor having not just experience with masonry restoration but having experience restoring historic structures, and in particular experience within the specific time period of the Museum building. City Museum Director Sara Phalen will provide Public Works Director Mehul Patel with any available photos of the original chimney on the Museum building and these photos will be 475 Main Street T 630.293.2200 Daniel Bovey MAYOR West Chicago, Illinois F 630.293.3028 60185 westchicago.org ===== PDF PAGE 2 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] included in the specs. At the direction of the Commission, the existing scupper and downspout will be replaced with a new copper scupper and downspout. This will serve as the required secondary drainage system for the roof. The Commission stressed the importance of retaining the scupper and downspout as a historical element of the building. The brick within the scope of work will be replaced, either with a reclaimed brick, which is preferred, or with new brick, if reclaimed brick is not feasible. The proposed brick to be installed shall be reviewed by the Historical Preservation Commission for acceptance prior to installation. If the decision on the brick selection must be made in advance of the next regularly scheduled HPC meeting, a special meeting will be convened to review the brick. If a special meeting is not possible, members of the commission will have the opportunity to view a sample of the proposed brick against the existing brick in person at City Hall and provide comments or concerns at that time. It was recommended that pozzolanic hydraulic lime mortar be used for the brick and included in the specifications. This type of mortar would have been used during the time the building was constructed. Commissioner Pletcher stated he would supply these specifications to Director Sterrett to forward onto Director Patel. The existing mortar joints are flush-joints, rather than concave, and the new/replacement brick installation should also be flush-joints, which is to be included in the specifications. The coping will be replaced to match the style and profile of the existing stonework. The material for the coping capstone will be natural limestone. At the conclusion of discussion, Commissioner Vigsnes made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Pletcher, to approve the COA application with the following conditions: 1. The existing scupper and downspout will be replaced with a new copper scupper and downspout. This will serve as the required secondary drainage system for the roof. 2. The coping will be replaced to match the style and profile of the existing stonework and the material for the coping capstone will be natural limestone. 3. The brick within the scope of work will be replaced, either with a reclaimed brick, which is preferred, or with new brick, if reclaimed brick is not feasible. The proposed brick to be installed shall be reviewed by the Historical Preservation Commission for acceptance prior to installation. If the decision on the brick selection must be made in advance of the next regularly scheduled HPC meeting, a special meeting will be convened to review the brick. If a special meeting is not possible, members of the commission will have the opportunity to view a sample of the proposed brick against the existing brick in person at City Hall and provide comments or concerns at that time. 4. Pozzolanic hydraulic lime mortar be used for the brick and included in the specifications. The existing mortar joints are flush-joints, rather than concave, and the new/replacement brick installation should also be flush-joints, which is to be included in the specifications. With a voice vote of all ayes, the motion carried and COA 26-01 was approved. 475 Main Street T 630.293.2200 Daniel Bovey MAYOR West Chicago, Illinois F 630.293.3028 60185 westchicago.org ===== PDF PAGE 3 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] B. COA 25-22 – 142 W Washington Street – La Cocina de Maria – Flush-mounted Signage Mr. Sterrett stated that Tony Schmidt of La Cocina de Maria, owner of 142 W Washington Street in the Turner Junction Historic District, is requesting approval to install a new flush-mounted sign above the entry way to the two-story commercial building. The applicant recently removed channel letters above the entrance, which were originally approved by the Commission in 2022. The proposed sign will be a panel that is 16 square feet in area. The width of the façade is 19 feet which allows for a maximum of 28.5 square feet. Staff suggests that a blade sign (projecting sign) be contemplated for the building to be consistent with the Commission’s objective to encourage and increase the amount of these types of signs in the downtown. Staff also suggests that gooseneck lighting be installed above the sign to be consistent with the Commission’s desire for gooseneck-style lighting in the downtown. According to the Historical Districts Property Survey, the building was originally constructed as a Victorian building in the 1880s. The Survey states the building is contributing to the Turner Junction Historic District but is not a candidate for local landmark status. After a brief discussion, Commissioner Christman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Pletcher, to approve the COA application as presented. With a voice vote of all ayes, the motion carried. C. COA 26-02 – 103 Turner Court – Juxt Studio – Flush-mounted Signage Mr. Sterrett stated that Brandon Magana of Juxt Studio, tenant of 103 Turner Court (the rear of 102 Main Street) in the Turner Junction Historic District, is requesting approval an eleven (11) square foot flush-mounted sign above the entry way of the tenant space that will be individual channelized letters. The applicant is also seeking approval for two (2) 5.5 square foot white vinyl window decals on the storefront. The building has a width of 24, which would allow for a total 36 square feet of signage on the building. Twenty-two (22) square feet of signage is proposed, in compliance with the Sign Code. Furthermore, the two window decals represent less than the twenty (20) percent maximum coverage of the total storefront glass. Staff suggests that a blade sign (projecting sign) be contemplated for the building to be consistent with the Commission’s objective to encourage and increase the amount of these types of signs in the downtown. Staff also suggests that gooseneck lighting be installed above the sign to be consistent with the Commission’s desire for gooseneck-style lighting in the downtown. According to the Historical Districts Property Survey, the building was originally constructed as an Art Moderne building in the 1930’s. The Survey states the building is contributing to the Turner Junction Historic District but is not a candidate for local landmark status. After a brief discussion, Commissioner Pletcher made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Christman, to approve the COA application as presented. With a voice vote of all ayes, the motion carried. D. COA 26-03 – 108 Main Street – The Wrestling Room – Flush-mounted Signage Mr. Sterrett stated that Joseph Raia of The Wrestling Room, tenant of 108 Main Street in the 475 Main Street T 630.293.2200 Daniel Bovey MAYOR West Chicago, Illinois F 630.293.3028 60185 westchicago.org ===== PDF PAGE 4 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] Turner Junction Historic District, is requesting approval a four (4) square foot window sign on the front of the building. The sign will be to advertise the new retail store and will include the logo. The signage complies with the Zoning Code according to size. According to the Historical Districts Property Survey, the building was constructed as a Vernacular Commercial building in the 1910’s. The Survey states the building is contributing to the Turner Junction Historic District but is not a candidate for local landmark status. After a brief discussion, Commissioner Pletcher made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Christman, to approve the COA application as presented. With a voice vote of all ayes, the motion carried. 6. Preliminary Review None 7. Historic District/Landmark Updates Mr. Sterrett provided a brief update to the survey, which will be complete in early Spring. 8. Other Business a. Mr. Sterrett discussed updates from Downtown Revitalization Commission b. Director Chrisse mentioned the public forum for the candidates for City Administrator. 9. Adjournment With no further business to discuss, Commissioner Christman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Vigsnes, to adjourn the meeting. With a voice vote of all ayes the motion carried and the Historical Preservation Commission, at 7:17 p.m., adjourned. Respectfully submitted by John H. Sterrett, Interim Director of Community Development 475 Main Street T 630.293.2200 Daniel Bovey MAYOR West Chicago, Illinois F 630.293.3028 60185 westchicago.org