Historic Preservation Commission

Agenda Village of Glen Ellyn Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Thursday, April 16, 2026 7:00 PM Glen Ellyn Civic Center, Galligan Board Room Visitors are most welcome to attend all public meetings and can find copies of the Agenda online at www.glenellyn.org prior to the meeting. Any individual with a disability requiring reasonable accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should contact the Village of Glen Ellyn ADA Coordinator, 630-469-5000, at least five (5) business days in advance of the next scheduled meeting. A. Call to Order B. Approval of Minutes 1) Approval of the Minutes from the March 19, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission C. Public Comment D. GEHS Director's Report E. Old Business F. New Business 1) Landmark Alteration Preliminary Approval Request - 684 Highland Avenue 2) 2025 Historic Preservation Commission Annual Awards G. Chairperson's Report H. Trustee's Report I. Staff Report J. Reminders K. Adjourn Civility Pledge - In the interest of civility, I pledge to promote civility by listening, being respectful of others, acknowledging that we are striving to support and improve our community, and understanding that we each may have different ideas for achieving that objective. Page 1 of 34  Glen Ellyn Historic Meeting 4/16/2026 7:00 PM Preservation Commission Department: Community Development 535 Duane Street Department Head: Jennifer Henaghan Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 Category: Minutes Prepared By: Jordan Frahm AGENDA ITEM (ID # 2026- DOC ID: 2026-288 288) Approval of the Minutes from the March 19, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission Statement of the Issue: Review and approve the minutes from last month's regular meeting of the HPC. Analysis: Topics included interpretive signage at the Glen Ellyn Metra Station, and an application to the Preservation Grant Program. Budget Impact: Contribution to Strategic Plan Action Requested: Review and approval of the Minutes from the March 19, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission. Attachments: 1. March 19, 2026 Historical Preservation Commission Minutes Page 2 of 34 Village of Glen Ellyn Minutes Village of Glen Ellyn Historic Preservation Regular Meeting Commission March 19, 2026 7:00PM Glen Ellyn Civic Center Board or Historic Preservation Date: March 19, 2026 Commission: Meeting: Regular Called to 7:00 p.m. Order: Quorum: Yes Adjourned: 8:35 p.m. MEMBER ATTENDANCE: Penn French Chairman Present Nathan Darga Commissioner Present Donna Leak Commissioner Present Barb Lemme Commissioner Present Robert Margetts Commissioner Present Jeremy Schletz Commissioner Absent Zak Wilson Commissioner Present Also Present: Jordan Frahm Associate Planner Kelli Kalinich Village Trustee Tim Loftus President of the Historical Society Dan Schoeneberg Executive Director of the Historical Society Elisa Pollina Recording Secretary Public Present: A. CALL TO ORDER The March 19, 2026 regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order by Chairman French at 7:00 PM at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center. B. PUBLIC COMMENT – None C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM February 19, 2026 – Commissioner Lemme motioned to approve the minutes from February 19, 2025; Commissioner Margetts seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. Page 3 of 34  Historic Preservation 2 March 19, 2026 D. OLD BUSINESS - None E. NEW BUSINESS 1. Review of Interpretive Signage for the Glen Ellyn Metra Station – Staff Liaison Frahm explained that, as part of the Section 106 review process for the Glen Ellyn Metra Station project, the existing depot was determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. As a result, the Village entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Federal Highway Administration, Illinois Department of Transportation, and the State Historic Preservation Office to address the adverse effects associated with demolition of the existing depot. One of the required mitigation measures includes development of interpretive signage near the former station site, which requires Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) review and recommendation. Village Engineer Daubert provided additional context on the project, noting that Phase I engineering began in 2017 with goals to improve the station and enhance pedestrian grade separation. During the process, the historic nature of the depot created additional considerations and requirements. The design has advanced to approximately 90% completion, with remaining work focused on final approvals, including Union Pacific coordination and necessary easements. Daubert noted that the Village has secured approximately $27 million in grant funding and is pursuing an additional $10 million, with further contingency funding opportunities possible once the project advances to letting. Rowland Zielinski of JRK Architecture, along with historian Victoria Hill, presented the proposed interpretive signage. The signage is intended to document the historic significance of the site and fulfill MOA mitigation requirements. The proposed installation includes three site markers: “Glen Ellyn’s First Train,” “First Railroad Depot,” and “Electric Train Depot.” A larger 4-by-4-foot interpretive sign rendering was presented, featuring historical text and photographs documenting the station’s history. The signage will be constructed of porcelain enamel, which is durable, colorfast, easy to clean, and resistant to denting. The draft signage has been shared with various stakeholders, and staff requested HPC input and consideration of a recommendation. Commission members reviewed the signage. Commissioner Margetts expressed support and asked about the disposition of the existing signage. Engineer Daubert noted that discussions are ongoing regarding potential relocation of the original signs. Commissioner Lemme stated that preserving and incorporating the original signage at a physical location would be beneficial. She also expressed appreciation for the research, photographs, text, and proposed placement, and indicated her support for the design. Commissioner Leak added that she liked the design and felt it appropriately reflected the site’s history. Darga asked for an update on the mural inside the station. Daubert explained that several potential locations for the mural were considered. One concern is that Page 4 of 34  Historic Preservation 3 March 19, 2026 the mural is painted on plywood. The Village is considering Glenbard West High School (GBW) as an ideal location, since the mural was painted by GBW students. GBW is supportive of displaying it in their building, potentially in their new addition. The State requires that the mural’s location be publicly accessible and officially confirmed. Commissioner Lemme motioned to adopt the resolution as presented, and Commissioner Margetts seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. 2. Preservation Incentive Program — Consideration of Candidates for Qualified Properties List - 417 Melrose Avenue – Associate Planner Frahm presented 417 Melrose Avenue, a property near the library built in 1927, for consideration as part of the Preservation Incentive Program. The property, identified as a "Contributing" Dutch Colonial Revival in the 2010 Architectural Resource Survey, has maintained much of its original exterior appearance, including a small rear addition. Exterior changes have been minimal, limited to a 2016 permit to replace aluminum siding with vinyl and a 2016 permit to rebuild the front porch. Based on the program criteria, the Commission may vote to include the property on the Qualified Properties List for grant eligibility. Commissioner Darga motioned to add 417 Melrose Avenue to the Qualified Properties List, and Commissioner Margetts seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. 3. Preservation Matching Grant — 417 Melrose Avenue – Associate Planner Frahm presented the project, noting that homeowner Daniel Barnett is seeking a Historic Preservation Incentive Program Matching Grant to restore the windows at 417 Melrose Avenue. The existing vinyl windows are not in keeping with the home’s original character. The proposed project will replace them with new wooden, double-hung windows featuring historically appropriate proportions, true wood frames, and sashes, in alignment with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. The total project cost is $24,941, and the applicant is requesting the maximum grant award of $10,000. Frahm shared images of the current vinyl windows alongside the proposed replacements. Commissioner Darga motioned to recommend Village Board approval of the Preservation Matching Grant for 417 Melrose Avenue in the amount of $10,000; Commissioner Margetts seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. F. HISTORICAL SOCIETY BUSINESS – Historical Society Business – Dan Schoeneberg, Executive Director of the Glen Ellyn Historical Society, provided several updates. Upcoming events include: April 4: Terry Lynch presenting Fight for the Right to Be Free. April 12: A welcome-home celebration for Olympic medalist Ethan Seferon, from 2:00– 4:00 PM. April 28–May 2: The Vintage Market, a fundraiser for the Historical Society, running daily from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. Page 5 of 34  Historic Preservation 4 March 19, 2026 Additionally, the Speed Skating exhibit will remain on display through the end of April. G. CHAIRMAN REPORT – Chairman French announced that, as of yesterday, he has been officially appointed as the newest member of the Board of the Glen Ellyn Historical Society. H. TRUSTEE’S REPORT – Trustee Kalinich provided several updates. She reported that the Glen Theater is showing Lucas, filmed in Glen Ellyn, for its 40th anniversary, with 3–4 showings per day this week. Each screening is preceded by a documentary created by Glenbard Newspaper staff, featuring interviews with locals who participated in the film. She attended the 5:20 show and noted it was very popular. As a follow-up to the February meeting regarding the Scripture Press property workshop, Trustee Kalinich shared that it was an informative session. Staff and the developer explained that if the site were developed for residential use, it would present challenges, including coordination between two different police and fire departments and addressing existing flooding concerns. She noted that significant investment of multi-million-dollar efforts are being made to manage stormwater, including water retention areas and underground piping beyond the property to properly channel natural drainage. Renderings of the project are available on the Village website. The project will return to the Village Board for a future workshop. Trustee Kalinich added that the Village will have the right of first refusal regarding the final design of the water retention system, which provides additional reassurance about the project. The property is currently owned by Wheaton College, and the developer is working in collaboration with the Wheaton College and Glen Ellyn’s and Wheaton’s community development teams. Overall, the Village Board is confident in the direction of the project. I. STAFF REPORT – Jordan Frahm provided an update, noting that after discussions with Village facility staff regarding door replacements, the staff plans to return to the HPC with a landmark alteration request in June or July, with the HPC suggesting June 18 as a target date. J. ADJOURNMENT– Commissioner Darga motioned to adjourn the meeting and Commissioner Lemme seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Submitted by Elisa Pollina, Recording Secretary Reviewed by Jordan Frahm, Staff Liaison Page 6 of 34  Glen Ellyn Historic Meeting 4/16/2026 7:00 PM Preservation Commission Department: Community Development 535 Duane Street Department Head: Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 Category: Discussion Item Prepared By: Jordan Frahm AGENDA ITEM (ID # 2026- DOC ID: 2026-282 282) Landmark Alteration Preliminary Approval Request - 684 Highland Avenue Statement of the Issue: AM Kitchen and Bath, the petitioner and applicant for a home addition permit, has proposed a rear addition to a Village Landmark property at 684 Highland Avenue. The homeowners are seeking a vertical addition over the existing footprint at the rear of the home, and will add a deck as an accessory structure (accessory structures for Landmark Properties are not regulated by the HPC). Analysis: The vertical addition requires preliminary approval from the Historic Preservation Commission in order for a permit to be issued. If the HPC were to make a determination denying the preliminary approval, the landmark alteration request will be required to go through a public hearing process. The construction plans indicate that the addition will reuse existing windows and will match the existing shingles and stucco currently used at the rear of the home per proposed elevations. This property was recognized as a Village Landmark by Ordinance No. 6180 in October 2013 due to its status as an excellent example of its architectural style, and its contribution to a neighborhood that is notable for myriad architectural styles from the late 19th century to the mid 20th century. Budget Impact: Contribution to Strategic Plan Action Requested: Review this alteration request and all attachments, discuss, and make a motion for preliminary approval, or preliminary disapproval. Attachments: 1. Ord. 6180 2. Construction Plans 3. Site Plan with Deck dimensions 4. Plat of Survey Page 7 of 34 Page 8 of 34 Page 9 of 34 Page 10 of 34 Page 11 of 34 Page 12 of 34 Page 13 of 34 Page 14 of 34 Page 15 of 34 Page 16 of 34 Page 17 of 34 Page 18 of 34 Page 19 of 34 Page 20 of 34 Page 21 of 34 Page 22 of 34 Page 23 of 34  Glen Ellyn Historic Meeting 4/16/2026 7:00 PM Preservation Commission Department: Community Development 535 Duane Street Department Head: Jennifer Henaghan Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 Category: Award Prepared By: Jordan Frahm AGENDA ITEM (ID # 2026- DOC ID: 2026-285 285) 2025 Historic Preservation Commission Annual Awards Statement of the Issue: The Historic Preservation Commission has received submission for three (3) nominations for the 2025 HPC Annual Awards. Analysis: The three (3) nominations for the 2025 HPC Annual Historic Preservation Awards are listed in alphabetical order with two nominations for Remodel of the Year and one nomination for Restoration of the Year category. All project information, including narratives or project descriptions and photos are provided by the submitter of the application unless otherwise noted. Within the Public Portal there will be an abridged photo layout of the nominees and include basic submission information. HPC Commissioners will separately receive a larger packet with all submission materials and the project descriptions. Some submission materials have been limited if redundant. As a reminder, please see the categories and their respective descriptions below. Some nominees may be assigned awards outside their nominated category. Restoration of the Year Award: This award is in recognition of an outstanding effort to restore the exterior of a home or building in a manner fitting its historic character while adhering to Glen Ellyn's restoration guidelines and contributing to the preservation of Glen Ellyn history. In order to qualify for this award, a home must be 50 years or older. Entries are judged on the extent to which the exterior restoration is in keeping with the home's historic character. Remodeling Project of the Year Award: This award is in recognition of an outstanding effort to remodel the exterior of a home or building in a manner maintaining or improving the architectural integrity and contributing to the preservation of Glen Ellyn history. In order to qualify for this award, a home must be 50 years or older. Entries are judged on the extent to which the exterior remodel is in keeping with the home's character. Streetscape Compatibility Award: This award is in recognition of an outstanding effort to construct a new home or building in an architectural style and scale that contributes to the preservation of Glen Ellyn's historic streetscapes. A home can be of any age to qualify for this award. Entries are judged on their compatibility with the existing streetscape, in terms of architectural style and scale. Page 24 of 34 Architectural Details Award: This award is in recognition of an outstanding effort to restore an exterior detail element of a home, building or property in a manner fitting its historic character, and contributing to the preservation of Glen Ellyn history. Examples of exterior detail elements would include, but are not limited to, porches, cornice work, leaded glass windows or decorative fencing. To qualify for this award, a home must be 50 years or older. Entries are judged on the compatibility of the element with the historic character of the home or building. Budget Impact: Contribution to Strategic Plan Action Requested: The Historic Preservation Commission is to determine award winners for Restoration of the Year, Remodel of the Year, Streetscape Compatibility, and/or Architectural Detail. Attachments: 1. 25 26 HPC Award Photo Spread Page 25 of 34 Village of Glen Ellyn Historic Preservation Commission 2025 Annual Awards Nominees 716 Crescent 494 Hill 795 North Park Page 26 of 34 716 Crescent Boulevard Owner: Mike Wilson Architect: Gerald McManus - Lineworks Contractor: Hummingbird Woodworks Nominated Category: Remodel of the Year BEFORE AFTER Page 27 of 34 BEFORE AFTER Page 28 of 34 AFTER AFTER Page 29 of 34 Page 30 of 34 494 Hill Avenue Owner: William and Tayler Stogsdill Architect: Julia Smith Contractor: Ligman Construction Group Nominated Category: Remodel of the Year AFTER BEFORE Page 31 of 34 Page 32 of 34 795 North Park Avenue Owner: Scott and Kristin Fischer Architect: Marc Kollias Contractor: Tom Wetmore -Wetmore Construction Nominated Category: Restoration of the Year BEFORE AFTER Page 33 of 34 Page 34 of 34