Joliet Historic Preservation Commission

City of Joliet 150 West Jefferson Street Joliet, IL 60432 Meeting Minutes - Final Wednesday, August 28, 2024 6:00 PM City Hall, Council Chambers Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Commission Members Quinn Adamowski Brian Bessler Mary Beth Gannon Kevin Heinemann Candace Johnson Kailee Lowry Sharon Merwin Aaron Mikottis Ken Spiegel Sara Stovall Steven Wright Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes - Final August 28, 2024 Page 1 of 1 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes - Final August 28, 2024 Citizens who are unable to attend the meeting can email comments in advance of the meeting to publiccomment@joliet.gov. CALL TO ORDER DECLARATION OF QUORUM Present Quinn Adamowski, Mary Beth Gannon, Candace Johnson, Kailee Lowry, Sharon Merwin, Sara Stovall and Steven Wright Absent Brian Bessler, Kevin Heinemann, Ken Spiegel and Aaron Mikottis APPROVAL OF MINUTES Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting TMP-7674 Minutes - 7/24/24 Attachments: JHPC 07-24-24 Minutes.pdf A motion was made by Quinn Adamowski, seconded by Kailee Lowry, to approve Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes - 7/24/24. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Adamowski, Johnson, Lowry, Merwin and Stovall Absent: Heinemann and Spiegel Abstain: Gannon and Wright CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS None COMMITTEE REPORTS None OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS Public Hearing: COA-3-2024: Certificate of Appropriateness TMP-7672 for alternative materials for façade restoration work and replacement windows at 9 W. Cass Street (Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66) Attachments: COA-03-2024 (9 W. Cass Street) Staff Report Packet A motion was made by Mr. Adamowski, seconded by Ms. Gannon to open the public hearing. All Commission members were in favor. Planner Jayne Bernhard read the staff report into the record. Page 1 of 5 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes - Final August 28, 2024 Applicant Ron Romero appeared on behalf of the petition and provided a brief overview of the storm damage incurred at the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66. In response to Ms. Merwin's questions, Robert Morris with Orbis Architects, Inc. discussed GRFC and terra cotta life spans, GFRC material composition, glazing, and the expansion and contraction differences of concrete and terra cotta structures. In response to Ms. Bernhard’s comment about submitted photos, Mr. Morris highlighted Bulley & Andrews Masonry Restoration (BAMR) as a local company that completed the Rialto Square Theater parapet repair and projects throughout the country. Mr. Morris clarified that while the Rialto used terra cotta, Bulley & Andrews Masonry Restoration was familiar with both GFRC and terra cotta materials. Chairwoman Johnson asked if any witnesses would like to speak in favor of the petition. No one came forward. Chairwoman Johnson asked if anyone had objections to the petition. No one came forward. Mr. Romero described the wait time for terra cotta and GFRC materials and explained the work would most likely begin in springtime. A motion was made by Mr. Adamowski, seconded by Ms. Lowry to close the public hearing. All Commission members were in favor. Chairwoman Johnson asked if there was any further discussion by the Commission. No Commissioners spoke. There was a brief discussion about the approval and issuing of the certificate of appropriateness. Ms. Bernhard explained the Commission was voting on the GFRC and aluminum clad wood windows. A motion was made by Quinn Adamowski, seconded by Sara Stovall, to approve Public Hearing: COA-3-2024: Certificate of Appropriateness for alternative materials for façade restoration work and replacement windows at 9 W. Cass Street (Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66). The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Adamowski, Gannon, Johnson, Lowry, Merwin, Stovall and Wright Absent: Heinemann and Spiegel Public Hearing: L-1-2024: Local Historic Landmark TMP-7673 Designation for 416 N. Chicago Street (St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church) Page 2 of 5 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes - Final August 28, 2024 Attachments: LHD-1-2024_Staff Report_416 N. Chicago Street - Public Hearing Landmark Nomination 416 Chicago St. St. Joseph Church_Final Draft Packet A motion was made by Ms. Gannon, seconded by Ms. Stovall to open the public hearing. All Commission members were in favor. Ms. Bernhard read the staff report into the record. Applicant Mary Petrella appeared on behalf of the petition. Ms. Petrella explained St. Joseph’s Parish submitted an appeal to the Dicastery of Rome which remained in review. Ms. Petrella provided examples of Landmark Designation Standard B, including Artist Lillian Brulc’s paintings and murals located in St. Joseph’s church and school, St. Joseph’s link to Slovenian immigration, development of Slovenian Row, St. Joseph’s designation parade in 1905, a 2024 Slovenian newspaper article about the building of ethnic churches, and various concerts at the church. Ms. Petrella provided examples of Landmark Designation Standard G, including the downtown square redevelopment near the church, its location on Heritage Corridor and Route 66, its status as the only downtown Catholic Church, the Slovenian Museum across the street, St. Joseph’s Museum located in its school, and St. Joseph’s gift shop. Ms. Petrella commented the Joliet website lists St. Joseph’s as a site to see and asked the Commission to consider St. Josephs for landmark status. Ms. Petrella read a letter of endorsement written by Joliet Historian Dr. Robert Sterling. Ms. Petrella read another letter of endorsement written by Marianne Wolf-Astrauskas. Ms. Petrella hoped the Commission would consider the landmark status. General Counsel for the Diocese of Joliet Mary Ann McLean appeared in opposition to the petition. Ms. McLean explained the Diocese of Joliet opposes St. Joseph’s landmark status for three reasons, including the imposition on structural improvements caused by City approval, government interference with religion, and the landmark application should not interfere with an internal religious process. Mr. Adamowski apologized for having to leave early, expressed appreciation for the effort gone into the nomination, and highlighted his support of the nomination. Margie Cepon, Pat Colrick, Ron Schrack, Georgene Agnich, Edward Keegan, Page 3 of 5 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes - Final August 28, 2024 Janet Anzelc, and Richard Tezak spoke in support of the Local Historic Landmark Designation. Chairwoman Johnson asked if the applicant would like to speak again. Ms. Petrella spoke in favor of the petition. Chairwoman Johnson asked if the property owner would like to speak. Ms. McLean declined to comment further. Chairwoman Johnson asked if there were questions and comments from the Commission. Ms. Merwin explained while there is no active Catholic Church landmark, Cathedral of Saint Raymond’s and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church received and accepted preservation awards recognizing their preservation efforts. Ms. Gannon provided Casseday House and St. Mary Carmelite as examples of precedence, described St. Joseph’s as the last open Catholic Church in downtown Joliet, and highlighted the historical significance of Slovenian immigrants having a church. Ms. Merwin referenced Standard A and explained faith-based organizations assisted orphanages and the elderly in the past much like the current public sector agencies. At the request of Ms. Merwin, Ms. Bernhard explained the Commission would make a recommendation and the petition would go to City Council on September 17, 2024 for a final decision. Chairwoman Johnson inquired if Ms. Petrella’s statements about important people would change Standard B. Ms. Bernhard responded staff will evaluate the standards based on evidence presented at the public hearing. A motion was made by Ms. Lowry, seconded by Mr. Wright to close the public hearing. All Commission members were in favor. In response to Ms. Stovall's question, there was a brief discussion about amending the review of landmark designation standards based on the evidence provided. A motion was made by Sharon Merwin, seconded by Kailee Lowry, to approve Public Hearing: L-1-2024: Local Historic Landmark Designation for 416 N. Chicago Street (St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church). The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Gannon, Johnson, Lowry, Merwin, Stovall and Wright Page 4 of 5 Joliet Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes - Final August 28, 2024 Absent: Adamowski, Heinemann and Spiegel STAFF REPORTS Ms. Bernhard provided an update on the windows at the United States Steel Corporation ’s Collins Street property. Ms. Bernhard gave a brief overview of the interpretative sign panels for Route 66 Park located at Broadway Street Greenway. Ms. Bernhard explained the site would contain information about Joliet’s history and a celebration event would take place in October. In response to Chairwoman's Johnson's question about Saint Mary’s renovations, Ms. Bernhard explained she was in contact with City Center Partnership who feel the project was progressing. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS None PUBLIC COMMENT None ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Kailee Lowry, seconded by Mary Beth Gannon, to approve adjournment. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Gannon, Johnson, Lowry, Merwin, Stovall and Wright Absent: Adamowski, Heinemann and Spiegel This meeting will be held in an accessible location. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact The City Clerk Office, 150 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432 at (815) 724-3780. Page 5 of 5