Above / During an upcoming City Council meeting to be announced, Old Nichols Library will on the agenda with a request to designate the property located at 110 S. Washington Street (the original Nichols Library built in 1898) as a landmark.
UPDATE, Aug. 30, 2017 / The following information was received after PN went to press for September: According to the Save Old Nichols campaign and now the City Manager’s Memorandum Aug. 31, 2017, the attorney for the developer of 110 S. Washington requested on Aug. 25, 2017, that their landmark discussion be continued from the Sept. 5 to Sept. 19 City Council meeting and additionally that their Planning and Zoning Commission case be continued from Sept. 6 to Oct. 4, 2017. The developer is seeking additional time to secure co-counsel and to prepare.
UPDATE, Aug. 23, 2017 / Statement from Developer Dwight Avram on recommendation to Landmark 110 S. Washington Street:
“Obviously we are disappointed that the Historic Preservation Commission did not understand the scope of deterioration and the impressive costs inherent in attempting to preserve the Old Nichols Library. Even more disappointing is the fact that a number of options have been discussed that might satisfy the community’s interests while protecting the right of the owner to utilize the property he has invested in. Landmark status will inevitably thwart all of those possibilities.”
Statement submitted by Deb Newman for Developer Dwight Avram.
UPDATE, Aug. 22, 2017 / The public hearing included considerable testimony from the property owner, his attorney and other associates; the petitioners and the public, followed by thoughtful deliberation from members of the Historic Preservation Commission. Just before 11:15PM, the vote was 5-1 to recommend Old Nichols Library as a local historic landmark at 110 S. Washington Street in downtown Naperville.
According to the agenda provided at the meeting, “If approved by City Council, the landmark designation would provide local historic preservation protections to the property and would require issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) prior to certain exterior building modifications or demolition from occurring. It should be emphasized that the landmark designation only provides protection for the exterior facade as visible from the right-of-way.”
Hear all the compelling arguments regarding landmark designation…
The well-attended public hearing features pro, con and in-between arguments regarding recommending landmark status to Old Nichols, running four hours and 15 minutes in City Council Chambers. It’s saved as “Historic Preservation Commission 8/22/17” in the City’s archive under “City Events and Educational Videos.”
Appreciate understanding the process word for word, without editing, while learning something new about an old structure with a rich storied past. To get the straight scoop, watch the video when you have a chance at “City Events and Educational Videos.”
Naperville Historic Preservation Commission
Posted Aug. 19, 2017 /The City of Naperville Historic Preservation Commission is scheduled to meet at 7PM Tues., Aug. 22, 2017, in Council Chambers at the Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street.
The public is welcome.
Naperville Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Agenda
CALL TO ORDER:
A. ROLL CALL: (HPC Members according to the City’s Website)
Above / When you visit the City’s website with the listing of Boards & Commissions and their members, it features a memorable quote attributed to Margaret Meade: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
B. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. HPC # 17-3045 110 S. Washington
Conduct the public hearing to consider a request to designate the property located at 110 S. Washington Street (Old Nichols Library) as a landmark in accordance with Section 6-11-3 (Designation of Landmarks) of the Naperville Municipal Code – HPC 17-3045.
C. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Approve the minutes of the May 25, 2017 Historic Preservation Commission
meeting.
D. OLD BUSINESS:
E. CORRESPONDENCE:
F. NEW BUSINESS:
G. ADJOURNMENT:
Any individual with a disability requesting a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in a public meeting should contact the Communications Department at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled meeting. The Communications Department can be reached in person at 400 S. Eagle Street, Naperville, IL., via telephone at 630-420-6707 or 630-305-5205 (TDD) or via e-mail at info@naperville.il.us. Every effort will be made to allow for meeting participation.
Attractive Can-do Spirit in Naperville makes a difference
According to the page featuring Boards and Commissions on the City of Naperville website, “Naperville is an active community with a vibrant volunteer spirit. The volunteers who serve on city boards and commissions exemplify outstanding community involvement. Appointments are typically reserved for residents and are made by the Mayor and City Council based on experience and interest.”
Above / The Century Walk mural above Catch 35 on S. Washington Street depicts images of seven Naperville service clubs that welcome volunteers.
What’s more, Naperville is a can-do community, home to many service clubs comprised of volunteers that meet throughout the year, host special events to raise private funds for unmet needs and aim to make a difference. Naperville’s strong network of service clubs, nonprofit organizations and social service agencies enhances the city’s quality of life every day.
Thanks to all who plan to volunteer a little time to attend the Historic Preservation Commission Meeting beginning at 7PM Tues., Aug. 22, 2017.
RELATED PN POSTS / Search “Old Nichols”
Website for Save Old Nichols Library campaign featuring link to “Limited Condition Assessment”
