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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Historic Preservation Commission
DATE: September 4, 2024
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Authorizing Approval of the Summer 2024 Historic Preservation Grants and Allowing the Mayor to enter into Historic Preservation Grant Agreements and Addendums (Legistar 24-0647 / KDWK-2024.241-PZ/HP JM)
PURPOSE:
Authorizing the execution of a Historic Preservation Grant Agreements with owners of properties within the historic districts or local landmarks to foster the continued preservation of Aurora’s historic neighborhoods and landmarks.
BACKGROUND:
This In 2019, City Council approved a new Historic Preservation Grant Program. The Preservation Grant Program is a reimbursable grant for exterior historic rehabilitation projects. The maximum is $20,000. All grants at or under $10,000 require no cash match. All grants over $10,000 require a dollar-for-dollar cash match for every dollar over $10,000. The final $1,000 of the grant is additional funding for the use of local contractors. Properties must be owner-occupied and designated as historic within the City of Aurora and must meet all other eligibility requirements.
The first 2024 round of Historic Preservation did not allocate all the funding budgeted for 2024. Also, with some previous grants not being completed or completed under budget, the remaining balance in account 101-1840-463.50-43 is $183,000.
DISCUSSION:
Staff received 21 applications representing all four local districts, the National Register district, and Local Landmarks. The work is all exterior ranging from tuckpointing, window repair, chimney restoration, siding repair and painting to structural stabilization and porch restorations.
On August 22, 2024, the Historic Preservation Grant Committee reviewed the 21 applications submitted for the Summer 2024 Historic Preservation Grant Program. Based upon the available funding, the Historic Preservation Committee ranked 14 applications as top priority for approval by City Council. The remaining applications contained many worthwhile projects, and the Committee recommended they apply again for the next round.
As outlined in attached Proposed Summer 2024 Historic Preservation Grants Recommendations, the following are recommended for approval:
1.) 18 S. Root Street - Near Eastside - Chimney Restoration - $7,205
2.) 219 West Park - Tanner - Masonry Porch Restoration - $10,813
3.) 238 Lawndale Avenue - Riddle Highlands - Window Restoration - $18,733
4.) 361 Lawndale Avenue - Riddle Highlands - Tuckpointing - $13,029
5.) 404 S. Edgelawn - Landmark - Skylight Restoration - $10,000
6.) 418 Palace Street - Tanner - Porch Restoration - $16,423
7.) 464 Palace Street - Tanner - Wood Storm Windows - $11,176
8.) 506 Oak Avenue - Tanner - Window and Door Restoration - $16,973
9.) 515 Oak Avenue - Tanner - Chimney Restoration - $2,280
10.) 535 W. Downer Place - Local Landmark - Siding Repair and Painting - $15,350
11.) 547 5th Street - Will Become a Local Landmark - Foundation Stabilization to Historic Garage - $21,000
12.) 625 Oak Avenue - Tanner - Door Restoration & Custom Wood Screen Doors - $8,250
13.) 742 Oak Avenue - Riddle Highlands - Porch Restoration - $10,669
14.) 2888 N. Eola Road - Local Landmark - Tuckpointing and Chimney Restoration - $21,000
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES :
The Staff’s Evaluation and Recommendation are based on the City of Aurora Historic
Districts and Landmarks Guideline.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Historic Preservation Committee recommended APPROVAL of A Resolution Authorizing Approval of the Summer 2024 Historic Preservation Grants and Allowing the Mayor to enter into Historic Preservation Grant Agreements and Addendums.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit "A" Summer 2024 Historic Preservation Grants
Summer 2024 Historic Preservation Grant Summary Sheet
Photo Presentation
Grant Agreement Templates
cc:
Alderwoman Patty Smith, Chairperson
Alderwoman Shweta Baid, Vice Chairperson
Alderman Michael B. Saville
Alderman Bill Donnell
Alderman Carl Franco
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution Authorizing Approval of the Summer 2024 Historic Preservation Grants and Allowing the Mayor to enter into Historic Preservation Grant Agreements and Addendums
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, by petitions dated August 13, 2024, owners filed with the City of Aurora a
request for Preservation Grants for certain properties within the City of Aurora;
WHEREAS, on August 28, 2024, the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed said
requests and recommended that the City allow the Mayor to enter into Preservation Grant Agreements; and
WHEREAS, the City Budget contains sufficient funds in Account Number
101-1840-463.50-43 Other SC-Special Programs/Grant/Property Rehab in order to
provide all necessary funding for the projects;
WHEREAS, on September 11, 2024, the Building, Zoning, and Economic Development
Committee of the Aurora City Council reviewed said petition and the before mentioned
recommendations and recommended APPROVAL of said petition; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, finds as facts all of the preamble recitals of this Resolution and hereby authorizing the City’s Mayor, Chief Development Services Officer, and Zoning and Planning Director, or their designees, to execute Historic Preservation Grant Agreements and Amendments as well as any other documents associated with these approvals, for the Summer 2024 Historic Preservation Grant Program as shown on Exhibit “A”..