"Historic Preservation is not an end itself – it is a means to improve or maintain a city’s quality of life." This quotation aptly portrays why we all live in the City of Geneva, and why we have an Historic Preservation Commission and Ordinance.

The purpose of this strategic plan is to promote the educational, cultural, and economic welfare of the city by insuring the preservation and enhancement of historic districts and historic structures. The strategic plan accomplishes this by:

• Providing a mechanism to identify and preserve those historic and architectural areas and structures which contribute to the City’s history;
• Fostering awareness and appreciation among the citizens of the City of Geneva of the unique history of the City embodied in its architecture and historic sites;
• Ensuring that the economic benefits resulting from preservation are available to the citizens of Geneva;
• Protecting the historic character of sites within the historic district and other designated landmarks to insure that alterations and new construction are compatible in terms of scale, building material, site design and exterior features;
• Encouraging preservation, restoration and rehabilitation of our buildings.

History

In 1979 and 1982, the United States Department of Interior placed Geneva’s two historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1987 the two National Register districts were combined into one local historic district, and the Historic Preservation Commission was established by ordinance to further protect and maintain Geneva’s historical character and quality of life. In 1994, the Ordinance was amended to strengthen the role of the Commission within the historic district and to allow additional influence on historical structures outside the district through landmark designation. Certified Local Government status was awarded to the City in 1997 which reinforces the importance placed on maintaining Geneva’s historical integrity.

The Historic Preservation Commission has formulated and documented a Strategic Plan to define our mission, establish initiatives, set priorities, and proactively promote the value created in historic preservation.

Mission

The 1994 Ordinance Amendment states very clearly the role of the Historic Preservation Commission:

…to promote the educational, cultural, and economic welfare of the public of the City by insuring the preservation of historic structures that defines the history and cultural heritage of the City.

Furthermore, …to strengthen the economy of the City by protecting, defining, and enhancing sties, monuments, locations, structures and neighborhoods that are significant in the history of the City by insuring new construction, redevelopment and adaptive re-use that are compatible in terms of scale, building materials, site design and exterior features."

The Mission outlined in the ordinance can be segmented into five strategic components: regulation, advocation, education, collaboration, and motivation. To date, the Commission has focused primarily on the regulation aspects of the role.

Through advocation, education, collaboration, and motivation, the permitting process will be maximized and the quality of product placed in the historic district will be dramatically improved. A more detailed explanation of each strategic component follows.

Regulation

Regulation is the primary responsibility of the Historic Preservation Commission as outlined in the ordinance. This has also been the primary focus of the group. A considerable portion of the Commission’s time is spent reviewing permit applications within the Historic District.

With the introduction of landmarking capabilities within the amended ordinance and the survey requirements that accompany Certified Local Government (CLG) status, new regulatory opportunities abound.

Regulation Initiatives (boldfaced initiatives are currently in process)

Revise the Historic Preservation Ordinance (No. 94-11)

Revise the Sign Ordinance for the Historic District

Review bulk regulations of existing zoning districts within the Historic District

Establish ordinance for significant trees and greenery.

Establish additional Local Historic Districts.

• Northwest Geneva Additions
• Batavia Avenue.
• East Side.
• Good Templar Park/Cottages

Establish additional buildings for Local Landmark status.

• 38 Crissey (c. 1890 – Queen Anne)
• 215 Crissey ("Hickory Hill" Forrest Crissey House – 1854/1885 – Greek Revival)
• 128 Garfield (1857)
• 221 Jefferson (Abbott House – 1850 – Greek Revival)
• 410 School (Lustron house c. 1948)
• 23 N. Bennett (Bennett Mill bldg)
• 310 Sandholm (Alexander House – c. 1838 – Greek Revival)
• 130 E. State (Middaugh House – 1839)
• 223 E. State (Chas. Bennett House – 1866)
• 230 E. State (Henry Bennett House – 1867)
• 324 E. State (East Side School – 1900)
• 228 Spring (Italianate)
• 406 Peck (Cottage School Bldg. – 1873 – Gothic Revival)
• 316 Elizabeth Place (stone mansion)
• 814 Batavia (Queen Anne – c. 1890)
• 1101 Batavia (Davis House – c. 1892 – Queen Anne)
• 1301 Batavia (Curtis House – c. 1865 – Italianate)
• 734 Shady (Giles Spring House – c. 1850 – Italianate)
• 1015 Fargo (Nelson House – 1894 – worker’s cottage)
• 520 Ray (c. 1920 – Tudor Revival)
• 1600 Crissey (Fabyan Windmill 1860/1914)
• 1511 Batavia (Fabyan Villa 1907 – Frank Lloyd Wright)
• 1007 Batavia (c. 1890 – Colonial Revival)
• 909 Batavia (c. 1920 – Tudor Revival)
• 949 Batavia (Geneva House 1950 – Jacques Brownson)
• 944 Batavia (c. 1880? – Greek Revival/Colonial Revival)
• 719 Batavia (Cole/Pope House – 1867 – Italianate)
• 1101 W. State (Lofborn House – c. 1915 – Bungalow)
• 709 South (Craftsman – c. 1909)
• 814 South (Italianate – c. 1885)
• 1403 South (Hubbard/Jones House – 1849/1855 – Greek Revival)
• 1250 South (Country Day School 1927 – Holabird & Roche)
• 1222 W. State (c. 1900)
• 1510 W. State (farmhouse – c. 1890 – L-form)
• 1502 W. State (farmhouse – c. 1890 – L-form)
• 1302 W. State (Italianate farmhouse – c. 1880)
• 1800 W. State (Oscar Swan Inn – 1932)
• 823 Hamilton (First Swedish Baptist Church 1906)

Advocation

The governing principles for the work of the Historic Preservation Commission are outlined in the existing ordinance and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Both documents offer a general framework for evaluating applications within the Historic District. On occasion, issues are introduced which are not specifically addressed within the existing guidelines.

To provide a more thorough understanding of these issues for Commissioners, City Officials, and the public, research needs to be conducted and guidelines need to be established for recurring topics in the Geneva Historic District. There are considerable resources available on these topics – it is just a matter of gathering the information, discussing the Commission’s position, and documenting the findings.

Advocation Initiatives (boldfaced initiatives are currently in process)

• Complete Design Guidelines for historic properties.
• Develop a written policy on reviewing synthetic siding.
• Perform necessary building surveys as outlined in CLG requirements.
• Complete intensive building survey of Northwest Geneva Additions.
• Prepare a Preservation Plan for the City of Geneva.
• Establish guidelines for significant trees and greenery.
• Write historic preservation articles for the City Newsletter.
• Write articles for newspapers to promote historic preservation issues.
• Define "Demolition by Neglect" (City Staff project).
• Identify list of endangered buildings (assisting Preservation Partners with this initiative).
• Promote the importance of vernacular architecture to community character
• Research, identify and publicize the unique historic characteristics of secondary buildings, i.e., barns, garages, etc., through brochures, articles, walking tours, lectures, City newsletter, etc.

Education

Education is a key component to improving existing processes and creating greater value within the historic environment of Geneva. By educating citizens in historic preservation prior to application for permit, the review process can be accelerated. By educating citizens and city officials on the value of historic preservation to the community, an appreciation can be developed for the existing environment and positive and negative influences can be addressed.

Education Initiatives (boldfaced initiatives are currently in process)

• Prepare brochures on window policies
• Prepare brochure on synthetic siding policies
• Prepare brochure on the economics of historic preservation and financial incentives available
• Develop programs for educating public on local architectural styles
• Provide mailings to residents of historic district on a set, regular basis to include informational/educational material.
• Develop presentation to Chamber of Commerce regarding HPC role and economics of historic preservation.
• Promote National Historic Preservation Week each year.
• Develop resource list of historic preservation architects, contractors, and consultants.
• Historical Preservation topic bulletin board at City Hall.
• Develop a list of potential historic preservation topics for the Library Series seminars.
• Coordinate workshops with Preservation Partners.
• Establish a Resource Center on Historic Preservation topics.
• Establish agenda items for presentation at City Council meetings.
• Attend local/state/national workshops or conferences on historic preservation or related subjects to assist in educating others and fulfill the CLG requirements.

Collaboration

The Historic Preservation Commission needs to seek allies in Historic Preservation.

Collaboration Initiatives (boldfaced initiatives are currently in process)

• Participate in identifying historic points of interest in the Geneva Trail Map.
• Collaborate with City regarding parking issues in Historic District.
• Work with the Strategic Planning Advisory Commission on promoting and implementing ordinances.
• Collaborate with other groups to form an "Unveiling" party to remove synthetic siding from historic buildings.
• Work to expand funding for the Façade Improvement Program.
• Expand the volunteer base for historic preservation causes.
• Collaborate with Preservation Partners to provide architecture walk along S. River Lane.
• Develop stronger relationships with other organizations including: historic preservation groups, city officials, downtown committees, and Chamber of Commerce.

Motivation

There are many historic preservation success stories throughout the community which need to be recognized and repeated. Since the Historic Preservation Commission reviews a large number of building permit applications, the Commission should also promote outstanding efforts.

Motivation Initiatives (boldfaced initiatives are currently in process)

• Recognize city officials and citizens for significant efforts in Historic Preservation.
• Develop an awards program for positive accomplishments in historic preservation.
• Develop public awareness of neglected historic buildings.
• Develop a Special Recognition award for historic preservation outside of the Historic District.

Accomplishments

Develop a written policy on reviewing windows.

Complete intensive building survey of existing Historic District.

Include Historic Preservation components into the City of Geneva web page.

Reestablish Big Spring Historical Site in original location.

Designate Riverbank Laboratories as a Local Landmark.

Incorporate Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation into current ordinance.

Reestablish Big Spring Historical Site in original location (coordination with Geneva Historical Society).

Create a bibliography of historic resources.

Develop informational brochure for people living within the Historic District.

Establish a resource center on historic preservation topics (ongoing).

Include historic preservation components into the City of Geneva webpage (ongoing).

Develop stronger relationships with other organizations.

Attend local/state/national workshops or conferences on historic preservation or related subjects to assist in educating others and fulfill the CLG requirements (ongoing).

Develop an awards program for positive accomplishments in historic preservation (annually).

Resources

The Historic Preservation Commission comprises seven members. To accomplish the work deemed necessary to preserve the historical character of Geneva, additional resources must be tapped.

• Historic Preservation Commission.
• Citizen Volunteers.
• Other Historic Preservation Groups.
• City Officials.
• Consultants.

Implementation Process

• Edit existing list of initiatives.
• Prioritize list.
• Establish timeline for projects.
• Assemble resources.
• Obtain funding.
• Implement project.
• Repeat.

List of potential landmarks Updated 9-19-00

East Side

• 38 Crissey (c. 1890 – Queen Anne)
• 215 Crissey ("Hickory Hill" Forrest Crissey House – 1854/1885 – Greek Revival)
• 128 Garfield (1857)
• 221 Jefferson (Abbott House – 1850 – Greek Revival)
• 410 School (Lustron house c. 1948)
• 23 N. Bennett (Bennett Mill bldg)
• 310 Sandholm (Alexander House – c. 1838 – Greek Revival)
• 130 E. State (Middaugh House – 1839))
• 223 E. State (Chas. Bennett House – 1866)
• 230 E. State (Henry Bennett House – 1867)
• 324 E. State (East Side School – 1900)
• 228 Spring (Italianate)

South Side

• 406 Peck (Cottage School Bldg. – 1873 – Gothic Revival)
• 316 Elizabeth Place (stone mansion)
• 814 Batavia (Queen Anne – c. 1890)
• 1101 Batavia (Davis House – c. 1892 – Queen Anne)
• 1301 Batavia (Curtis House – c. 1865 – Italianate)
• 734 Shady (Giles Spring House – c. 1850 – Italianate)
• 1015 Fargo (Nelson House – 1894 – worker’s cottage)
• 520 Ray (c. 1920 – Tudor Revival)
• 1600 Crissey (Fabyan Windmill 1860/1914)
• 1511 Batavia (Fabyan Villa 1907 – Frank Lloyd Wright)
• 1007 Batavia (c. 1890 – Colonial Revival)
• 909 Batavia (c. 1920 – Tudor Revival)
• 949 Batavia (Geneva House 1950 – Jacques Brownson)
• 944 Batavia (c. 1880? – Greek Revival/Colonial Revival)
• 719 Batavia (Cole/Pope House – 1867 – Italianate)

West Side

• 1101 W. State (Lofborn House – c. 1915 – Bungalow)
• 709 South (Craftsman – c. 1909)
• 814 South (Italianate – c. 1885)
• 1403 South (Hubbard/Jones House – 1849/1855 – Greek Revival)
• 1250 South (Country Day School 1927 – Holabird & Roche)
• 1222 W. State (c. 1900)
• 1510 W. State (farmhouse – c. 1890 – L-form)
• 1502 W. State (farmhouse – c. 1890 – L-form)
• 1302 W. State (Italianate farmhouse – c. 1880)
• 1800 W. State (Oscar Swan Inn – 1932)
• 823 Hamilton (First Swedish Baptist Church 1906)