Rock Island Today

City of Moline Historic Preservation Advisory Commission met May 8.

Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:

Introduction of Guests: Alderman Lori Turner, Jolene Keeney & John Wetzel

Approval of Minutes – April 10, 2017: Motion to approve the April 10th minutes by Commissioner Mack, seconded by Commissioner Senatra received a unanimous vote of approval.

Reports:

• Sears Warehouse – “The Q” - Depot Clock: Commissioner Potter stated that he had talked with city engineer Scott Hinton regarding the Commission’s desire to incorporate the historic depot clock into the east wall of the Stair tower. Scott indicated that the timing was good as architectural drawings had not as yet been done. Commissioner Mack said he would forward all drawings and information regarding the size and weight of the decorative pieces that surround the clock to Scott Hinton and would keep Metro Director Jeff Nelson informed as well. Commissioner Mizner said he had spoken to Economic Planning Director Ray Forsythe and Ray indicated that he felt placing the clock on the tower would be a good idea. Commissioner Senatra suggested that someone from the architectural firm be invited to view the architectural pieces to determine just how much cleaning would need to be done before they could be set into the tower. He also stated a cost estimate for all work for this project should be sought and who would take ownership once the clock was in place.

• Wilson House: Trimble’s have sold the house to Sean Vogler of Olde Town Roofing. The new owner plans to renovate the house for use as their business office adding an addition to the East side of the structure, putting on a new roof and making repairs to the crumbling brick façade.

• Sylvan Island Bridge: The contract has been let for the replacement of the Historic Sylvan Island Bridge. Commissioners were shown a photo of the proposed bridge design which resembles the historic bridge now in place. Commissioner Senatra asked if there were any plans for relocating the old bridge onto the island. No one was present who could answer this question. It was hoped that Friends of Off Road Cycling would be available to help clean up the Island trails once the bridge is in place.

• Prospect Park pavilion –update: Alderman Lori Turner spoke to the Commission seeking their support for partnering with the Moline Corporation Development Committee MCDC, to garner grants for the repair of the Pavilion. MCDC is a 501c3 organization that can make grant requests for worthy projects within the city. She stated that costs for the renovation to the Pavilion have been determined by engineering consultants but the Park Board does not have sufficient funding to commit to the project without outside help. A motion by Commissioner Mack, seconded by Commissioner Senatra was approved by the Commission to allow Alderman Turner to include the Commission as a partner and supporter of the renovation the Pavilion in her grant applications.

• Collector Center site – update: Nothing new

• Downtown Heritage tour – update: Commissioner Sandberg stated that new promotional material for the tour should be designed in a 9 x 4 inch size which is the standard size for displaying in hotel and visitors center racks. The current postcard size is unique, but fails to get enough information out regarding the details of the tour. She also stated that material was being gathered to re-submit an Application for consideration of the Downtown Heritage tour for Landmarks Driehaus annual preservation award.

• Chase Building: Work is progressing on the conversion of the classic office/bank building into upscale apartments.

• Spiegel building: Nothing new.

• Other

Old Business:

• John Deere House: Nothing new. Neighboring house has been on the market but has not sold and is now occupied by its owner.

• Main Street/Façade rehabilitation: Applications are on hold due to lack of funding.

• Garfield School: Work has begun on the renovation of the school into elder housing.

• Future development of Ray’s Appliance: Nothing new.

• List of Moline’s historically and architecturally buildings –survey/inventory: No action taken.

New Business:

• Rock Island County Court House: Commissioner Senatra provided Commission members documents detailing cost for potential repairs to the Court House and issues regarding code deficiencies and ADA requirements etc. The building has been deemed to be structurally sound but suffers from years of deferred maintenance. Commissioners discussed the issue of preserving historic architectural components within the Court House should it be scheduled for demolition. There was also concern for the current lack of preservation being given to historic paper documents stored in the County Office Building that suffered water damage from a leak in the roof.

• Rock Island County Board has designated July 18, 2017 for a public meeting for comment on adaptive reuse or demolition of the Court House.

Announcements

Adjournment: Next meeting June 12, 2017

http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4071