Stewards of local history: Preservation Partners seeks creative solutions to save historic structures

Why does anyone think it is a good idea to save the crumbling old blacksmith shop structure on the Geneva property that once housed Mill Race Inn?

Why do we hear about historic preservation commissions seemingly making it hard for owners of historic homes to make renovations or even consider demolition at some point?

The answers to those questions are many and varied, the type that Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley has contemplated for 50 years, since the days it was known as Restorations of Kane County and became active in restoring the 1843 Durant-Peterson house in LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles to convert it into a museum.

Since then, Preservation Partners has stuck to its mantra of educating area residents about history, while avoiding “taking sides” in debates about historical sites. Still, the organization hopes to see structures saved by historic preservation commissions and landowners agreeing on solutions that satisfy all parties.

“Our approach is solution-based and we try to support anyone who is wanting to work toward saving a particular building, but our mindset is looking for a solution that benefits both the property owner and the community,” said Al Watts, the Partners’ community engagement director since 2021. “We understand not all historic structures will be saved, because that is not practical, but there are solutions that some don’t think are possible. You have to open up the creativity and try to get people to work together to find those solutions.”

Preservation Partners is best known for managing and staffing four historic structures — the 1843 Durant-Peterson House and 1872 Sholes School, both in LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles; and the 1907 redesigned Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Garden in Fabyan Forest Preserve in Geneva.

But it keeps tabs on all things historic and will alert followers and supporters of various demolition debates or other historical building challenges.

Two such projects getting recent attention are the historic 1843 Judge Barry House at 217 Cedar Ave. in St. Charles and the limestone blacksmith shop in Geneva.

In both cases, the owners are seeking to move or demolish the historic structures to make way for development. In the Judge Barry House case, it is Baker United Methodist Church seeking space for parking. In the blacksmith shop case, it is Shodeen Family Foundation wanting to move forward from numerous fines for not repairing the building and other squabbles with the city regarding the future development of that parcel along the Fox River.

“In looking at the Judge Barry House, it has a significant historical figure attached to the building. There are no structural problems, it is not extraordinarily expensive to repair, so what is the reason to tear it down?” Watts asked.

While the St. Charles historic preservation commission recommended denying demolition, Watts said he understands the owner’s viewpoint. “But I feel like there are solutions they haven’t considered,” he noted. “If they were to get a final no on demolition, maybe they will reach out to us to find a solution.”

The blacksmith shop presents a different problem. “It is a rare, landmarked building that is in terrible condition,” Watts noted. “The owner has some responsibility to every building they own, and they own a lot of buildings in the area.

“Any other building that is falling apart, they would be cited for it or fix it,” he added. “In this case, they seem not interested in doing so.”

He understands the frustrations of the developer, but notes this small building represents the last structure that used water power on the river in Geneva, and “the entire industrial history of Geneva comes from that one little building.”

In stating his personal opinion, not that of Preservation Partners, Watts leans toward less-expensive solutions than trying to save the building as a museum or other use.

“I think the best solution is to essentially make it a piece of art as a backdrop to a garden or something,” he suggested. “It wouldn’t need a roof probably, and not a lot of money to shore up the building so it wouldn’t fall down.”

Watts feels the building is so close to the State Street bridge that not much else could go on that land anyway, though he admits he may not be fully aware of any flood plain areas that would come into play.

Ultimately, Preservation Partners will live up to its name and continue to support preservation. But it supports logical and sensible solutions that follow city codes and variances.

The organization would get engaged in any community’s historical discussions, even those as simple as replacing windows, siding or a roof on a historic structure.

“If we felt we had something relevant to add to those conversations, we would do it,” Watts said. “But the local historic preservation commissions are very solution-based. They want a project to go through, but are just asking for variances to a proposal for it to fit in better with a historic district.”

In that regard, the Preservation Partners of Fox Valley has remained busy and diligent about local history. Kelsey Shipton has been executive director of the organization since 2018, when Liz Safanda retired after 33 years in that role.

Part-time roles are filled by Watts, Debra Corwin and Vivien Lasken, while about 100 adult volunteers and junior docents support organization efforts.

It’s a strong team that leaves our local history in good hands.

Some bistro time

After many years as Ristorante Chianti and then a short run as Mandrake, the restaurant site at 201 S. Third St. in Geneva has been converted to a French bistro theme.

Owners of the Craft Urban restaurant in Geneva have opened Le Cochon Wine Bar and Bistro at a spot that had a significant makeover when Mandrake moved in a couple of years ago after the closing of Chianti.

The new bistro had its soft opening a couple weeks ago and, as of this writing, were open for dinner from 4 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

A grand opening is planned for March, and extended hours are expected.

Dancing to a title

During a recent Geneva boys basketball home game, the girls on the Geneva High School dance team performed at halftime.

This thought crossed my mind when watching their routine: “These girls are really, really good.”

A week or so later, the Daily Herald headlines informed me the Geneva team won the state championship for its division in dance competition. And a week or two later, the team was featured on WGN-TV morning news.

Yes, they were that good.

It’s a wonderful reward for any high school dance team, and we’ve seen many of our high schools do well in these competitions. And the girls deserve it.

Many parents whose daughters were involved in high school dance team programs have basically told me the same thing over the years. This is the “longest season” of any athletic activity or team sport and the year-round commitment to excel is extraordinary.

Immerse yourself at library

Possibly taking a cue that immersing oneself in digital and visual programming is quite popular, the St. Charles Public Library has launched STC Immersive.

The library calls it an offering that “combines technology, storytelling, and stunning visual effects to create an engaging multi-sensory experience for patrons of all ages.”

It will feature staff-produced shows on the library’s 10-by-36-foot wide-screen.

The library says it is the first in its field to bring this sort of programming to the local community.

What is the first show on tap for March 27 to April 1? It’s a fly-me-to-the-moon kind of thing titled, “From the Earth to the Moon: An Immersive Celebration of the Visionary Authors who Inspired Space Exploration.”

STC Immersive shows are free, but registration is required. More than 20 showings are scheduled for March. Reservations can be made in person or through the library website.

• dheun@sbcglobal.net