Roll Call and Determination of Quorum:
Approval of Minutes
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Benedict to APPROVE the December 9, 2025 meeting minutes. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner Kirschmann and CARRIED by a vote of 6-0.
Unfinished Business
None.
Request for Certificate of Appropriateness
Studio GWA - 219 South Second Street - phased improvements that includes exterior alterations to the midcentury modern wing, site improvements, a new dumpster enclosure, and a future patio addition as described on the submitted application.
Selection of Officers
Nominations for Chairman and Vice-Chairman.
Communication and Staff Report
Presentation of the Rockford Historic Preservation Commission 2025 Annual Report.
Adjournment
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Meeting was called to order at 5:35 PM by Chairperson Amanda Becker.
Present: Amanda Becker, Maureen Kirschmann, Frank St. Angel, James Hoeft, Brad Benedict, and Alderman Mark Bonne
Absent: Valerie Olafson
Staff: Scott Capovilla
Other: Marcia Mueller, Lori Stafford, Tevin Stafford
Jennifer Spencer of Studio GWA presented on behalf of the owner of the building, Centennial United, LLC. Ms. Spencer explained that this would be a two phase redevelopment. The first phase would be converting the mid-century modern classroom wing into 10 upscale apartments.
She provided floor plans of the existing conditions and the proposed build-out along with elevations.
Ms. Spencer said the first phase would also include some stabilization of the church portion of this building but the ultimate plans for the church would be in a second phase down the road. The second phase would be redevelopment of the church building. Ms. Spencer said they are possibly looking at a brewery restaurant type of concept but that will be down the road.
Commissioner Bonne nominated Amanda Becker to serve as chair.
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Bonne to APPROVE Amanda Becker as chair. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner Benedict and CARRIED by a vote of 5-0-1 with Commissioner Becker abstaining.
Commissioner St. Angel nominated James Hoeft to serve as vice-chair.
A MOTION was made by Commissioner St. Angel to APPROVE James Hoeft as vice-chair. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner Bonne and CARRIED by a vote of 5-0-1 with Commissioner Hoeft abstaining.
Planning & Zoning Manager Scott Capovilla gave a presentation of the Rockford Historic Preservation Commission 2025 Annual Report. Mr. Capovilla highlighted the achievements of the Commission over the past year and redevelopment projects that have occurred and will occur this coming year.
A MOTION was made by Alderman Bonne to APPROVE the annual report amending the Survey section and replacing the word “pursuing” with “exploring”. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commission St. Angel and CARRIED by a vote of 6-0.
Commissioner Bonne handed out some information regarding the demolition process of potential historic buildings. He stated these handouts were put together by Ron Clewer, who is president of Landmarks Illinois.
Commissioner Hoeft inquired if the metal would remain at the bottom of the mid-century wing. Ms. Spencer stated that this is a window curtain so it is all one unit and it will be replaced. They intend to mimic the same style with the new window curtain.
Commissioner Hoeft also inquired about the downspouts. Ms. Spencer stated they will try to hide the downspouts with the final design.
A MOTION was made by Alderman Bonne to APPROVE the application for the Certificate of Appropriateness for 219 South Second Street. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commission Hoeft and CARRIED by a vote of 6-0.
The commission discussed the pros and cons of changes to the ordinance and brought up many buildings that are not currently designated as landmarks, but should be, that they would not want to see demolished. The commission had a very spirited and robust discussion regarding this topic. After a lengthy discussion, Commissioner Benedict requested this discussion be tabled until the City Council directs the HPC to review any proposed legislative changes to the HPC ordinance.
Marcia Mueller, a resident of Brown Hills/Knightsville Historic District, spoke to the commission about the recent fire that occurred at her home. She inquired about exterior repairs, mainly window replacement, and sought advice from the commission on the type of windows that should be installed.
Tevin Stafford spoke to the commission regarding historic properties that are in disrepair and provided some ideas on programs to help save them. He cited Savannah, Georgia as a great example of a city dedicated to historic preservation with a fund they developed to help distressed historic properties. Mr. Stafford also would like to see the city establish a list of historic properties that are not currently landmarks that should be saved.
Lori Stafford also spoke in favor of her son’s ideas and would like to see more of our historic buildings preserved and redeveloped
With no other business Commissioner Benedict made a MOTION to ADJOURN. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner Kirschmann and CARRIED by a vote of 6-0
The meeting was adjourned at 7:03 pm
Commissioner Bonne stated that the City’s demolition review system has significant structural gaps that allow historic buildings to be demolished without meaningful review by HPC unless they are already designated as historic.
He wants the HPC to write legislation to beef up the rules and regulations regarding demolition. Planning & Zoning Manager Scott Capovilla responded that all ordinance changes must come from the City Council. However, Mr. Capovilla said that any proposed legislation can and should be brought before the commission for their recommendation.