2001-60 DESIGNATING A HISTORIC DISTRICT - MACON PLACE

Home Browse Search

HASC July 18, 2001 Page Three Mr. Oak asked if the apartments would be low income. Ms. Miller stated that this is a tax credit project and guidelines must be met. Ms. Bills stated that Section 8 will be accepted. Ms. Cross stated that the owners filed for and support the nomination. Ms. Bills stated that is correct. The next project of Finlay Properties will be Woodrow Wilson School. Mr. Little asked the reason for seeking the registration. Ms. Bills stated that it is for the tax credits and the developer has worked with the State to meet all requirements. Mr. Van Steenhuyse stated that the property had been rezoned for multi family and the plan was approved for 49 units in the school building and 33 townhomes in the playground area. IHPA reviewed the plan and the planned unit development was amended to allow a view of the east facade. The petition will be presented to the City Plan Commission. The two story townhouse units have garages and will have similar gothic treatments. There will be parking between the gymnasium and the townhouses and there will be a playground. Mr. Booth asked what HASC's function is in regard to the registration. Ms. Miller stated that as a Certified Local Government there is an agreement with the State regarding requirements and HASC has the opportunity to review the registration and make a recommendation on the merits of the application. 'Fhe Commission's vote will be forwarded to the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council. Mr. Booth asked if the standards are general as to voting yes or no. Ms. Miller stated that they are pretty general. The application meets Standard C. Ms. Miller stated that the standards are similar to Chapter 31 as it was adopted from the National Register. � Ms. Miller presented the recommendation of staff: Roosevelt Junior High School was completed in 1921 as the central Junior High School for the Decatur Community. Other junior high schools were not constructed in Decatur until 1928 (Johns Hill), 1929 (Centennial) and 1932(Woodrow Wilson). The architectural firm of Brooks and Bramhall designed Roosevelt. The firm also designed other significant structures in the community: Westminster Presbyterian Church, the National Bank of Decatur, some of the buildings at Millikin University, and 7 Montgomery Place (Brook's home). Roosevelt Junior High School is a good example of Late Gothic Revival style. The Gothic Revival style contains elements that resemble a castle such as the twin turrets located at the front entrance and the parapet with its merlons and crenels of the Roosevelt school building. Roosevelt Junior High School meets National Register Criterion C: the structure embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or posses high artistic values. Roosevelt is an example of Late Gothic Revival style in Decatur--one of the few buildings of this style in Decatur. The building maintains its historic integrity of location, design, setting and materials, conveys its architectural significance and meets the criteria for National Register Listing.