Rockford Sun

City of Rockford Historic Preservation Commission met Sept. 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Present: Amanda Becker, Maureen Kirschmann, Frank St. Angel, Jennifer Spencer, and Alderman Mark Bonne

Absent: Valerie Olafson, Brad Benedict

Staff: Rudy Moreno, Scott Capovilla, John Wuich

Other: Joann Rossi, Scott Muth

Meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM by Chairperson Spencer

Roll Call and Determination of Quorum:

Five members present and two absent – Quorum.

Public Hearing:

None

Approval of Minutes

A MOTION was made by Alderman Bonne to APPROVE the August 12, 2025 meeting minutes. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner Spencer and CARRIED by a vote of 2-0 with Commissioners Becker, St. Angel, and Kirschmann abstained from voting.

Unfinished Business:

None

New Business:

Request for Certificate of Appropriateness – Stepping Stones of Rockford – 420 South Third Street – Allow 1) the removal of two existing carriage house columns and a limestone foundation wall supporting the columns, 2) the installation of two concrete piers, 3) the installation of new matching wooden columns, 4) the installment of new railings between the two new concrete piers, and 5) the partial removal and replacement of existing concrete driveway as described on the submitted COA application.

Scott Muth, on behalf of Stepping Stones of Rockford, shared applications and details. Joan Rossi, Director of Buildings and Grounds, described the scope of work and existing conditions.

Ms. Rossi clarified they will try to salvage some of the limestone and will attempt to have them formed into piers to support the new columns. The cost to replace the limestone exactly as is would cost approximately $29,000.

Commissioner St Angel and Commissioner Spencer discussed work details with Joan and Scott. Commissioners St. Angel and Spencer suggested widening the supporting wall and placing a cap on top if possible.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Kirschmann to APPROVE the application for the Certificate of Appropriateness for 420 South Third Street. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner Becker and CARRIED by a vote of 5-0.

Request for Certificate of Appropriateness – City of Rockford – 713 East State Street (Shumway Market Building) – install a new handrail at the entrance to the Shumway Building for the Rockford Area Arts Council.

Scott Capovilla, Planning and Zoning Manager, described the scope of work on behalf of the City. Commissioner Spencer and Mr. Capovilla discussed the location of the proposed railing.

Commissioner St. Angel asked why the proposed railing color doesn’t match the existing railing on the ramp. Commissioner Spencer speculated that the proposed railing style does not match the existing character of the building.

Mr. Capovilla suggested HPC request the color and style of the proposed railing match the existing rail on the ramp. Commissioner Spencer motioned for HPC to recommend a black tube-style rail to match the existing.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Spencer to APPROVE the application for the Certificate of Appropriateness for 713 East State Street. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner St. Angel and CARRIED by a vote of 5-0

Communication and staff report:

None

Adjournment:

With no other business Commissioner Kirschmann made a MOTION to ADJOURN. The MOTION was SECONDED by Commissioner St. Angel and CARRIED by a vote of 5-0

The meeting was adjourned at 5:48 pm

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