Structure in Geneva should retain landmark status

On Sept. 26, the Geneva City Council will consider an appeal of the Historic Preservation Commission’s unanimous decision to deny an application to de-designate and demolish the historic landmark building at 4 E. State St., the onetime Alexander Brothers Blacksmith Shop that is among the oldest remaining buildings in Geneva.

This humble building represents the transformation of the city of Geneva from its first years as a settlement to today.The Shodeen Family Foundation’s application hinges on their position that there is no financially viable means to rehabilitate the building. However, during the Historic Preservation Commission hearing process, the city’s consultants Teska Associates, Inc., and the Planera Group showed that there is a feasible path to reuse through public-private partnership.

We urge the City Council to uphold the Historic Preservation Commission’s decision and allow space for a public-private partnership approach to receive the consideration that it deserves.In both 2018 and 2023, Landmarks Illinois, a statewide historic preservation nonprofit, included the building at 4 E. State St. in our annual list of the Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois, a distinction granted to only a handful of places each year.

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