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Plan commission conditions Twin Towers Chapel certificate of appropriateness: full repaint required
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a certificate of appropriateness for exterior repairs at the Twin Towers Chapel in the Old Orland Historic District, adding a condition that the entire building be repainted to preserve historic character; the recommendation advances to the village board.
The Eller Park Planning Commission on Sept. 16 recommended that the village board approve a certificate of appropriateness for exterior repairs at the Twin Towers Chapel, with a condition that the entire building be repainted to preserve the structure's historic character.
The chapel, a landmark and contributing structure in the Old Orland Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, sought approval for roof replacement (Owens Corning shingles, estate gray), gutters and downspouts in white, selective siding replacement on the towers (cedar scallop shingles) and, as the petitioner clarified at the hearing, repainting. Contractor Robert West told the commission the insurance scope initially quoted painting "only 2 sides of the building," which prompted extensive discussion about preservation standards and insurance coverage.
Why it matters: Staff and the village attorney cited design standards for the historic district that require materials and colors to be compatible with the original appearance. The village attorney referenced code language (design standards for siding, brick and trim) and said paint and material choices should "match and be compatible in character, color and texture with the original." Residents and a trustee with insurance experience, Dina Lawrence, told the commission that when an ordinance requires a code-compliant repair, insurance law/ordinance coverage can trigger payment of the additional required work.
Lead paint and scope: Contractors reported existing lead-based paint under the top layers; the contractor described a plan to strip failing paint and repaint, and said some cedar elements on the steeples are deteriorated and will be replaced in kind. Commissioners expressed concern about the visual effect of repainting only two elevations and the risk of mismatched tones if only a subset of façades is repainted.
Amended staff recommendation and vote: Staff recommended approval of a certificate of appropriateness but amended its recommended motion in the hearing to add a condition that the entire building be repainted. Commissioner Mick (moved) and Commissioner Paul (second) moved the amended staff recommendation; the commission voted unanimously to recommend approval to the board of trustees. Staff and petitioners said the commission's condition would be provided to the board; the applicant indicated awareness that if insurance did not cover the full repainting they would be responsible for costs.
Next steps: The planning commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the village board for final action. The applicant must secure applicable building and fire permits for roofing and exterior work, and staff will continue to work with the petitioner on final scope and compliance with historic design standards.
