City’s new historic‑preservation reuse grant program being rolled out; staff says $40,000 budgeted for fiscal year

Geneva staff told the Historic Preservation Commission on May 20 that the City Council approved a new historic preservation/adaptive reuse grant program and that the city budgeted $40,000 for the current fiscal year to support eligible projects.

An assistant planner reported the program was approved about two weeks earlier and the application packet and web materials are being finalized for public release. Staff said residential properties are not categorically excluded but the program’s review criteria prioritize projects in high‑traffic commercial corridors, projects that improve site appearance, contribute to economic vitality, and serve as catalysts for reuse or redevelopment.

When commissioners asked whether HPC would have input, staff said that if an application requires a building permit, the commission’s review or recommendation on the permit would be incorporated into the city’s incentive recommendation to council. Staff added that eligibility and review criteria are being refined and that the program will be revisited after an initial year in operation.

Commissioners and public commenters suggested the commission and staff consider residential grant thresholds and models used elsewhere. In public comment, a preservation representative noted examples from St. Charles and Batavia where residential matching grants of $5,000 have been used and suggested Geneva examine similar tools if it wants residential projects to be competitive.

Staff said no funds from the $40,000 had been expended as of the meeting and that the online application would be available shortly.