Blacksmith Shop May Not Be Saved After All; Special Meeting Set For Tuesday

GENEVA, IL — The Geneva City Council will officially decide the fate of a historic downtown blacksmith shop at a special meeting Tuesday.

Council members will vote to potentially reverse the Geneva Historic Preservation Commission's Aug. 15 decision to deny the demolition of the Alexander Brothers' Blacksmith Shop, standing at 4 E. State St.

Commissioners saved it from demolition with a unanimous vote that also denied the de-designation of the historic landmark.

The property was identified in 2008 as one of the 63 in Geneva that should be landmarked and protected, as it played an "important role in illustrating how Genevans have lived throughout the years," according to city documents. In 2018, City Council approved its landmark designation and three years later reduced it to just the limestone structure rather than the entire 1.4-acre plot of land it sits on.

The Shodeen Family Foundation, which owns the circa 1843 limestone structure, applied for demolition, saying the shop could not be economically renovated and put into service. The finding was based on a proposed development scenario to repurpose the structure as a single-occupant management office for the foundation, Patch reported.

In deciding, some commissioners explained they were not convinced the applicant proved the structure to be a financial or economic hardship.

Director of Community Development David DeGroot received a letter from the applicant's attorney Sept. 7 requesting City Council consider an appeal to the Geneva Historic Preservation Commission's Aug. 15 determination to deny a request for demolition.

RELATED: Old Blacksmith Shop In Geneva Will Keep Landmark Designation

According to documents, the owner satisfied four standards required under city code for demolition. They include the site being a hazard to the safety and welfare of the general public or occupants; a deterrent to a significant improvement program that will be a substantial benefit to the public; an undue economic hardship to the owner; and not in the best interest for the majority of the community.

Both the building owner and commission have the right to be heard at appeal proceedings.

The meeting will be held at City Hall, 22 S. First St.