The Historic Preservation Commission is a group of dedicated volunteers that have an interest in historic preservation and a deep sense of pride in the history of Crystal Lake.  The Commission meets the first Thursday of each month at 3:00 PM. 

Current Petitions

Crystal Lake Academy Building- Landmark (St. Mary's Church Tarpley House) 

  • City Council Meeting - Continued to December 3, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
    The petition is being continued from the November 19th City Council meeting to the December 3rd City Council meeting.  Anyone wishing to attend the meeting, please note the date change.
  • Special Meeting - November 7, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
    Crystal Lake Academy Building / Former Gates House Public Hearing

The Commission held a public hearing on the landmark application for the St. Mary's Episcopal Church Tarpley House building (Crystal Lake Academy Building, Gates House).  They voted to approve the request.  The application will proceed to the November 19th City Council meeting.

Applicant's presentation

St. Mary's presentation

Full public meeting

 

Responsibilities

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) hears requests for:

  • Landmark status - the landmark process to preserve the exterior façade of the structure. 
  • Certificates of appropriateness - review of certain exterior alterations.
  • Grant disbursements - funds paid for eligible work up to $500.
  • Community projects - assistance with a variety of projects including restoration of cemetery headstones. 
  • Additionally, the Commission plans and participates in many historic events and presents the Annual Heritage Tour. 

Annual Heritage Tour

Each year a new tour is created, highlighting a section of the City or time period in the City's history. Tickets are sold to the community and frequently sell out. Funds raised from the tour are used to provide funds for the matching grants. Additional information regarding the Annual Heritage Tour can be found here.

Landmark Program

The landmark program is an excellent way to preserve the history of Crystal Lake and the structures on your property. The City's landmark program bestows legal protection to a property for the purpose of preserving its public character and history. A landmarked property is recognized as a public asset that enriches the community of Crystal Lake by virtue of its architecture and/or the people and events associated with it. 

The Commission acts on behalf of the community and works to ensure the integrity of a landmarked property is not destroyed by demolition, inappropriate changes, or neglect. Landmark status preserves the exterior façade of your home or business.  

Landmark Program Application Process

The Landmark Program Application Process is a labor of love that will take you on a historic journey.  Utilizing the resources at the Historical Society and working with staff and HPC members you will research your property's history. If the property is eligible, you will make an application and present the information. After receiving landmark status, you are eligible for grant funding for eligible exterior renovations which preserve the character. Landmarked properties receive a commemorative plaque, purchased by the commission, for public display. 

Property Renovations, Alterations, and Additions

Landmark status does not limit your enjoyment and use of your property. The Commission has created a guide outlining appropriate changes that can be made to properties. 

Certain exterior changes to a plaqued property require submittal and approval by the commission of a Certificate of Appropriateness. The Certificate of Appropriateness submittal requires details of the proposed work and any cost estimates. These cost estimates are also used to apply for the grant funding.

Matching Grant

The Historic Preservation Commission financially supports local history by dedicating the majority of money earned from fund raising to financial assistance for landmarked properties. The grant is a 50/50 matching grant up to $500 biannually for qualifying projects. The grant application requires approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness, all cost estimates and details about the proposed work including photographs. 

One requirement of the grant program is to have an approved Certificate of Appropriateness. The form is available here. The Commission will  approve or deny the request. Grant funds are not approved and disbursed until the completion of the work and all supporting documentation (final payment receipt and photographs) have been submitted to the commission.