Champaign Landmarks Brochure - City of Champaign

The following is a guide through the landmarkdesignation process. More details about theprocess can be found in the City of Champaign’sZoning Ordinance.Applications for nominating aStep 1. landmark can be picked up at theApplication toChampaign Planning Department.NominateThe application needs to indicatewhy the property should beconsidered as a landmark. Planning Staffwill guide the applicant through theapplication process and form.Once the application isStep 2. completed, it is reviewed by StaffHPC Review and forwarded to the HistoricPreservation Commission (HPC)for review. Based on its findings,the Commission will either approve or denythe application.Step 3.PlanCommissionStep 4.City CouncilFinal ApprovalHOW CAN I HAVE AHOW CAN I HAVE APROPERTY DESIGNATED AS PROPERTY DESIGNATED AS ACHAMPAIGN LANDMARK?CHAMPAIGN LANDMARK?If the HPC finds the propertyeligible for Landmark status, thePlan Commission will hold apublic hearing on the applicationand review the findings.Based on findings from Staff,recommendations and approvalsfrom both Commissions, andinput from the public, the CityCouncil designates the landmark.The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) isa nine member group appointed by the Mayorwith the approval of City Council. Commissionersrepresent a demonstrated interest andexpertise in historic preservation, history, architecture,architectural history, redevelopment,building and construction, and real estate.The Historic Preservation Commission’sresponsibilities include:♦♦♦♦ABOUT THE HISTORICPRESERVATIONCOMMISSION...Advising the Plan Commission and the CityCouncil on all potential landmark anddistrict designations,Overseeing an ongoing survey project toidentify historically and architecturallysignificant properties and areas in the Cityof Champaign,Protecting the distinctive visual characteristicsof landmarks and districts by reviewingproposed changes to the exterior of suchstructures,Undertaking other activities to protect andenhance the community’s heritage.The HPC meets the first Thursday of February,May, September and November 4:00 p.m. inthe City Council Chambers at 102 N. Neil St.,Champaign. They also meet as needed to reviewcases in a timely fashion. The meetingsare televised and open to the public. Citizensare encouraged to attend.Champaign LandmarksCity of ChampaignPlanning DepartmentA guide to landmarkpreservation in theCity of ChampaignPost ApprovalRegulationsSignificant changes to the exteriorof a designated landmark arereviewed and approved by eitherStaff or the HPC, depending onthe work proposed.Historic Preservation Commission & Planning Department102 North Neil StreetChampaign, IL 61820Phone: 217-403-8800www.ci.champaign.il.usThe New Art Theatre (formerly the Park Theatre) locatedat 126-128 West Church Street is one of Champaign’shistoric landmarks. The theater is the oldest operatingmotion picture theater in the City of Champaign.

WHAT IS LANDMARKDESIGNATION?WHAT TYPES OF PROPERTIESQUALIFY AS LANDMARKS?Landmark designation means that yourproperty has significant benefit to thehistoric and architectural heritage ofChampaign. It also means that theChampaign City Council officiallyrecognizes the importance and value of theoutward appearance of your property tothe entire community.WHY ARE LANDMARKDESIGNATION AND HISTORICPRESERVATION IMPORTANT?Landmark designation and historicpreservation benefit all citizens ofChampaign. Landmarks help promotepreservation and redevelopment of ourresidential and commercial neighborhoods.Preservation of our historic resourcesprotects and enhances property values andcan provide a significant economic benefitto the property owner and the entirecommunity.Champaign is a Certified Local Government (CLG).For additional information regarding state historicpreservation programs and services available inIllinois, contact:Illinois Historic Preservation AgencyDivision of Preservation ServicesOld State CapitolSpringfield, IL 62701(217) 782-4836or visit the IHPA website at:www.illinoishistory.govThe Owens Funeral Home, located at 101 North Elm Street,is an example of a Georgian Revival home. It receivedlandmark status for its architectural style as well as itsvisibility in the community.WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OFLANDMARK DESIGNATION?♦ Enhances building’s prestige♦ Could potentially increase the value ofthe property♦ Contributes to neighborhoodstabilization♦ Allows for potential economic benefitsfor buildings that are national or statelandmarks*Owners may:♦ Receive technical assistance from CityStaff and the Champaign HistoricPreservation Commission♦ Receive a commemorative plaque fordesignated property*Property owners may receive grants through the State’sCLG program and other tax benefits such as federalincome tax credits for rehabilitating commercialbuildings and state property tax assessment freezes forresidential rehabilitation.Properties that have one or more of thefollowing criteria:♦ Historical, cultural, artistic, social orethnic significance,♦ Association with an important personor event in history,♦ Important architecture - architecturalvalues for studying a period in history,craftsmanship, or method ofconstruction,♦ Rare architectural style or buildingthat has undergone very little changesince its construction,♦ Notable work of a master builder,designer, architect or artist,♦ Established and familiar visual featurein the community,♦ Honorary designations are also givento historic properties owned by othertaxing districts,♦ Non-building objects such as bridges,public art, and statues may also beeligible for landmark status.Historic landmarks may be commercial, religious, institutional,civic, or residential structures. They may also be public art,statues, or sites of historic places. The Buzard Pipe OrganCraftsman building , formerly the Women’s Town Club, is one ofthe City’s historic landmarks that is a commercial building.