Chicago City Wire

City of Wheaton Historic Commission met Aug. 19

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

I. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm

Present In-person — Debra Corwin (Chair), Bob Purdy (Secretary), John Corcoran, Louise Ferrebee, Nancy Flannery, Grace Hoizhaeuer, Elizabeth Krecisz

Absent — Mike Hill, Syed Hussain

Public Comments

Victor and Pamela Gryniewicz presented their 1231 Delles Road home history research and application for the Historic Register.

Welcome New Commission Members

A. John Corcoran and Grace Holzhaeuer reviewed their backgrounds and interest in serving with the commission.

B. The recent reminders regarding the Open Meetings Act relating to meetings and emails were shared with members.

Approval of June Meeting Minutes

Approved on a motion by Louise, seconded by Lizzy, and passed unanimously.

Treasurer Report

No new expenditures to report since the last meeting.

Vl. Old Business

A. Fall Lecture by the Ostbergs. History of Wheaton Fairgrounds will be presented Thursday, October 23 at 7 pm at Wheaton Public Library. Registration is now available at the library event calendar: History of Wheaton's Fairgrounds i Wheaton Public Library Bob will seek to adapt the library promotion piece for our use at the September 20 block party and other publicity opportunities.

B. French Market. The September 2O commission exhibit will be cancelled. Louise will be requesting two 2026 dates from Leslie Cahill, General Manager of the French Markets.

C. Community Relations Commission Block Party Sept 20. The commission will be participating at this event in Memorial Park from noon to 3 pm as follows: 

• Speaker. Nancy has agreed to speak about Wheaton History and the work of the Commission.

• Exhibit. We will have a tabletop display staffed by three members. Brochures, handouts, and Wheaton Historic Register information will be available.

D. Blueprint Project. Nancy reported on the progress of this inventory. Over 300 blueprints from the WHPC storage boxes have been accessed, and available information recorded: Date, Address, Subdivision, Owner, Architect, Builder, So far, 50 Wheaton buildings have been identified as Robert H. Salisbury designs, and several of those are represented by the discovered blueprints. More blueprints remain in other storage boxes; these will be accessed and read in the near future.

New Business

A. 1231 Delles Road Historic Register application. Victor Gryniewicz will be following with additional information for his application regarding the architect and previous owners.

B. Annual Report. Debra distributed the 2024/2025 Annual Report and the 2025/2026 Annual Report to be completed and submitted to City Council in October. Commissioners were asked to bring to next meeting activities that would:

• Promote awareness of Wheaton's history

• Help us engage with the City and other groups interested in our history

• Inform and educate the public on the historic and architectural heritage of the City

• New ideas to identify significant properties, structures, and areas within the City

Vlll. Tabled (to allow time to discuss the Annual Report)

A. 2026 Preservation WeekTalk

B. WalkingTour of Main Street—What is possible with GIS map?

C. "Meet and Greet” for future date

Commissioner Comments

A motion to adjourn was made by Llzzy, seconded byJohn, and passed unanimously.The meeting adjourned at 9:14 pm.

Xl. Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

https://www.wheaton.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08192025-2916