Aldermen on the Community Development Committee agreed this week to help fund restoration work on two downtown landmarks–the Holy Cross Church building, which houses the Park District’s Eastside Community Center, and the 1914 storefront that holds Rachielle Pharmacy. The City Council is expected to vote on the facade improvement grants June 19.
Work on the 1897 church building would focus on its stained glass rose window, which needs repainting and replacement of rotted wood framing.
Workers also would strip and re-stain the mahogany front doors. The project is budgeted to cost $10,500, of which the city would pay $5,250.
The Geiss Building, at 12-14 E. Wilson St., was erected in 1914 as a cigar factory. It would get new windows and a sign for the pharmacy as well as refurbished brickwork and limestone columns. Officials approved issuing a $10,350 grant for the $22,000 project as well as a $1,000 grant to pay for architectural services.
Other downtown business that have applied for facade improvement grants this year include the Batavia Popcorn Depot, which will set up its seasonal stand on Duck Island; Insurance Direct at 29 E. River St.; Tom and Felice Jones, owners of 315 Main St.; and Greg Scharmweber, owner of 1 and 3 E. Wilson St.
The committee is still considering those applications.