HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinances - ORD-19-1970 - 06/17/2019 - Designating the Riverside Chocolate Factory, 2102 W Illinois Route 120, as Historic LandmarkMail To:
McHenry City Clerk
City of McHenry
333 S Green St
McHenry, IL 60050
Prepared BY:
McHenry City Clerk
City of McHenry
333 S Green St
McHenry, IL 60050
COVER SHEET
Ordinance No ORD-19-1970
JOSEPH J. TIRIO
RECORD ER-MCH EN RY COUNTY, IL
2019R0017823
06/18/2019 11:50.14 AM PAGES: 24
GIS FEE 15.00
RECORDING FEE 11.00
AUTOMATION FEE 8.00
Ordinance Designating the Riverside Chocolate Factory, 2102 W Illinois Route 120,
as a Historic Landmark
CITY OF MCHENRY
MCHENRY COUNTY
STATE OF ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NUMBER ORD-19-1970
An Ordinance Designating the Riverside Chocolate Factory,
2102 W Illinois Route 120, as a Historic Landmark
Adopted by the
Mayor and City Council
Of the
City of McHenry
McHenry County
State of Illinois
June 17, 2019
Published in pamphlet form by authority of the Mayor and City Council of the City
of McHenry, McHenry County, Illinois this 181h day of June 2019.
ORDINANCE NO. ORD-19-1970
An Ordinance Designating the Riverside Chocolate Factory, 2102 W Illinois
Route 120, as a Historic Landmark
WHEREAS, Sweet Hunter LLC holds title to the property commonly known as 2102 W
Illinois Route 120, McHenry, IL and legally described on the attached Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, due to its historical significance, the Riverside Chocolate Factory has been
nominated for historic landmark status by the McHenry Landmark Commission; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on June 4, 2019, to consider the Riverside
Chocolate Factory for designation of a Nominated Landmark in accordance with the City of
McHenry Historic Preservation Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing notice for the public hearing on June 4, 2019, was duly
posted; and
WHEREAS, the Landmark Commission determined that the Riverside Chocolate
Factory meets the criteria of the McHenry Historic Preservation Ordinance for designation as a
landmark, evidenced by the report attached hereto as Exhibit B; and recommends that the City
Council designate the Riverside Chocolate Factory as an historic landmark;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of
McHenry, McHenry County, Illinois, as follows:
SECTION 1: The Riverside Chocolate Factory shall be and hereby is designated as a
Historic Landmark.
SECTION 2: A plaque carrying a brief description and account of the historical
significance of the property shall be placed at the Riverside Chocolate Factory.
SECTION 3: The City Clerk is hereby directed to cause a certified copy of this
ordinance, together with said Exhibits A and B to be recorded in the office of the McHenry
County Recorder of Deeds, McHenry County, Illinois.
SECTION 4: This ordinance shall be published in pamphlet form by and under the
authority of the corporate authorities of the City of McHenry, McHenry County, Illinois.
SECTION 5: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its passage, approval,
and publication in pamphlet form as provided by law.
Passed and approved this 17'' day of June, 2019.
Ayes Nays
Alderwoman Baehne
Alderman Devine
Alderman Glab
Alderman Mihevc
Alderwoman Miller
Alderman Santi
Alderman Schaefer
Way J t, M or
Absent Abstain
7 0-.JAI-4�
Monte Johnson,46eputy Clerk
EXHIBIT A
The subject property is located at the northwest corner of Chapel Hill Road and Illinois
Route 120, commonly known as Riverside Chocolate Factory, consists of .13 acres and is
legally described as follows:
A TRACT OF LAND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT A POINT ON THE EAST
LINE OF SECTION 36, 512.60 FEET SOUTH OF THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID
INTERSECTION, AT INTERSECTION OF CENTER LINE OF HIGHWAY AND RUNNING
THENCE NORTH 70 DEGREES, 08 MINUTES WEST, 267.20 FEET; THENCE NORTH 65
DEGREES, 54 MINUTES EAST, 275.30 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 2O3.21 FEET TO THE PLACE
OF BEGINNING, ALL IN THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 36, TOWNSHIP 45
NORTH, RANGE 8 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, (EXCEPTING THEREFROM
ALL THAT PART OF THE LAND CONDEMBED FOR ROAD PURPOSES TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS FOR AN ON BEHALF OF
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOI IN CASE NO.95ED9-PARCEL 141<1036), IN
MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
EXHIBIT B
City of McHenry
Landmark Commission
Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
6:30 p.m.
City Council Chambers
Call to Order
Roll Call
Public Hearing Regarding the Designation of the Property Located at 2102 W. Illinois Route 120,
McHenry, Illinois 60050 aka Riverside Chocolate Factory for Landmark Status
• Open Public Hearing (identifying time)
• Close Public Hearing (identifying time)
Motion to recommend approval for Landmark Designation status the property located at 2102
W. Illinois Route 120, McHenry, Illinois 60050 aka Riverside Chocolate Factory to the McHenry
City Council
Public Comments
Approve of Previous Meeting Minutes
Financial Report
Old Business
1. St. Mary's Update
2. Town Club Update
3. National Register of Historic Places Update
4. City Budget Update
New Business
1. Discussion Regarding Commission Goals for the Upcoming Year
Adjournment
The City of McHenry is dedicated to providing the citizens, businesses and visitors of McHenry with the highest
quality of programs and services in a customer -oriented, efficient and fiscally responsible manner.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the City of McHenry Landmark Commission will hold a Public
Hearing at the McHenry Municipal Center, 333 South Green Street, McHenry, Illinois
60050, at 6:30 P.M. on June 4, 2019 to consider an application by Riverside Chocolate
Factory, 2102 W Illinois Route 120, McHenry, IL 60051 ("Applicant") for the following
request in accordance with the City of McHenry Historic Preservation Ordinance:
Consideration of designation of a Nominated Landmark in accordance with the City of
McHenry Historic Preservation Ordinance
The subject property is located at the northwest corner of Chapel Hill Road and Illinois
Route 120, commonly known as Riverside Chocolate Factory, consists of .13 acres and is
legally described as follows:
A TRACT OF LAND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT A POINT ON THE EAST
LINE OF SECTION 36, 512.60 FEET SOUTH OF THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID
INTERSECTION, AT INTERSECTION OF CENTER LINE OF HIGHWAY AND RUNNING
THENCE NORTH 70 DEGREES, 08 MINUTES WEST, 267.20 FEET; THENCE NORTH 65
DEGREES, 54 MINUTES EAST, 275.30 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 2O3.21 FEET TO THE PLACE
OF BEGINNING, ALL IN THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 36, TOWNSHIP 45
NORTH, RANGE 8 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, (EXCEPTING THEREFROM
ALL THAT PART OF THE LAND CONDEMBED FOR ROAD PURPOSES TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS FOR AN ON BEHALF OF
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOI IN CASE NO.95ED9-PARCEL 141<1036), IN
MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
The owner of the subject property is Sweet Hunter LLC, 2102 W Illinois Route 120,
McHenry, IL 60051 ("Owner").
PIN (Property Identification Number) of subject property: 09-36-200-029
A copy of the application is on file and may be examined during regular business hours
in the City Clerk's Office, at the McHenry Municipal Center, 333 South Green Street,
McHenry, Illinois 60050, and (815) 363-2100. All interested parties will be given an
opportunity to be heard. Published by order of the Landmark Commission, City of
McHenry, McHenry County, Illinois.
/s/
Chair Landmark Commission
City of McHenry
Landmark Designation Application
The Commission or any person may nominate a landmark(s) for designation by the City
Council, provided however, only the Mayor and City Council shall be permitted to
nominate a landmark if the owner of a single proposed landmark objects to the nomi-
nation. Criteria for Designation are included on attached Exhibit "A."
Street Add(less of nominated landmark:
Narne(s) of Owner(s) of RgSord of nominated landmark:
Brief Description of Property Location and attach map delineating the
and location of the nominated landmark: Sjti//l1ih"t</IrCC//vf
The legal description and common street address(s) of the nominated landmark or
(Attached Plat of Survey or Subdivision Plat):
A statement indicating whether the owner of record of a single nominated land-
mark
consents to the landmark designation; all reasonable efforts shall be made to se-
cure theWritten co,nsenk of the owners) before filing the norninati Q:
�ac�r iJ N�.rH'r 1 -. -c i tIft -Jle, Rtc-rt t I-��
7% i'C' C) v2 �rI i7%r" % ^ .%�✓JI.fY/l• l%t���%�1/'/� -S%Ji % ��
A written statement, with photographs, describing the property and setting forth
the reasons
in support of the nomination (seq criteria on attached Exhibit "A"):
AP.-A;7LC:1VZPIC-/ 0gAi;7TAt�11/AJ2 V15iJCL- Y_EAAAf?�; 01'1,7110 /0
r: (; r 7/ (I!-
Owner(s) Signature:
Date: `/ ���/ of
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l he City of dtclicnry is dedicated to ptoviding the citizens, businesses and visitors of Mdlcary svith ttie
highest quality of programs and services in a customer-atiented, efficient and fiscally resporrsibte manner.
�Rha'n7elar�ia ANY OMISSIONS OR CHAAMMMESE P.9
PLANS MUST HAVE THE APPROVAL OF
THE APPROVING OFFICIAL PRIOR TO
INSTAIIATION..APPROVAL OF THESE
e, IOYtiir PLANS DOES NOT SUPERCEDE ANY
APPLICABLE ORDINANCES OR
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OLAF; THE SWEDISH BUILDER
Tina Conaway
From: Hippie Bob Hunter <Hippiebobhunter@aol.com>
Sent: Saturday, July 14, 2018 12:11 PM
To: Doug Martin; Tina Conaway
Subject: Land Mark Status
This letter was sent to me by the granddaughter of Olaf Olsen the builder of "Pine Tree
Tower" in McHenry. Can we add this to our application for Landmark Status because it does
give the history of this beautiful structure. As always we remain grateful for your efforts in
this process...
2027 South:EmersorrStrect
Mesa, Arizona-85210
Riverside Chot;o►ate ractory June 1, 2005
2102 West Routc 120
McHenry, Illinois 60050
Dear FriCnds:
I tried some of your chocolate a couple of days ago and it's the.best 1 have ever tasted. if %ye are
ever in Illinois again wc.wili stop by and [lily sonic. I can't order any by mail at this time ofyeaj
Irccause it's usually in the iOOs or l_1 t)s in thesurnmcr here._ Maybe for Christmas►
Enclosed is a CD with a few photographs of my grandfather, the man who built your building.
His name was Olaf Edward Olsen, and at the time he lived with his family on Fair Oak Lane. He
was born in Vennesla, Norway (near the southern seaport of Kristiansand) in 1902. in 1904 he
and his family came to this country. on fi►e steamer R.M.S. Nnllic, which was one oftho.White
Star ships. it was the ship's maiden voyage, and the captain was the same Captain Smith who
was later lost with the 74onic. My great-grandfather, Jacob Olsen, was also a carpenter,;and'the
family lived in Chicago for awhile, then moved to McHenry in the 19301.
It is my understanding that your building was finished just before the war, around 1939, but I'm
sure you have much more information than I do. My mother said that it was the tallest structure
in the area at the time, and you could sec it from allover as it was going up. It was called fine
Tree Tower when I was a kid in the 1950s, and was used as an ice cream shop. We used to stop
in there once in awhile. My family lived in Waukegan but we were in McHenry often to visit illy
great-grandparents and my uncle, who also lived on I -air Oak Lane.
Pirst photo: my grandfather in about 1925 I
Second: with my grandmother, Evelyn, and their daughter, Margaret (my mother) about 1946
Third: with wife Isvelyn, daughter Margaret, and two sons, Jim anti MIT
Fourth: with wife Evelyn, 1927
Filth: on their 50"' wedding anniversary
If it's not too much trouble, could you please send file one of those stickers that you use, the one
with a drawing of the building on it`l I would love to have it picture of Pi tic Tree Towor. I
cilclosc rt self-addregscd stamped envelope. 11'you don't have one, that's OK,
Thanks for re -using it wonderful old building that is a community treasure. Best ofluck in the
chocolate business. i will tell my Illinois friends about youl
Yours sincerely,
Nancy 1 till 0
Tina Conaway
From: Hippie Bob Hunter <Hippiebobhunter@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2018 7:55 AM
To: Tina Conaway
Cc: Doug Martin
Subject: Fwd: photos of Olsens
Hello Tina & Doug! Ili an effort to review the histoij, of "Pine Tree Tower" I was able to
contact the granddaughter of Olaf Olsen (the builder) and she sent me this information:
I-li again Bob,
I don't know if you need or Nvant these, but attached are 3 photos of my Uncle Jim
Olsen, including one with my grandfather (Olaf). Seems like Jim must have been
around 13 years old Nvlien he helped Grandpa on Pine Tree Tower. My mother
attended McHenry High School. Jim's son, Keith Olsen and his wife Debbie, live in
Mellemy. Debbie says they go to Riverside Chocolate hactory quite often so I told
11er to say liello for me when she is there.
I'm glad we got in touch, one way or another! Best of luck with the application for
landmark status. Dave and I will be thinking about you!
Nancy Hill
. Ob
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4
2027 South Emerson Street
Mesa, Arizona 85210
July 24, 2018
Landmark Commission
City of MCI leery
333 South Green Street
McHenry, Illinois 60050-5494
Subject: Riverside Chocolate Factory
Distinguished Commissioners:
Just three days ago 1 learned that the Riverside Chocolate Factory is being considered for
landmark status. Ordinarily I would have sent this letter earlier.
If public comment is allowed in this matter, I would like to offer a few ideas that may pertain to
your decision. I am a landscape historian and urban geographer with an interest in historic
preservation. I also have a family connection to McHenry.
For decades, the building that was called Pine Tree "Power has been a familiar and welcoming
sight for residents and visitors. It is a reference point in the mental maps that people acquire
over time, and lielps provide a "legible environment" that enriches our everyday cxIm icnce and
sense of security. Indeed, without such connections to it sense of time, it diminishes the human
experience of a place. This building, and other such reference points, provide "layers of
meaning" as Nve connect them with our own lives.I
As you know, unusual buildings, especially old ones, add interest to the landscape and lend a
historical flavor to the community. A building such as this, whose design was most likely
intended to advertise the business it Itollsed, is one of the thented roadside structures that
appeared in the mid -twentieth century. Constructed during the automobile age to attract
1 Kevin Lynch. The lm(c vc of/he 01Y (Cambridge. MA: M.LT.. 1960), 5, 49. 126: Yi-Fu Tuan. Topophilia (Nm-
York: Columbia University. 1974). 99; Kevin (Cambridge. Iv1A: M.I.T..
1976). 28: Christopher Tit IcY :1 Pkenonnenologv ol Lanciccope: Places, Auffis andlfonuments (Oxford, UK: berg.
199d). 27.
Hill letter, page 2
travelers, they are a reminder of the era when Americans in greater numbers began to explore
and enjoy their country.2
Last, I have a personal connection to this building. My grandfather, Olaf L. Olsen, and my
uncle, Ja1neS Olsen, constructed the original Pine Tree Tower. (If there were other carpenters
working there, 1 do not know ofthem ) The importance of this information is that it adds
something to the building's story, and thus to its historical value. It also adds to the history of
the lamer community.
1 am sure you Will agree that the History we see all around us, in our built environment, is just as
interesting and Itllp0l"lalll as tile I11SiOl. we. find in books, objects, and documents. For that
reason and many others, I hope you will also agree that this building —long a landmark in the
minds of so many —deserves an official landmark designation.
Thank you for your time.
Yours sincerely,
)1.cc.111, , ,tv, CC__
Nancy Hill, PhD.
IliH852 I0 0@cox.net
James J. Flink, Me Aul mnohile A e (Cambridge. MA: MIT_ 1990). 179. 182; Jolm A. lakle. 'Me 7ilur•im: 1rrrrel
in 7irenlie!!r C'euinr r.\"orilr,lnrerica (Lincoln, NE: lJni\rrsih• of Nebraska. 1985). 119. 186: John A. Jakle.
-1-andscapes Redesigned for the Automobile." in Michael P. CIonzcn. ed.. the Afakh ufibe:Imerican Lanel.vape
(Loudon: HarperC'ollinsAcademic. 1990)..11)1: John A. Jakle. hir.%l Food RoodsideRemaurantcill rheAnlomobile
Age (Bahimorc: Johns Hopkins. 1999). IS.
KIVEKSIDF CHOCOLATE. FACTORY
2102 w. Elm Street
McHenry, Ill. 60051
Ki verside Chocolate ractory is located in the building Known as the
Pine. Tree Tower. It was built by Olaf Edward Olsen around 1939,
according to a family member. It was supposedly the tallest structure
around at this time.
In the 40's and eariy 50's, it was a favorite place for hamburgers and ice cream.
In the late 5O's, Hank Nell's real estate office was located in the Pine
Tree Tower.
rrom 1978 to 1983, it was the Pine Tree Pet Shop
The Kiverside Chocolate ractory started on the corner of Pearl 5t.
And Kiverside Dr. in 198 6. They moved the business in 1990 to the
Pine Tree Tower.
Kobert and Diana Hunter are the owners. They made minor changes
To the front of the building, but the integrity of the original design is
Still there.
It has been a welcome entrance to the city if McHenry for all the years.
Anyone passing the corner of Chapel Hill Road gather, especially after athl_tic games, and enjoy
and State Route l2t) is sure to notice the uniquely hamburgers or ice cream. Today, under the name
shaped building located on the northwest corner. of the Riceraide Chocolate Factor}, it is still knownIf, the late 1940s, this eras the site of the pine for excellent chocolates and ice cream.
Tree Tower, a favorite place for local teenagers to (Then,
courtesy of D{cF[enry County Historical Society.)
34;
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STATE OF ILLINOIS )
COUNTY OF MCHENRY )
CERTIFICATION
I, Monte Johnson, do hereby certify that I am the duly appointed, acting and qualified
Deputy Clerk of the City of McHenry, McHenry County, Illinois, and that as such Deputy City
Clerk, I am the keeper of the records and minutes and proceedings of the Mayor and Aldermen of
said City of McHenry.
I do hereby further certify that at a regular meeting of the Mayor and Aldermen of the City
of McHenry, held on the 17th day of June, 2019, the foregoing Ordinance entitled An Ordinance
Designating the Riverside Chocolate Factory, 2102 W Illinois Route 120, as a Historic Landmark
was duly passed by the City Council of the City of McHenry.
The pamphlet form of Ordinance Number ORD-19-1970, including the Ordinance and a
cover sheet thereof, was prepared, and a copy of such Ordinance was posted in the City Hall,
commencing on the 181h day of June, 2019, and will continue for at least 10 days thereafter. Copies
of such Ordinance are also available for public inspection upon request in the office of the City
Clerk.
I do further certify that the original, of which the attached is a true and correct copy, is
entrusted to me as the Clerk of said City for safekeeping, and that I am the lawful custodian and
keeper of the same.
GIVEN under my hand and seal this 181h day of June, 2019.
Q . Jzc��
Monte Johnson, 0@puty City Clerk
City of McHenry,
McHenry County, Illinois
(SEAL)
Rental Housing Support Program (RHSP)
State Surcharge Exemption Declaration
Illinois law (55 ILCS 5/3-5018) requires that the Recorder collect a Rental Housing Support
Program State surcharge for the recordation of any real estate -related document unless the entity
recording the document is any State agency, any unit of local government or any school district.
[ By checking this box and affixing my signature below, I hereby claim that the entity recording
this document is a State agency, a unit of local government or a school district and thus claiming
to be exempt from the Rental Housing Support Program State surcharge.
L. 47 //� c l &ry
Name of State agency, unit of local government or school district recording this document (Please Print)
Ib4+e- tJG�i/llon
Name of person presenting this declaration (Please Print)
t 4.
Signature of
this declaration
Date
RHSP Exemption Declaration Form 20170327-1.docx