City Seeks Historic Preservation Commission Member

is seeking history buffs to join the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). The city is currently accepting applications.

“(Applicants) should be interested in historic preservation and the history of Crystal Lake. Maybe they have personal knowledge with long-time family from here or they live in a historic home or have an interest in historic architecture,” said Elizabeth Maxwell, city planner for Crystal Lake.

The Crystal Lake Historic Preservation Commission was established to aid in the preservation of Crystal Lake’s historic and cultural heritage, according to the city website.

One large project of the HPC is the annual Heritage Trolley Tour. The tour is held the second Sunday of June. Maxwell said commission members perform research on the designated tour sites and put together a booklet for the tour.

“The historic research keeps them very busy from January to June,” Maxwell said.

The commission meets the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

The commission is a resource for people interested in the history of their homes and has put together a book of how to apply for Landmark status. The commission also holds hearings for properties being considered in the Landmark Program.

The commission often works closely with the Crystal Lake Historical Society.

The HPC  helps assist in preservation by providing grants for restoration projects at historic sites, Maxwell said.

Maxwell said a member of the commission stepped down creating a vacancy and there may be a second vacancy.

Applicants for the commission should submit a resume to: Mayor Aaron T. Shepley,
City Hall, 100 W. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake, Ill. 60014

For more information on the volunteer position, contact Elizabeth Maxwell at (815) 356-3738.