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Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Sidney's Historic Preservation Board met on Feb. 9 at the Sidney City Hall. The agenda included three projects: renovation of the apartment complex at 631 Illinois St, a Facade Enhancement Grant for Jerry Steffens at 1001 10th Ave., and a change of sign by UST Global at 812 13th Ave.
JG Capital LLC , a husband and wife partnership of Gill, Colo., purchased the building at 631 Illinois St. with the goal of renovating it. The three-story building was originally built in 1925 and comprises of about 5,226 square feet on the south side of Highway 30/Illinois Street at the corner of 7th Avenue and Illinois.
The plan is to repair and restore all masonry work on the exterior, repair and replace window boards and surroundings, plaster repair and paint the exterior (with the exception of the brickwork). The landscaping will also be cleaned and restored.
“We love historic buildings,” said Jason Grant Nisly.
Nisly is a partner in JG Capital LLC.
“We love 'Smalltown, USA.' We particularly believe in Sidney,” he said.
He cited the potential growth opportunities as a reason they are attracted to Sidney.
He said the building has been vacant for about three years, and could have eight to nine apartment units when completed. He said the goal is to retain historic relevance, using as much local resources as possible.
The company was seeking a Facade Enhancement Grant. Facade Enhancement Grants are available for up to $20,000 every five years.
The board granted JG Capital LLC a certificate of approval on the project.
UST Global submitted a request, for Historic Review, to change the sign on their building at 13th Avenue and Illinois Street. The Expansion and UST logos are being replaced with a new image. UST Global is not seeking funds, just permission to change the sign.
Jerry and Diane Steffens were approved for a Facade Enhancement Grant at 1001 10th Ave. The grant is to replace seven awnings on the north and west sides of the building.
Before the board made a decision, there was extensive discussion regarding the boundaries of the Historic District and Expanded Historic District, and if the proposal is within the district. The core of the Historic District is Ninth Avenue to to 12th Avenue along Illinois Street. The Expanded Historic District is from Elm Street south to Osage from 23rd Avenue to Ninth Avenue, Hickory Street south fro Ninth to 7th Avenue, and Seventh Avenue to Ball Street, 15th Avenue to Keller Drive from Osage to Toledo Street, and Legion Park, and 11th Avenue south to Summit Drive.
The Historic Preservation Board also discussed use of LB840 funds for the north side of Sidney and for downtown. Hickory Street Square was also discussed. The board agreed that the concept of a downtown attraction is needed.
“We need a 'field of dreams,' build it and they will come,” said board member Kathy Wilson.
Board member John Phillips said the conflict was not with the concept, but the placement and planned closure of 10th Avenue.
“That is the kicker,” Phillips said. “I don't think people wanted closing the street.”
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