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📸 Credit: Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley
There’s new activity involving the historic 1840s blacksmith shop in Geneva.
Things took an unusual turn last week when the landmark structure was wrapped in white plastic, which immediately led to questions.
Here's what to know:
The backstory: The Alexander Brothers Blacksmith Shop dating back to 1843 at 4 E. State St. sits on the former Mill Race Inn property owned by Shodeen Development. The city has been trying for years to get the developer to properly weatherproof the deteriorating limestone structure. A $750-per-day fine has been running since October 2024 and now totals more than $420,000.
The wrap: On April 22, workers covered the building in white plastic sheeting. According to Shaw Local, the city says it wasn't notified in advance and sent a letter giving Shodeen 10 days to properly secure the structure using conventional methods (such as tarps) or face a summons.
The preservation concern: A Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley statement suggested that the plastic wrap could do more harm than good, trapping moisture inside and potentially accelerating deterioration.
Some additional context
In our Tri-Cities Live panel discussion last month, Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns addressed the Mill Race standoff, saying the decision to landmark the structure was originally celebrated as an opportunity to preserve it and build around it.
Then things changed.
“The city council balked at an opportunity, despite saying in public meetings, 'We like the concept. It meets our standards. Go ahead and submit,’” Burns said. “The owners of that property submitted plans and the plans were denied and that's where that stalemate began. No question about it.”
He also suggested that a redevelopment agreement (not a permit to tear down the structure) remains the clearest path forward.
📖 Thanks for reading
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