During a public presentation on January 8, a group of concerned Geneva citizens will showcase an architectural model of the landmark 1845 foundry and blacksmith shop located on the riverfront in downtown Geneva. 

The volunteer group, which opposes demolition in support of adaptive use of the building, will present the model for the first time on Thursday at the Comfort Inn & Suites hotel at 1555 E. Fabyan Pkwy in Geneva.

Researched and created by the volunteer group, the model represents the shop as it appeared when new in 1845. The group plans to suggest the potential adaptive use of the restored structure as a visitor’s information center for the Tri-Cities area of Geneva, St. Charles and Batavia.  

“The Alexander brothers’ foundry and blacksmith shop could become a living, breathing place with immense historical, educational, commercial, recreational and tourism potential,” said Alan Leahigh, a Ward 1 resident of Geneva who is an advocate of historic preservation.

The group argues that while most Geneva residents agree that the deteriorating structure is an eyesore (worsening over time due to neglect), the model will help people visualize the shop’s original appearance and its potential for restoration.

Here’s a brief history of the blacksmith shop and Mill Race Inn.

For more information regarding recent updates in the preservation versus demolition debate, read this Aurora Beacon-News article.

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