Windows into Beloit

Like a person’s eyes being likened to the window into the soul, a home’s windows have been described as reflecting the soul of a home.

Often it is a homes windows that define and distinguish its character. Removing original windows that define a home and give it character for single light replacement windows leaves a home with the all too familiar blank, vacant stare. Bit by bit distinctive homes are being denuded of their character and reduced to irreversible blandness.

See the BRAND NEW Beloit NPA Gallery.

You’ll see the new category page in the top navigation.

You’ll see that in too many instances it is the few remaining original windows that convey the dignity the now humbled home once had.

Windows that are of considerably higher quality made of tight grain old-growth wood, that could be repaired are removed and replaced with windows that typically have a useful life of ~10 years before they fail and need to be replaced again.  By this time the purchaser is typically gone.

At that point they would be replaced yet again. Repair is not an option. Recurring revenue for the replacement window industry explains the marketing efforts.

Yes, the warranty states 10-20 yrs. Manufacturers know that the average stay in a home is less then 10 years. The average in Rock Co. is ~5 yrs.

This is why the same windows installed in a commercial building do not carry the same guarantee. That’s because commercial owners on average retain ownership longer then households.

Do you have drafty windows? Consider repair.

1. The repair will last as long or longer.
2. Repair is dramatically less expensive then replacement. Don’t be fooled by energy savings payback – your break even is further out then the expected life of the window.
3. Repair is green. Why send windows that can be repaired to the land fill?
4. Double pane insulation? Very little of a windows thermal loss is a result of radiation through the glass. Heat rises. It is mostly a function of air infiltration due to air leaks at the joints and seems. It is drafty. Repairing an old window so that it is no longer drafty is very do-able and relatively inexpensive. A window salesperson  will not tell you that. The incremental heat savings resulting from radiation is the least part of the equation.
5. But they tilt in for cleaning. OK, check mate. But ask your neighbor who has this feature when the last time they actually did this.
6. Additionally, more and more buyers of distinctive old homes recognize and value the character and integrity of original windows. It’s almost always cost prohibitive to return to the quality and character of window that was removed by a prior owner. Once they’re gone there’s virtually no going back.

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There’s a lot of money to be made by manufacturers, retailers and installers convincing historic home owners with repairable windows that they need to buy new replacement grade windows that in time need to be purchased yet again. Don’t get snookered.

Beloit’s Historic Rasey House & River Stone Construction

Beloit’s Historic Rasey House

& River Stone Construction

It’s likely most folks know about Beloit’s historic Rasey House and have visited at one time or another. We finally stopped in for the first time during the Beloit Heritage Days just passed and had a wonderful time talking with the volunteers. It’s an amazing house and and a very special and integral piece of Beloit history. It seems so many of these historic home’s residents and the historic structures themselves factor into the stories of other’s lives and events.

I love good stories. Rasey House has lots.

Its a fascinating piece of local history not simply from the standpoint of historic architecture but also the lives of the figures who made Rasey their home and the intertwining of these stories with other lives and events.

The stories around this relatively unique building construction are very interesting. As you likely know historic river stone constructed buildings are increasing rare as more are being demolished passively due to neglect or intentionally as they’re considered to be in the way of the current purpose.

Rasey house itself on more then one occasion had been threatened with demolition. It’s sad to think if those efforts had been successful. The home, for years now has been lovingly maintained by the Beloit Chapter of the Daughter’s of the American Revolution.

I think Beloit is a better place because Rasey House has survived and the DAR’s stewardship. It is a significant part of what makes Beloit distinctive, anchored and, well… non-generic. It’s part of Beloit’s identity.

The expression is “death by a thousand cuts” meaning that a major single blow did not fell the victim but rather it was little bit by little bit. The single impact of any one or even several events did not cause the demise however, over time, the cumulative result is none the less the same. I understand that at one time Beloit was distinct in the region for the number of river stone building in town. Over thirty as I recall. We are now down to three. It’s too bad.

Beloit’s Rasey Home came to mind as a friend of mine from another historic community, Elgin IL just posted some wonderful pictures of a river stone constructed home in their community. It’s very cool. You can see it here. Love the original rough hewn timber framing and while not original to the house it sports a very early radiator that’s kinda cool.

As long as we’re at it. I understand there are efforts to try and save another Beloit river stone home over on St. Lawrence. Not sure of current status.

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Janesville – Walking Tour & Garden Walk

Had an exceptional “Old House” day today.

A couple months ago we attended a conference in Madison for Historic Preservation Commissioners, in the case of Beloit it’s the “Landmarks Commission”.  There we had the opportunity to meet folks likewise involved in other communities across WI.  Among those we met was Rick Fletcher who chairs the Janesville Historic Preservation Commission. Rick provides guided walking tours of various historic areas around Janesville.  Today we had the good fortune to attend Rick’s tour of the “Old 4th Ward”.   It was WONDERFUL!

There were ~70 people in attendance following Rick around getting some insight into Janesville history as well as period architecture. We finished up with being invited, all 70+  of us into the fine home of one of the residents.  It was a -very- cool house.

While there we were reminded that today was the Janesville Garden Walk. While sponsored by and for the Rotary Garden it consisted of eight residential gardens, five of which were in the “Courthouse Hill” historic district.  Keep an eye out for this next year and go.  It was… amazing!

To cap it all off, being “Old House” home owners and enthusiasts ourselves we really enjoy meeting and talking with others who share this interest. We had a chance to meet several homeowners in the Courthouse Hill historic district. Big fun.

Now, Janesville’s historic district house walk is coming up in August. I forget the date but will be broadcasting it here. We went last year and it was very enjoyable and we’ll be attending this year as well. It might be fun to get a group together to attend. Lemme’ know if you’d be interested or simply comment below.

~Rick M    rick@BeloitNPA (dot) org

Hey Hey! Another Great Old House SOLD!

And we’ll be welcoming some new neighbors!

Just heard yesterday that the Preserve Beloit home at 617 Harrison has sold and folks are moving in!

This is great news from multiple perspectives. If you don’t know the story this was a “problem” house on the block. At one time perhaps even the worst on the block. It was in bad shape and there were those who wanted to see it demolished.  Who knows what we could have ended up with as far as infill?

Thankfully Preserve Beloit LLC (a Hendricks co.) in partnership with the First National Bank & Trust Co. were willing to invest in our neighborhood and turn this house around. Virtually all of the original woodwork, doors and trim was saved and restored making for beautiful interiors and classic period charm. Thank you to Preserve Beloit LLC and First National Bank & Trust Co. for having the sensitivity not to gut it and engage in wholesale rip-n-replace.

We’ve been inside this home and they’ve done a wonderful job for the new home owners. Importantly, they’ve also done us all a favor having provided a wonderful service to the neighborhood and Beloit’s historic district. They took on a tough project any individual “flipper” would have either avoided or done with considerably lower standards IMO.

THANK YOU to Preserve Beloit LLC and First National Bank & Trust Co. You’re great Neighbors to have.

Next NPA meeting – This Monday 6/22, 6:30

Historic Home Owener’s Tax Credit

(Recap from this meeting here)

Have you heard about the “Historic Home Owner’s Tax Credit” program?

Interested to know what its about and how to take advantage of this significant benefit?

What if you could get a tax break on projects such as (but not limited to)…

• - Work on the exterior of your house, such as roof replacement and painting, but not including site work such as driveways and landscaping
• - Electrical wiring, not including electrical fixtures
• - Plumbing, not including plumbing fixtures
• - Mechanical systems, such as furnaces, air conditioning, and water heaters
• - Structural work, such as jacking up floors

Well, this month we’ be talking about tax benefits for those living within Beloit’s historic districts or individually landmarked homes. If you don’t live within the boundaries of the historic district you may be eligible to apply. If you’re not sure if you live within the gerrymandered borders of the districts we’ll help you find out if you are.

Joe DeRose from the Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Offices will be joining us to discuss what the tax advantages are, whats involved in taking advantage of these significant benefits as well as how to apply. Additionally, we hope to have some neighbors on hand who’ve actually taken advantage of this program.

We’re meeting this next Monday evening, June 22nd. 6:30 at bushel & pecks. (328 State St.)

Next meeting Tues 5/26 – Beloit Neighborhood Housing Services

From the onset when there were first discussions about forming a neighborhood association for Beloit’s Historic Districts various people asked, “Have you met with Neighborhood Housing Services?”. Not having yet done so it was suggested that we should. So… here we go!

This is an informal gathering where we simply hope to get to know a bit more about each other, priorities, objectives and such. I imagine there are things we may be able to assist, support or encourage. There may be activities or programs those living within Beloit’s Historic Districts may be able to take advantage of. Don’t know. Will see. It all begins though with some discussion and this is as good a time as any to begin.

So, if you’re not familiar with Neighborhood Housing Services, or even if you are, we’d encourage you to come out and meet with them and us to learn more.

When: Tuesday May 26th, 6:30 p.m. (note date change due to holiday)

Where: bushel & peck’s – 328 State Street, Beloit WI

Living in an Historic District – What’s in it for me?

There is a lot of misunderstanding about “Historic Districts” or individually designated home and what it means to live in one.

• (1) Why would anyone want to live in an Historic District?
• (2) What does it mean to live in an Historic District?
• (3) Who does what?
  • * The City
  • * The Landmarks Commission
  • * The Historical Society
  • * The State Historic Preservation Office
  • * The National Register (National Park Service)
• (4) What am I supposed to do if I live in a Beloit Historic District or individually designated home?
  • * What can and can’t I do with my own %@$# property?
  • * What if I have a question?
• (5) What’s in it for me? Again, why would anyone want to live in an Historic District?

The resulting F.U.D. (fear, uncertainly & doubt) around these items and perhaps others can lead to needless frustration, a wastes of your time and needless expense. The best way to deal with all this is improved communication.

The city, the Landmarks Commission, state & national offices all need to make reasonable efforts to try and inform and communicate with property owners. This is a shared responsibility though. Property owners likewise owe it to themselves to inquire and/or otherwise try to inform themselves. Improving communication is the key.

To this end on this NPA neighborhood association blog we can try to cover these bases. Proposed, the best place to start is with the “why”. What’s in it for me?

There are many things that could be touched on but lets start with two benefits that likely most would have an appreciation for.

• (1) It’s good for your property values.

• (2) You’re eligible for various incentives or benefits.

(1) Property Values: The city of Rockford completed a study last year in 08′ titled: The impact of Historic District Designation on Property Values. You can read more about that study here.

(2) Incentives / Benefits: We will be hosting a meeting with Joe DeRosa from the Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Offices for our June 22nd regular meeting. We’ll be discussing specifically what it means to live within an Historic District, what state and/or federal programs are available to you. We’ve also invited neighbors who’ve personally taken advantage of some of these programs to talk about their experiences. More on this will be posted as we near that meeting date.

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The Impact of Historic District Designation on Property Values

Among the first things that people think about when considering ramifications of living within an Historic District or individually designated home is… how is this going to impact my property values.

A frequent misconception is that…

…designation as part of a historic district lowers their property values because of the additional regulations that they must contend with.

If it is true that home owners have this perception then this is a serious and legitimate concern. If true, certainly no one would want to be a willing participant in such a hardship and who could blame them.

Rockford IL which has four historic districts completed a study in only five months ago in Dec. 08′ to study just this question. Their study here.

They took the range of home values from each of the historic districts as indicated in 1977 and found comparables in either an adjacent or nearby neighborhood. They then took a look at these homes 2007 values, looking at both assessed values as well as sale prices.

Overall, our findings show that local historic districts not only provide protection for Rockford’s historic resources, they protect and enhance their owners’ financial resources as well. This also translates into protecting the City of Rockford’s financial resources by protecting a part of its property tax base.

For the full report see Rockford’s Study on “The Impact of Historic District Designation on Property Values.”

These sorts of studies are not uncommon. It’s just handy to have one so close by and recent for reference. The fact that Historic Districts out perform surrounding neighborhoods is typically the norm. But beyond that it’s not uncommon for an emerging Historic District to out perform the broader community in terms of rate of rising property values during that period of emergence.

The reasons for this are many, some more obvious then others. The Rockford study though goes on to explore the impact of the significant federal tax credit program available to home owners through the National Register.

This added incentive, which is a significant financial one, was the driving force behind creation of the two newest districts.

In June Joe DeRosa from the Wisconsin Historic Preservation Offices will be joining us to discuss this program among other things. Mark your calendar for this gathering Sunday June 22nd.

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NPA Monthly Gathering – April 27th

Last Monday night’s get together with City Manager Larry Arft was great. We’d collected a number of questions and Mr. Arft addressed each one in depth and then fielded more from those of us gathered together.

• • • - Canoe & Kayak Launch
    • - The new transit station
    • - Hwy 51 project
    • - Various city programs
    • - City budget & finances
    • - Casino update
    • - Misc. future plans

City Council Member Jim Van De Bogart and Plan Commission member Daniel Boutelle were also in attendance. All-in-all it was a very informative evening and a great opportunity to get to know our city manager a bit better and he, us.

Additionally we had three new faces join us that evening representing two more households within the historic district. This a direct result of Dr. Bob’s initiating personal invitations. Also DanielleC introduced another family within the historic district to NPA and I introduced yet another from Milwaukee Ave.  So altogether another four households added to membership and neighbor’s directory.

In our regular business meeting portion earlier in the evening we elected our five officers for the NPA not-for-profit. They are:

• • • - Rick McGrath – Chair
    • - John Watrous -Vice Chair
    • - Bill Dorr - Secretary/Treasurer
    • - Joy Beckman – At Large
    • - Rick Dexter – At Large

We’ve met once already since Monday and are continuing organizational set up.

• - May: We’ll be meeting with the Beloit Neighborhood Housing Services.
• - June: We’ll be meeting with a State Historic Preservation Offices rep. about tax programs and other benefits/services.

Stay tuned. We’ve more in the works as well.

The worst house on the block? Not for long.

Among my favorite things to see in historic neighborhoods undergoing renewal are work trucks, workmen, scaffolding and dumpsters. Its what I look for. And they’re all here at 640 Park.

A lot of people had given up on this once grand home. It’s been the worst house on this block for a long time and there were those who could only see one solution, demolition. Worst house on the block? Not for long. I’m lovin’ seeing it being worked on. It’s good for the entire neighborhood.

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