A press release from the McHenry County Historical Preservation Commission:

Excellence in Building Preservation Awards Bestowed

Woodstock. The McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission gave out three Excellence in Building Preservation Awards at their June meeting.

Donald Bauer, Diane McGowan, Joeleen and Michael Stanard.

Awards went to

• Donald Bauer for his barn on West Bay Road in the Lakemoor area,
• Michael and Joeleen Stanard for the renovation of the former Ideal Oil Service station on East South and Jackson Street in Woodstock, and
• Diane McGowan for the Haligus School on Haligus Road in Huntley.

The Donald Bauer barn in Lakemoor.

The Bauer barn was built in 1925 with a unique feature-the silo is inside the barn. One third of the roof, including the rafters, was replaced. In addition 79 windows were repaired or replaced as well as 4 entry doors. The stonework was tuck pointed and wood trim refinished.

The Woodstock Ideal Service Station was remodeled into offices by Joleeen and Michael Stanard.

Michael and Joeleen Stanard’s renovation of the former Ideal Oil service station included completely new electrical and HVAC systems and a new insulated ceiling. Though the garage doors remain on the outside, behind them there is an insulated wall. Former work bays were excavated and a new concrete floor poured. The entire interior space was chemically power washed to remove 60 years of grease, dirt and grime. The building exterior was painted in period appropriate colors.

Haligus School in Huntley was preserved by Diane McGowan.

McGowan’s Haligus School, built in 1861, remained in continuous operation until 1946. The restoration involved a complete gutting of the interior. The second floor, added when it was a residence, was removed. The original floor was removed, hand-sanded, refinished and re-installed as much as possible. An attached garage was razed, windows and doors were replaced and a masonry fireplace removed. Three layers of siding were removed from the exterior. This one room schoolhouse is also in the process of being landmarked by the McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission.

“We wanted to showcase building owners that have gone above and beyond in preserving vintage buildings,” said Commissioner Trisha Doornbosch, who ran this year’s Awards program, “and all of these projects were outstanding.”

The McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission meets once a month, usually on the first Wednesday at 6:30 pm. The meetings are open to the public.

Visit the Commission website here.