Figure 1. Workers install a white wrap enveloping all but the chimney of the historic landmark c.1843 blacksmith shop at 4 E. State Street in Geneva.
On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, workers installed a white wrap (see Figure 1) around all but the chimneys of the c.1843 Alexander Brothers Blacksmith Shop located at 4 E. State Street in Geneva. Why this was done has left many questions and—so far—there are few answers.
Here is what we know as of April 30, 2026:
No one that we contacted at the City of Geneva appeared to be aware that this wrap would be installed.
A city permit does not appear to have been applied for or issued. A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from Geneva’s Historic Preservation Commission was not considered or approved. (Whether a city permit or COA was required for this work is unknown, however.)
The wrap appears to be made of some kind of plastic.
The wrap may have been applied in an effort to satisfy the building maintenance codes that the city determined, and the Kane County Circuit Court affirmed, had been violated, resulting in a $750 daily fine to the property owner since October 2024.
Here’s what we don’t know as of April 30, 2026:
Will this wrap protect the building from further deterioration, or could moisture be trapped inside and accelerate deterioration?
Will this wrap clear up the building maintenance code violations for which the city has fined the owner since October 2024 at $750 per day?
What is the status of the over $400,000 in fines assessed as of April 30, 2026?
At this point, there are many more questions than answers about the white wrap now encasing this historic blacksmith shop.
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