Really? Another BANK on State Street? Aren't there already 5 or more banks on State St.?

Just an appalling idea! I sent an email last night to the Geneva Preservation Society regarding this issue. Hopefully at their meeting this evening they can find a way to stop this demolition!

Too sad. I hope my post here at the Patch can help raise awareness for you all and the building.

We have enough banks. Banks don't generate any sales tax income for the city.

That important little building with the 'rain spliter' roof is an asset to State Street. The corner is beautiful with plants and flowers around it, Pure Gardener is a wonderful place to purchase strong healthy plants. Must we go to surrounding towns to make purchases? Must Geneva loose yet more sales tax money?
And what happens to the Art Box? They are building up a wonderful business there. And the new photography studio next to them? More sales tax money thrown away. Are we to loose the charm of State St. for yet another branch bank? FYI, a bank does not contribute financially to a cities economy, and certainly not to it's ambiance. I see no benefit to putting a St. Charles Bank on State St.

PLEASE---ALL of you who treasure the historic buildings of Geneva, come to the meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission at 7pm tonight at the Public Works Building on South Street and let them know how you feel about this. Your opinion, shared at this meeting, WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!

I love the Pure Gardner! Not another Bank! I agree with everyone else, The Pure Gardner adds charm to our city...you never hear that about a bank...

Not that we need another bank, since as Lance points out, banks don't generate any sales tax revenue. But if we did, it would make more sense in the post office, which could probably be better adapted to banking operations, while still preserving most of the building facade. We wouldn't be sacrificing a retail operation either. Nor would we be losing a unique building and one of the last independent garden shops in the area.

Maybe it's time to "occupy" the site in protest to yet another bank.

I agree with Colin Campbell - - we need to attend the meeting tonight and voice our opinions about this. We can definitely make a difference...I saw this happen several years ago when a rail port was proposed for Geneva. See you all at the meeting!

There are more than enough "banks" in downtown Geneva. People come from all over to the Pure Gardener - it is what Geneva is all about. Please reconsider. Sue Pfaff

The Pure Gardener is a little gem amid the downtown. Both the building and the business itself are a draw and an asset. It seems to me that if the home on Hamilton and North Fifth Street was not allowed to be demolished for a bank, this historic little building is even more important in saving.
Drive thrus should remain on the outskirts of town, not in the business section of town. Aren't there enough empty buildings on Randall?
Besides that, has this bank even considered the remediation costs of the property itself? Afterall, it was a gas station for most of its life.

We don't need another bank in Geneva! The Pure Gardener is in a beautiful building that shouldn't be torn down!! I agree wholeheartedly with everyone's comments. I'm sorry I can't make it to the meeting tonight, but best of luck to those who will be there:-)

There is nothing else profound to say about the possibility of losing this business and the building. It is frustrating and sad. I look forward to each change of season and how beautiful the PURE Gardener changes with the seasons. It is a wonderful business in a great location for visitors and resident alike.
So my comment here is to openly appeal to the property owner and my friend Joe Stanton.
Joe, I simply ask that you rethink doing anything with this property than what it is used for today. Honestly, there is nothing good that would come from shutting The PURE Gardener down, demolishing that quaint historic building and adding a bank. Nothing.
The online outcry on Facebook, Twitter and emails has been overwhelming this morning. Anger and frustration permeates every post.
Sometimes change is good and inevitable. Sometimes it is not. This is a case of "not."

We'd like to chime in, "ANOTHER BANK?" tHAT'S WHAT OUR CITY NEEDS? NO SALES TAX. Mr. Stanton needs to weigh personal gain against what is best for our City. We assume he makes a comfortable living from his many real estate holdings in Geneva. Why destroy a historic property and a successful, retail, tax producing, business for more personal gain and another greedy bank? We will support every effort to stop this proposed property and business demolition

Another bank? Now there's something we sure don't need. Seems like there are stories frequently about another one failing! Support for local small businesses is mandatory for the econmic recovery of our area. Banks sure have done enough damage already. We certainly don't need to be tearing down historic buildings to accomodate another one, with no assurance that it will be here tomorrow!

Come on Joe, say it ain't so.

Please don't destroy a darling little building. I grew up in Geneva and my father always took his car for service at Clark's Pure Oil Station. I played around the parking and watched the cars go in and out "dinging" the bell for gas. If you need another bank (which I doubt) use the building on 3rd st. that once was the 1st National Bank. It's ready for occupancy.

OMG!!! REALLY...yet another bank!! Are there enough people/business that are going to support this proposed bank? That's right...let's build another bank to see it closed in 9 months with a "FOR LEASE" sign in its window!! PLEASE let these small but PASSIONATE business owners remain in their spot and keep this corner beauteous as it is...not another blase bank!!!

Please NO. The suggestion for a bank at the old USBank site is wonderful. Filling an empty space rather than tearing down a well-used and beautiful business. Please listen to the locals Joe.

Isn't there both a vacant bank and a vacant lot on State Street within a couple blocks?

I am SHOCKED by the suggestion of this plan. Do we want Geneva known for our Banks or cute shops in repourposed buildings? There is already a vacant bank building on N. 3rd and Hamilton- how about fixing that space up??

If a bank didn't make sense then the free enterprise system would stop it from happening. I doubt that anyone who analyzes the best use of that property would conclude that a 6 month a year flower business is at the top of the list. If the concerned citizens want to preserve the building then make the owner an offer. Otherwise do not take away his property rights.

Great grass-roots effort here people. I don't live in Geneva but love seeing that little building every day and checking out the various plants that are sold. It's a charming building in a perfect location. I hope Geneva realizes that the value of that building and business above the bricks and mortar.

Ask Galena if "charm" is important.

The Pure Gardener is a four season business- open Spring, summer, fall and winter.

I don't think anyone would deny the fact that Mr. Stanton has every right to do whatever he wants with that property, but just because you "can" do it doesn't mean you should. I have the right to paint my house flaming pink with yellow trim but I never would because I wouldn't want to devalue my neighbors property. Mr. Stanton might want to weigh the costs of bad public relations if he takes away what appears to be a much loved local business to replace it with a less desirable but more personally profitable business. Just saying.

I believe all of us in the United States celebrate free enterprise.

However, as a former retail sales establishment owner/operator, I can only say it continues to be difficult for small businesses in our economy.

My mother-in-law gave me a check with a memo "Happy Planting" in lieu of flowers for Valentines Day. I DON'T want to use it at a 'big box' store. I hope The PURE Gardener can continue in its current location or at another near downtown Geneva.

It appears to me Chuck, that the property mentioned here lies within Geneva's Historic District. Since that is the case, its renovation or demolition will be reviewed and considered by its committee.
One of the reasons for having an historic district is not only to promote the city's vintage buildings as well as confirm upgrades, demolitions and such that would have a diminishing effect upon the district and city.
So, as an "old timer' i would have thought you were well aware of this.
But, I'll also ask again, is this bank aware that the property was a gas station? Do they realize there may be certain factors involved in cleaning up the property? If my memory is correct, I do not recall any amelioration of the property. Judging by the property's appearance, it doesn't look like anything was done. You know, things like environmental studies to determine if the underground gas tanks leaked (most did in the older stations), how much of a plume or spread has occurred and how much soil has been contaminated to what depth.
Sometimes the cost of cleanup deters any type of demolition.
But what the heck, maybe the bank has money to throw around.

History repeats itself! Anybody remember the plans Mr. Stanton had for 317 South Third? Thankfully, public outcry and a buyer with wisdom enough to understand just how important that building was to the City of Geneva, saved the beautiful landmark. Mr. Carroll is correct in his assertion that the owner may do as he wishes with his property, but he unnecessarily trivializes a business/property that many of us have grown to love. The Pure Gardener is open for business year round.

Another valid point, what of remediation? Has that been explored?

Also, folks, come to the meeting...tonight at 7!

Aside from the fact that I am old enough to remember CLARKS PURE OIL with affection and I love that blue and white building...I also love Geneva...The Geneva we enjoy today is here because thoughtful people before us have worked hard to save buildings and trees and institutions that were about to be destroyed..Now it is our turn to stand up and save this small piece of history from the 1930s which has been resurected into the charming Pure Gardner...Keeping Geneva beautiful is our most potent economic weapon.... Bobbi Schoenenberger

The comments that imply that a property owner has the right to do whatever he or she wishes with their property are simply and totally incorrect. Virtually every city and town in America has building codes and zoning laws that are designed to protect both the owner and the community. These restrict what can be built where and how buildings must be built and maintained. Owners must comply with these regulations or face penalties.

In addition, in Geneva (as in many other towns) we have areas designated as "historical districts" and listed in the National Register of Historical Places. This places further restrictions on what can and cannot be done to structures in these areas.

It is the responsibility of the owner to know and follow these restrictions. Mr. Stanton is well aware of them and is asking the City to waive them in this instance so that he can demolish a building has been declared a significant contributor to our historical district.

Anyone can go the the City of Geneva web site and read all of the regulations that pertain for yourselves.

I love going to that location to buy plants. I prefer to spend money on a local business before going to a box store to buy plants. .

Joe Stanton has demostrated time and time again his love for Geneva. We should give Mr. Stanton the benefit of the doubt and hear what he has to say.

Then B.A. Paczki perhaps you should be at tonight's meeting to hear what Mr. Stanton has to say. It's getting late, better scoot!

The residents of Geneva are $325.6 million dollars in debt due to "over the top school facilities" and yet only a handful of people show up at a school board meeting to ask how the debt will be repaid. Those that dare ask questions, are painted as trouble makers. Yet residents are more upset that an "old" building might be torn down and demand that the property owner do what is "right" for Geneva. Trouble makers, of course not! These same residents don't understand their ability to remain living in Geneva is being threatened with debt repayments that will increase by 10 million dollars within 5 years! Are the "Save Pure Oil" people urging fellow residents to attend the school board meeting on Monday 27th? Of course not, no one should question school board members.
The average property tax bill will increase $1,000 per year within the next 5 years and yet the majority of the community ignore this fact. The school board refuses to even provide a 5-year financial projection for it's taxpayers. They cite "too many variables," but they had no problem using projections when they wanted new school buildings.
Soon we won't need to worry about saving historic buildings in Geneva, we will be too busy watching and helping our neighbors move out of town.

Go to www.GenevaTaxFACTS.org and read about the REAL problem facing Every Geneva School District Taxpayer. Saving the Pure Oil building doesn't measure up to the REAL problem. Get involved before it's too late to matter.

@Storm wasn't making any inference. Just thinking about the frustration my friend felt when Mr. Stanton announced his plans for the Third Street property. To his credit, he offered an interim location for her business and a place in the new structure upon completion. Not a very practical/appropriate solution. Thankfully, the building sold. Unfortunately, the rent skyrocketed. Geneva lost a lovely business, but gained Fiora. Lesson learned, NEVER open a retail business unless/until you are prepared to purchase your own property. Sad to think that such a charming little piece of Geneva may disappear and I feel bad for the tenet who may be displaced.