Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Design Review Commission will meet on Wednesday, June 10.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL:

A meeting of the Design Review Commission was held electronically via GoToMeetings on April 29, 2020 and was convened at 7:35 p.m.

Present: (and constituting a quorum): Commissioners Banks, Cahill, McClinton, and Chairman Reardon.

Absent: Commissioners Dunne and Wisthuf.

Also Present: Jennifer Peters of Fannie May, Jeremy Wilmot of DXU Architects (architect for Fannie May) Alex Richardson of DXU Architects, Trustee Liaison Lou Gale, Director Community Development Charity Jones, and Village Planner Heather Valone.

II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

A motion was made by Commissioner Banks seconded by Commissioner Cahill to approve the Minutes of the April 29, 2020, Design Review Commission meeting as presented:

A roll call vote was taken

Ayes: Banks, Cahill, McClinton, and Reardon 

Nays:

Motion passed

III. BUSINESS AT HAND:

DRC #112 DESIGN REVIEW PERMIT FOR 2 SOUTH LA GRANGE ROAD, FANNIE MAY

Chairman Reardon introduced the application.

Jeremy Wilmot presented the proposed changes to the exterior wall finishes of the building. Mr. Wilmot stated that the intent of the changes is to modernize the appearance of the building but also keep the character of the existing storefront. The white, red, and black colors of the existing façade would remain. The black color will be used to outline the façade of the store. The white would be the primary area of the building and a red color would be use in lieu of awnings. The proposed Alucobond finish is a gloss finish similar to the existing façade. No changes are proposed to the storefront windows or doors.

Chairman Reardon asked if the Commissioners had any questions or comments.

Commissioner Banks said that she had questions and comments. Commissioner Banks stated that the existing awnings were compatible with the other storefronts in the building (which also have awnings); she expressed concern that removal of the awnings from one unit may reduce the visual consistency across units. Commissioner Banks indicated that the awnings have an impact on the pedestrian feel of the downtown area. Commissioner Banks asked if the removal of the awnings with the cornice at the second floor would have negative impacts on stormwater entering the sewer system or to pedestrians utilizing the public sidewalk.

Mr. Wilmot indicated that the differences in the height of the store front windows on the east façade pose an issue with the heights of the existing awning, which would persist with new awnings. The awnings on the windows closest to the intersection of La Grange Rd. and Burlington Ave. are only six feet above the sidewalk, while the awnings further from the intersection on the east side of the building are much higher. The removal of the awnings will help pedestrians and passengers traveling in vehicles have an improved view of the storefront along the west side of La Grange Road. Mr. Wilmot stated that the rainwater will run down the side of the building as it does on other parts of the building that do not have awnings.

Commissioner Cahill commented that the signage is not in the scope of the Design Review Commission’s scope, but he asked if there was any idea about the replacement wall signs.

Mr. Wilmot described the rendering on the screen showing that the replacement signs would potentially go on the north and east elevations.

Chairman Reardon asked Mr. Wilmot to describe the proposed Alucobond material in more detail. He asked if the proposed material had an enamel appearance.

Mr. Wilmot stated that the Alucobond material is an aluminum composite material. He described the material make up. He stated that if the material is damaged it can easily be replaced. The Alucobond material has a gloss finish which has a similar appearance to the tile that is on the building now.

Chairman Reardon indicated that he supported the changes. The proposed changes will modernize the building’s façade, but it is still clear that it is a Fannie May store.

Commissioner Cahill also indicated support for the proposed changes. The current façade is a bit disjointed in his opinion. The proposed changes make the façade more uniform for the store.

Commissioner Banks stated that the renderings make the proposed white Alucobond look as though it is more similar in color to the second floor of the building. She commented that the renderings shows the second floor as a lighter beige than what was captured in the photographs of the existing façade that were provided in the application submittals. She has concerns that the actual construction will make the difference in color standout more than the existing façade.

Chairman Reardon stated that he appreciates the potential for the new façade to be more visually apparent and modern looking. The updated façade will complement the modern looking building that was built at 8 W. Burlington Ave. He said that the proposed changes will brighten the corner up.

Mr. Wilmot stated that he did agree with Commissioner Banks that it will standout more. The proposed use of the black outline on the façade was intended to help separate between the Fannie May and second floor facades. Additionally the existing white tile has likely dulled because of age. It is likely that any change would make the façade standout more.

Chairman Reardon asked if there was a motion on the application or if there were any additional comments or questions.

Design Review Commission Recommendation

A motion was made by McClinton, seconded by Cahill to recommend the application:

A roll call vote was taken

Ayes: Banks, Cahill, McClinton, and Reardon Nays:

Motion passed

IV. NEW BUSINESS

None.

V. OLD BUSINESS

None.

VI. ADJOURNMENT:

There being nothing further to consider, on motion by Commissioner Banks and seconded by Commissioner McClinton, the meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

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