Lucid’s Old Skokie Road proposal draws questions over large illuminated ground sign and polycarbonate façade

Lucid Motors presented a design‑review and sign‑package amendment for 1200 Old Skokie Road, the former Tesla space, proposing a white polycarbonate cladding on the east façade and a multi‑face illuminated ground sign visible from U.S. 41.

Lucid’s managing counsel, Seth King, described the company’s intent to use a lightweight polycarbonate panel system to modernize an industrial façade and to mount illuminated letters and marketing graphics on the new cladding. “We wanted a lightweight cladding option that could be attached to the existing structure and would enhance highway visibility while improving the building appearance,” King said. Miguel Claros, Lucid’s retail development design manager, added that the vinyl graphics below the main identification sign would be replaceable prints for promotional content.

Staff reported the proposed sign package would add three east‑facing wall signs, a south facade “service” sign, and a two‑faced internally illuminated ground sign whose structural enclosure measures 10 by 18 feet. Staff’s calculations showed the overall sign‑area package would increase by approximately 263.4 square feet (from about 1,110 sq. ft. to 1,373.4 sq. ft.). Staff also noted the ground sign meets the code allowance for 18‑foot maximum structure height under section 150.2025(H) that permits an additional 3 feet in certain zones, but that the sign’s graphic faces (roughly 85 sq. ft. per face) were an unusual application for Highland Park and required careful review.

Commissioners asked for additional comparisons to other dealerships and for more information about the sign illumination schedule because residential buildings lie across U.S. 41. Staff compared the package with previously approved dealership monument signs in town (Audi and Porsche) and said the total structural footprint of Lucid’s sign was similar to recent dealership approvals, though the graphic lightbox format was less common in Highland Park. Several commissioners said they were uncomfortable with the large graphic panel because it might be visually distracting to drivers; others said illumination controls and hours could mitigate neighborhood impact.

Seth King and Lucid’s design team brought material samples and polycarbonate mockups and described the proposed method to mount lettering and provide conduit within the panel assembly. Danpal North America (panel manufacturer) explained the system can be installed as full‑height panels with concealed vertical joints, and that the signage vendor would coordinate attachment to structural backing behind the panels.

The commission directed staff to prepare a draft certificate of approval and return the application at the Oct. 21 meeting, and commissioners asked staff to provide more examples of similar sign treatments, illumination specifications and hours of operation, and a lighting‑spill analysis relative to nearby residences. A formal vote to continue with staff direction carried at roll call.