Hinsdale Plan Commission asks School District 181 for more design options, continues Stockton Avenue review to May 14

At its April 9, 2025 meeting, the Hinsdale Plan Commission continued consideration of Case A-49-2024133, a site plan and exterior appearance review for School District 181’s proposed consolidation of administration offices at 133 Stockton Avenue.

The commission said the building’s proposed treatment — painted brick, replacement windows with black frames, PVC-wrapped columns and a mix of colonial and contemporary elements — needs clearer direction. Commissioners asked the district for multiple design concepts that either commit to a traditional colonial look or go fully contemporary, and for more cohesive materials and detailing along the Ogden Avenue corridor.

Mike Dugan, director of facilities for School District 181, and Dave Patton of Healy Bender, Patton and Dean Architects described the project as a reuse of an existing office building the district recently purchased after searching for a location inside district boundaries. Patton said the district wants a ground-level administration presence that aligns with other schools; speaking about a separate agenda item he noted, “Madison is turning 100 years old this year, so, the district’s looking to develop a ground mounted sign that has Madison School on it, as well as established, 1925.”

Commissioners pressed the applicant on several site-specific constraints: the existing building footprint and parking layout limit the ability to add landscaping islands; much of the site is a “sea of asphalt,” and property lines and existing fences constrain changes. The applicants said they would look for opportunities to add landscaping in rear corners and around new utility and trash enclosures but that the district is trying to limit costs for the administration move.

Lighting and night-time glare drew specific attention. Commissioners noted measured foot-candle levels across the lot and identified one brighter spot (about 2.6 fc) near a covered area adjacent to a party wall; applicants agreed to explore dimming or scheduling for the new parking-lot fixtures so security lighting can be reduced during nonwork hours. The commission also requested revised proposals for the largest, most visible elevation on Ogden Avenue and suggested saving budget for that facade rather than less visible elevations.

Commissioners also questioned specific materials and details cited in the plans, including PVC trim on prominent columns and painted brick. Applicants said the proposed column wraps use rot-resistant synthetic backup covered by the exterior finish to reduce maintenance.

After discussion, Commissioner Willoughby moved and Commissioner Piazzoni seconded a motion to continue the public meeting on Case A-49-2024133 to the Plan Commission’s May 14 meeting. The commission voted unanimously to continue the item.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of minutes, March 2025 meeting — Motion moved by Commissioner Willoughby, seconded by Commissioner Kirillenberger; roll-call vote: Kirillenberger, Cernovich, Willoughby, Fiosconi and Chairman Jeremy Cashman voted Aye. Outcome: approved.

- Case A-172025 — 250 East Ogden Avenue (How To Fade Hair Barbershop): installation of permanent window signs. Motion to approve (mover/second recorded in meeting but not clearly stated on the transcript). Roll-call vote: Kirillenberger, Cernovich, Willoughby, Fiosconi and Chairman Cashman voted Aye. Outcome: approved.

- Case A-192025 — 611 South Madison Street (Madison Elementary School / School District 181): installation of one ground-mounted sign (not illuminated). Motion to approve (mover/second not specified in transcript). Roll-call vote: Kirillenberger, Cernovich, Willoughby, Fiosconi and Chairman Cashman voted Aye. Outcome: approved.

Next steps and context

The commission asked the district to return with multiple design alternatives, material samples and a refined lighting plan that shows proposed night-time levels and dimming schedules. The May 14 continuation will allow commissioners to review revised elevations, landscape opportunities for parking “dead zones,” and any adjustments to exterior materials before a final decision on the Stockton Avenue site plan and exterior appearance review.