Plan and Design Commission approves new sign package for 186–194 Skokie Valley Road

The Plan and Design Commission on Sept. 2 approved a new sign package for the multi-tenant property at 186–194 Skokie Valley Road that would allow internally illuminated wall signs sized to serve multiple tenants, including an Enterprise Rent‑A‑Car location planned for 190–192 Skokie Valley Road.

Why it matters: The decision sets permitted signage for a small retail strip undergoing façade changes and affects the site’s visual character on a commercial corridor and the size of signs future tenants may install.

Community Development staff presented the application and described the site as a multi‑tenant commercial building that currently has no sign package but will receive façade renovations and a partial demolition to convert part of the building to a garage for Enterprise. Anthony Mistretta, Planner I with the Community Development Department, explained the package contains three internally illuminated wall signs and small informational window signs; one prominent tenant sign proposed for Enterprise would be roughly 23.5 feet by 3 feet, about 70.5 square feet. Mistretta said the total proposed sign area is about 148.5 square feet, of which wall signs are roughly 130.5 square feet and window signs about 18 square feet.

Mistretta noted the applicable code allows internal illumination in the B‑3 and I highway commercial districts and directed the commission to compare the proposed total sign area to a “by‑right” allowance (either 15% of the façade or 125 square feet, whichever is less). He told commissioners that the proposed wall signage (130.5 square feet) is below the 15% façade comparison (139 square feet), though the combined wall-plus-window area slightly exceeds that figure.

Owner comments: Mitch Goltz, who identified himself as owner of GW GTZ Properties, said his firm recently purchased the property and plans a renovation and facelift; he confirmed Enterprise has a long‑term lease for the two end units and said the property will be marketed for the remaining spaces. Goltz said the plan is to have three tenants but that lease configurations could change in the future.

Deliberation and outcome: Commissioners asked whether the sign package would require return to the commission if tenant configuration changes; staff and the applicant said an amendment would be required if the owner substantially changed the sign plan. No public commenters spoke. A motion to approve the sign package passed by roll call vote (aye votes recorded for Commissioners Incek, Nannis, Henry, Mantis, Vice Chair Kirsch and Chair Moore). The commission’s approval authorizes the sign package as presented; sign permits and any future amendments must be submitted to Community Development.

What’s next: The applicant will apply for individual sign permits consistent with the approved package. Staff and the applicant emphasized that, if tenant layout changes materially, the owner would be expected to return for an amendment.

Sources: Presentation and testimony at the Highland Park Plan and Design Commission regular meeting, Sept. 2, 2025; statements by Anthony Mistretta (Planner I, Community Development) and property owner Mitch Goltz.