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Architectural board approves design tweaks for 120 East Granton residential building
Summary
After reviewing material, porch and entry changes, the Lake Bluff Architectural Board approved the design for a multiunit residential building at 120 East Granton with conditions to replace limestone piers with brick and to use a plaque for the address rather than full spelled-out lettering.
Architect Peter (applicant) and design team presented revised elevations and site details for a proposed multiunit residential building at 120 East Granton to the Village of Lake Bluff Architectural Board on March 4. The presentation covered porch framing, a revised arch over the garage, porch timber details, revised landscaping, lighting for emergency egress stairs and coordination with adjacent sidewalk work.
The project team proposed heavier timber porches (12x12 posts with metal rail infill), a recess at the main entrance framed in stone to emphasize the entry, and a mix of solid and metal fencing around selected property edges. Designers also showed updated landscape benches and planters at a corner knuckle per feedback from Tuscan Associates. The team discussed practical items such as footlights at egress stairs and the need to coordinate engineering for a potential new sidewalk on the north edge of the site.
Board members generally praised the refinements — especially the heavier timber porches, the recessed entry and the simplified arch over the garage — and suggested several modest edits, including reconsidering limestone piers at the front elevation and the exact address treatment above the main door. One board member recommended replacing the spelled-out street name with a simpler address plaque or four-inch numerals to preserve the building's architectural character.
Motion: A member moved to approve the development at 120 East Granton with the following revisions: replace limestone piers with brick to match other piers, and replace full spelled-out address above the front door with a plaque or other modest treatment. The motion was seconded and passed by roll-call vote (Member Carewax, Member Stradeff, Member Wex and Chair Hunter voted aye). The transcript records follow-up items including final engineering, coordination with the village on sidewalk/curb grading, and confirmation of address signage with the fire department.
Outcome: Design approval granted with stated revisions. The board asked the applicant to finalize construction drawings consistent with the approved materials and to coordinate exterior lighting, address signage (minimum 4-inch height required by village engineer) and landscape details in subsequent submittals.
