Hinsdale Plan Commission approves K Bar Hinsdale finding, clears five downtown sign permits

The Hinsdale Plan Commission on Wednesday, Feb. 12, approved findings for a special-use permit related to a proposed physical fitness facility for K Bar Hinsdale and unanimously approved five sign-permit applications for downtown businesses, the commission said during its meeting.

The motions passed unanimously by roll call, with Commissioner Curry, Commissioner Krillenberger, Commissioner Cernovich, Commissioner Willoughby, Commissioner Fiosconi, Commissioner Moore and Chairman Cashman voting yes. Commissioners Harlow and Jablonski were noted as absent.

The special-use matter was recorded as case A-44-2024 and described by the commission as a request to allow “a physical fitness facility for K Bar Hinsdale” in the B1 Community Business District. The commission approved the findings and recommendations for that case, with Commissioner Krillenberger moving the motion and Commissioner Moore seconding.

Why it matters: the decisions clear multiple storefront changes and a land-use finding that together affect downtown Hinsdale’s tenant mix and street-front appearance. Several applicants and the planning staff said the signs were intended to replace temporary banners and to better identify the businesses for customers.

Cases and key details

Votes at a glance

- Case A-44-2024 — Special-use findings for a proposed physical fitness facility (K Bar Hinsdale), approved (motion: approve findings and recommendations; mover: Commissioner Krillenberger; second: Commissioner Moore). Vote: 7-0.

- Case A-1-2025 — 102 South Washington St., Studio W: installation of one projecting (blade) sign and one permanent window sign; approved (motion: approve as submitted; mover: Commissioner Krillenberger; second: Commissioner Curry). Vote: 7-0. Applicant representative said the rear blade sign will mark a back entrance; the owner (Wagenbach) said the signage “will be really tasteful and beautiful.”

- Case A-3-2025 — 5 West Second St., tenant panels for Hinsdale Dental Journey and Studio Giuseppe (two wall signs): approved (motion: approve as submitted; mover: Commissioner Willoughby; second: Commissioner Moore). Vote: 7-0. Marlene Crick, owner of Signs Now in Downers Grove, said the panels will be pan-face, non-illuminated digital prints and that other tenant panels were declined at this time.

- Case A-6-2025 — 12 Gramatan Square, Coastal Bay Seafoods: one wall sign (halo-illuminated letters on pan-face backer), approved (motion: approve as submitted; mover: Commissioner Curry; second: Commissioner Moore). Vote: 7-0. Ruth Chandler of Aurora Sign Company said the two-line sign is intended to include “seafoods” so “folks know where they are,” and that the sign will be mounted with a timer for illumination; the applicant will follow up with the board on LED color temperature.

- Case A-4-2025 — 8 East Hinsdale Ave., Coldwell Banker / Don McKenna Group: permanent window decals for the Don McKenna Group; approved (motion: approve as submitted; mover: Commissioner Krillenberger; second: Commissioner Curry). Vote: 7-0. The applicant said the awning logo will be removed to keep total district signage within the B1 allowance; staff noted a separate proposal for signage at 25 West Chicago is expected in March and only one permit will be executed depending on the broker’s decision.

- Case A-5-2025 — 14 West Hinsdale Ave., Unit 1A, Guaranteed Rate: like-for-like update of corporate logo for one wall sign and one projecting sign; approved (motion: approve as submitted; mover: Commissioner Willoughby; second: Commissioner Moore). Vote: 7-0. Robbie of Olympic Signs called the work an update and said it was essentially “like for like.”

Discussion, clarifications and staff notes

Commissioners and staff framed most items as routine sign-permit reviews. Planning staff and applicants clarified technical details during the presentations: the Studio W applicant noted a blade sign will be attached to the building rather than the previous post-mounted sign; Signs Now confirmed that window signs that previously existed would be removed; Coastal Bay Seafoods’ contractor said the applicant will provide LED color-temperature specifications to staff and that a timer will control illumination; and Coldwell Banker representatives said they will remove an awning sign to remain within the district’s square-footage allowance.

Direct quotes from the meeting include remarks by applicants and contractors. Wagenbach (Studio W owner) said the signage “will be really tasteful and beautiful.” Marlene Crick (Signs Now) summarized the proposed tenant panels: “We’re gonna put a digital print on the face for both.” Ruth Chandler (Aurora Sign Company) said the two-line Coastal Bay sign is designed so “seafood was well represented there, just so folks know where they are.”

No votes failed or were tabled during the meeting. The commission approved the minutes of its Jan. 8, 2025 meeting earlier in the session and then moved through the sign-permit agenda. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

What’s next: staff and applicants will follow up with the planning office on a few technical items the applicants promised to provide — notably LED color temperature for the Coastal Bay sign — and the commission expects a separate signage application for 25 West Chicago at the March meeting.

Ending: The commission did not schedule additional public hearings on these items during the Feb. 12 meeting and closed the docket after approving the listed permits and findings.