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Hinsdale commissioners continue Hinsdale Wine Shop sign review after debate over visibility and historic character
Summary
Owners of Hinsdale Wine Shop sought an illuminated sign above the gable to replace weathered signage; commissioners and the Historic Preservation Commission recommended a lower, less bright placement. The matter was continued to Feb. 12 for the applicant to return with alternative mock-ups and lighting details.
At the Jan. 8 meeting, Hinsdale commissioners continued review of a proposed illuminated wall sign for Hinsdale Wine Shop, 12 East Hinsdale Ave., after several commissioners and advisory reviewers questioned its height and lighting.
The owners, Joe Vittore and business partner Ryan Jansky, asked to replace a deteriorating wood sign above the storefront and add an internally illuminated sign on the building gable to improve visibility for drivers and pedestrians. “We’re trying to make it easier for people to find us,” Vittore said, adding the sign’s LEDs will be dimmable and the owner would “turn off at 10 p.m.”
Commissioners said they sympathized with the need for visibility but repeatedly urged the applicants to consider alternatives that would better match the downtown historic character. Commissioner Cynthia (last name not specified) said she preferred the sign located lower, “back in the alcove,” as it is “more in keeping with the historic village.” Commissioner Julie (last name not specified) called the proposed placement “too high on the building” and said she favored external illumination in the recessed area.
Several commissioners recommended a warmer, lower-intensity light if the panel were internally illuminated. Commissioner Scott (last name not specified) referred to prior discussion about color temperature, saying the commission had previously discussed aiming for lower Kelvin values and that “if we’re gonna do backlighting, I like option 2, but I would even go down to 3,000 [K].” Applicant team members said the sign could be dimmed and placed on a timer.
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), whose advisory recommendations were in the packet, had urged approval of a non-illuminated sign set into the alcove above the entrance; commissioners noted those comments as part of the deliberation. Staff also called the council’s sign-review guidelines to members’ attention as criteria to weigh compatibility with community standards, design quality and site appropriateness.
Because the applicants were able and willing to produce additional visuals, commissioners voted to continue the matter and asked the owners to return with two options: the currently proposed gable-mounted, internally illuminated sign and an alternative placement in the alcove or a lower projecting location with lighting mock-ups (including the softer internal-lighting option discussed). The continuation is scheduled for Feb. 12, 2025.
Votes and next steps
The motion to continue case A-47-2024 to the Feb. 12 meeting passed on a roll-call vote with Commissioners Curry, Kirillenberger, Cernovich, Willoughby, Moore and Chairman Cashman voting aye. Staff said the applicants will submit photographic mock-ups showing visibility from the street and options for the blade (projecting) sign size if the applicants request adjustments.
Why it matters
Hinsdale’s downtown is a historic commercial district where sign placement and lighting are frequently balanced against business visibility. Commissioners said they wanted to support the business while protecting streetscape character, so they sought concrete alternatives before making a final approval.
