Lake Bluff Yacht Club seeks larger boathouse; board gives preliminary design feedback

The Lake Bluff Yacht Club presented preliminary, revised plans for a new boathouse at a special Architectural Board workshop Thursday, and board members provided design feedback but took no formal vote.

Gretchen Seymour, identified as a club member and Commodore, said the club returned to the board with a different plan after the North Shore Water Reclamation District did not provide the funding originally expected. Seymour said the district "did not ultimately agree to rebuild us as we had hoped," prompting the club to rework the design and budget.

Taylor Overman, a club board member leading the effort, told the board the revised structure would be roughly six feet taller than the original design, the same east-facing width but eight feet deeper, and would include a second-floor loft solely for storage. "Our goal, ultimately, is to hopefully buy a couple kayaks and paddleboards ... and have a place to get together," Overman said, describing the project as intended to expand public access to small boats and club events.

Builder and neighbor Ted Stanaszek described the concept as "a big cedar shed built like boathouses were back in the 1900s" with cedar lap siding, exposed timber framing and a simple metal roof. He said foundation design is the most uncertain element because the proposed site sits on sand over a tank and will require engineering analysis; he called the current foundation approach conceptual and said engineers will recommend a final scheme.

Board members raised several concerns and suggestions: materials and long-term appearance, roof type, foundation and head-height for the second floor, the dormer proportions and the front fence. Members suggested the club prioritize high-quality materials and craftsmanship if the group seeks an aged "boathouse" aesthetic, or else consider a lighter finishing treatment (including stains or a whitewash) to avoid a weathered look that could appear neglected in isolation.

On fencing, the club described plans for an ornamental aluminum picket fence across the front and less-visible chain link on three sides as a cost-saving option; several board members preferred aluminum or a uniform decorative treatment if the budget allows. Stacking and operation of four sliding barn-door panels to create the needed 14-foot opening for zodiacs was described; the doors will run on double tracks and bypass to the sides.

The club said it aims to bring near-final drawings to the board in December so construction can begin once the ground thaws in spring. No site work or permit was approved at the workshop; the board asked the club to return with refined drawings showing final massing, materials and foundation details.

Key technical and program details discussed: - Approximate revised footprint: 30 ft by 24 ft (original plan ~30 ft by 16 ft), with roughly a six-foot increase in overall height. - Second-floor loft for storage only; primary ground floor for boats, club gear and two zodiacs. - Foundation unresolved: options discussed included a perimeter concrete footing or a lighter timber "deck" approach anchored into compact sand over the tank; final approach to be determined by structural engineers. - Phase 1 racks will be open (no roofs) with possible Phase 2 additions later. - Fence: proposal for decorative aluminum pickets across the front and cost-saving galvanized chain link on less-visible sides; club preferred a transparent look that minimizes visual bulk.

Speakers on the record included club leaders and the project builder; board members offered detailed stylistic and technical guidance but did not vote. The board previously granted a fire-sprinkler exemption for an earlier yacht-club design; staff indicated that exemption remains applicable in principle but final code determinations will depend on the final construction drawings.

The club asked to return with refined drawings for December's meeting; board members said they will review the next submission and indicated general support for the massing so long as materials and execution meet the board's expectations.