Board approves two Lake Bluff sign permits; electronic display to be recessed and timer requested

The Architectural Board of Review on July 1 approved two sign permit requests for downtown Lake Bluff, granting standard flush‑mounted channel letters for the optometry tenant and recommending changes to a larger, multi‑element storefront sign package that includes an adaptive-brightness digital display.

Aaron Hurring, representing the installer for the optometry tenant, described the Forest Bluff Optometry sign at 207 S. Waukegan Road as “fairly standard, front lit or illuminated, channel letters” with white faces and black returns and no visible raceway; electrical and the disconnect would be concealed behind the wall. After questions about height and the location of the disconnect, the board voted to approve the channel‑letter sign as submitted.

A second applicant representing the Half and Half/Prairie storefront presented a consolidated sign package that replaces previously approved and temporary signs; the package includes window vinyl, duplicate storefront logos, two blade signs and a digital menu/display. The applicant said the new digital screens adapt their brightness to ambient light and dim at night. Board members requested refinements: mount the electronic display directly to the wall (removing the existing pedestal/base) so the unit appears cleaner and less bulky, and reduce the blade sign above one storefront by roughly 20–25% so it sits entirely within the brick opening above the window. The applicant agreed to add a timer to switch the digital display off at night if requested; presenters confirmed the sign can be dimmed and scheduled to turn off (staff recommended midnight as an option).

Members also discussed recently installed picnic tables outside the business. Several board members said the tables read as a temporary or casual solution and urged either higher‑quality street furniture or a formalized review process for street furniture going forward; staff said the board has discussed a more formalized policy. The board’s motion recommending approval of the Half and Half sign package included the two specific recommendations (wall‑mount the digital sign and resize the blade sign); the motion passed by roll call. Applicants thanked the board and said they would implement the requested changes.

Forest Bluff Optometry: motion to approve as submitted; roll call vote recorded 'Aye' from members present and the permit was approved.

Half and Half / Prairie sign package: board recommended approval with conditions to mount the electronic sign on the wall and to reduce the blade sign size to fit within the brick opening; the board also requested that the applicant consider a digital sign timer and encouraged refinement of outdoor furniture.