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Commission approves revised elevations at 7656 Crawford after lengthy debate over thin‑brick veneer and masonry rules
Summary
After extended discussion about visibility, material compatibility and the village's 51% masonry guideline, the commission approved revised elevations for 7656 Crawford allowing thin‑brick veneer on specified elevations with conditions on transitions, stoop size, and siding profile.
The Skokie Appearance Commission voted unanimously on Jan. 14 to approve revised elevations for a second‑floor addition at 7656 Crawford, resolving a months‑long review that returned the case to the commission for changes to exterior materials.
Staff reminded the panel that the case was previously approved in July 2025 and that the revised proposal includes a thin‑brick veneer product that does not count toward the village's 51% masonry minimum (section 22‑63(53)). Staff recommended following the previously approved elevations, noting the code distinction that thin brick is not credited as masonry for the percentage calculation.
Architect Nathan Kriska described the proposed Finbrick product and a light‑gray/"putty" color chosen because available infill brick would not match existing grain. Commissioners raised concerns about the visual effect of a thin veneer that stops at a corner board on the south elevation, noting the second floor's high visibility from the south approach. Several members recommended either wrapping the street‑facing elevations in the veneer or providing a clear separation (a soldier course, corbeling or soffit line) between existing brick and new veneer to avoid an abrupt, unfinished edge.
Panelists also discussed practical refinements: centering or widening the stoop to align with the revised entry, selecting a door style consistent with the house rather than an off‑the‑shelf colonial panel, and using narrower siding exposure on the second floor to better relate to brick scale. One commissioner urged staining rather than painting any retained brick to preserve breathability and durability.
A motion passed recording approval "as presented" with thin brick on the north and east elevations and the second floor of the south elevation, hardy panel allowed on the west elevation with a thinner profile, a larger stoop matching the stone entrance, and a defined separation between existing stained brick and new veneer; commissioners voted aye in roll call (Tom, Charles, Joe, Julie, Jay, Carlos and Jacob).
The commission asked the applicant to refine door and stoop details and to coordinate final material transitions with staff during permitting.
