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Plan and Design Commission approves sign package, facade updates for Skokie Valley Road storefronts
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Summary
The Highland Park Plan and Design Commission on Feb. 3 approved a design-review and sign package for 172–178 Skokie Valley Road authorizing six signs and modest facade work, including James Hardy siding and reuse of existing gooseneck lighting; staff included an illumination compliance condition tied to the municipal code.
The Highland Park Plan and Design Commission voted Feb. 3 to adopt a certificate of approval for design review and a sign package at 172–178 Skokie Valley Road, clearing facade improvements and a six-sign package for the commercial strip.
Planner Anthony Mistretta told the commission the property currently has internally illuminated box signs and three tenants; the application proposes three wall signs and three 2-by-3 window signs for a total sign area of 78 square feet (60 square feet of wall signage and 18 square feet of window signage). Mistretta said the primary new wall sign would be an externally illuminated 2-by-10-foot panel and that the applicant plans to use existing gooseneck lights on the brick facade. The proposal also includes new James Hardy siding on part of the facade and a modest increase in the principal structure height of about 1 foot 3 inches to roughly 13.3 feet.
Staff advised commissioners that the proposed package compares favorably with zoning limits in the B3 district and recommended the commission adopt the certificate of approval. Stan, a staff reviewer, asked that the certificate include a condition requiring that illumination comply with Section 150.2007 of the municipal code, saying, “the site plan that illumination shall comply with Section 150.2007” to ensure any internally or externally illuminated elements meet the code.
Mitch Gholtz, representing JCC Properties and the petitioner, described ongoing renovations and multiple tenants that will remain on the property, saying the improvements will “look a heck of a lot better than it looked” and offering to return to the commission if further adjustments are needed.
A motion to adopt the certificate of approval passed on a roll-call vote with Commissioners Incek, Fettner, Henry, Mantis, Moore, Vice Chair Nannas and Chair Kirsch recorded as voting "Aye." The commission approved the application and the certificate of approval will govern the permitted signage and illumination condition.
The approval allows the applicant to proceed with the permitted sign package and facade work subject to the certificate's conditions; staff will process building and sign permits consistent with the commission's action.
