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Skokie panel approves façade changes at 4736 Dempster but bars LED parapet strips
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Summary
The commission approved refacing and new signage for the USA Laundromat at 4736 Dempster with a revised, lighter color scheme; it declined to approve LED parapet strips cited by staff as prohibited under village zoning code.
The Skokie Appearance Commission approved exterior updates and new channel-letter signage for the business at 4736 Dempster Street on April 15, but excluded the applicant’s proposed LED parapet strip lights after staff cited zoning restrictions.
Staff flagged that “the proposed light strips along the top of the building are not permitted for section 118-71 of the village zoning code” and expressed concern about long-term maintenance of painted masonry. Linus, the tenant who said "I am the owner [lessee]," presented the concept and said the design intent is a red, white and blue accenting scheme. The contractor described the lighting as subdued accent rope lighting and said it was "more of an accent rather than it is for brightness."
Commissioners questioned whether the proposed dark-blue body color would appear black from the street and recommended a lighter body color with navy awnings and red accents. The commission concluded it would grant a certificate of appropriateness for the façade and signage with a revised majority-white or off-white body and retained red-and-blue accents, and it explicitly excluded the LED strip lights from the approval, deferring any lighting-lumen review to zoning staff.
A motion to grant the certificate with those conditions was moved, seconded and approved by roll call.
The approval addresses appearance and signage only; any lighting that affects zoning standards must be reviewed and approved (or denied) by the zoning reviewer.
