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Mount Prospect board lets Make‑A‑Wish art studio shed remain, adopts staff alternative with conditions
Summary
The village board adopted an ordinance allowing a refurbished shed at 17 S. Maple — converted as a Make‑A‑Wish art studio for a child with serious medical needs — to remain in perpetuity under a staff alternative that ties permanence to a 50% replacement threshold and other conditions including a French drain and utility approvals.
The Mount Prospect Village Board on Jan. 6 adopted an ordinance granting zoning relief for a nonconforming accessory structure at 17 South Maple Street, incorporating a staff alternative that allows the improved shed — converted into a Make‑A‑Wish art studio for the petitioner’s daughter — to remain in perpetuity subject to conditions.
Staff told the board the structure had existed for more than 30 years and was rehabilitated under a temporary permit to serve as an art studio. Staff described five items of relief needed (size, height, lot coverage and setback variances, and permission to occupy an easement) and recommended measures including a French drain to offset a roughly 6% lot‑coverage increase. The Planning and Zoning Commission had voted 4–1 to recommend approval with conditions, including demolition before sale; staff offered an alternative that treats the shed like a legally permitted nonconforming structure that can stay unless damaged beyond 50% of its replacement value.
Homeowner Mitch Keenan told the board the project was a Make‑A‑Wish gift for his 7‑year‑old daughter, June, who lives with chronic conditions, and described the studio as therapeutic. "This was not pursued by our family, but we were so grateful to have been given this incredible gift," Keenan said. Multiple neighbors and friends spoke in support, saying the refurbishing was done with village oversight and had community benefits.
Trustee Dante supported the staff alternative at the microphone, saying, "The quality of life is more important than anything at this point," and the board moved to waive the rules and adopt the ordinance incorporating the staff alternative. The clerk called the roll and the motion passed.
What the approval does: The ordinance allows the existing art studio to remain while adding specific conditions: required conformance with submitted plans, off‑setting French drain installation to address lot‑coverage exceedance, written approvals from utility companies for work in the easement, and a 50% replacement threshold that would require a rebuilt structure to meet the rear‑yard setback if the shed were heavily damaged in the future. The approval also restricts use to accessory/resident‑focused purposes and prohibits conflict with home‑based business rules.
Why it matters: The decision balances neighborhood concerns, zoning enforcement policy, and accommodation for a family’s medical needs; it clarifies a path for preserving an existing nonconforming structure while preserving the village’s ability to require compliance if the structure is substantially rebuilt.
