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Plan commission approves exterior updates at 6, 8–10 W. 1st St.; lighting spec included
Summary
Owners of several downtown parcels at 6 and 8–10 West 1st Street won approval to reclad facades, replace most windows, reduce alley dumpster size and reconfigure a rear parking area; approval included a condition that exterior sconces be 3,000 Kelvin.
The Hinsdale Plan Commission unanimously approved exterior appearance and site-plan changes for properties at 6 West 1st Street and 8–10 West 1st Street on July 8, granting the owner flexibility to reclad facades, replace windows, and adjust site elements while requiring 3,000-K exterior lighting.
Pete Tortorello of Fairfield Properties, who said he acquired the corner building in May and has lived in Hinsdale for more than 20 years, presented the application. He described recladding the 1,300-square-foot carriage house with hardy plank, replacing most windows (repairing the storefront), installing a new roof and adding three skylights. The owner also proposes to remove a 4-yard dumpster from the alley and replace it with a 2-yard unit inside the existing fenced enclosure; rear parking will be reduced to three spaces accessed from the alley.
Commissioners praised the packet and materials. Julie suggested soft visual enhancements, such as window boxes or other tenant-driven details, to 'dress up' a new picture window; Tortorello said he was open to such additions but noted final appearance will depend on tenant choice. Commissioner Terry noted preservation commissions sometimes require additional review for historic buildings and asked about retaining the building’s traditional yellow color; Tortorello said he selected neutral hardy-board colors to fit the downtown palette and chose hardy board for durability.
Bethany relayed a request from Commissioner Moore that exterior light fixtures be 3,000 Kelvin; Tortorello agreed to use 3,000K sconces once tenants determine final fixture styles. The commission moved to approve the application as submitted, with the suggestion that the applicant consider additional visual treatments for 6 West 1st once tenants are identified and the explicit requirement that lighting be 3,000K. Commissioner Jablonski seconded the motion; roll call recorded all present voting in favor.
The approval allows exterior and site work to proceed to permitting; interior tenant improvements will follow as tenants are selected. Staff and the applicant will finalize final materials and lighting details during permit review.
