Hinsdale plan commission approves Magnolia Dial Senior Living renovation, requires AC unit relocation and landscaping

The Hinsdale Plan Commission on July 8 approved a major adjustment to the plan development and site plan for Magnolia Dial Senior Living at 10 North Washington Street, approving interior modernization and the relocation of rooftop mechanical units to ground level with conditions to reduce neighborhood impacts.

The commission approved the project unanimously after hearing a presentation from architect Mark Sanger and ownership representative Janine DeBeder. Commissioners required that the north condenser be relocated around the corner to the east side of the building, lowered one terrace level and screened with landscaping; the commission also encouraged an overall landscape upgrade for the property.

Sanger, the project architect, said the 1976 building will remain an assisted-living community and the renovation is “almost completely an interior renovation” of mechanical, plumbing and amenity spaces intended to “modernize it for the next 50 years.” He told the commission the applicant is not changing the building footprint or density.

On the rooftop-to-ground relocation, Sanger explained the building can carry the weight of rooftop units but not the lateral forces or wind loads, which prompted the plan to place three condenser units at ground level at the rear of the building adjacent to the Chase Bank property. He described an approximately 8-foot masonry screening wall to match the existing Magnolia masonry.

Commissioner Jablonski pressed the applicant on noise, saying of units placed near resident windows, “That’ll be loud.” Sanger acknowledged there will be more audible sound near the units and said options are limited by airflow needs; he offered sound-absorbent windows or increased distance where feasible and estimated the straight-line setback from resident windows to the new units at roughly 24 feet. Sanger also said a condenser pad will be about 40 inches by 40 inches.

Janine DeBeder, representing ownership, said the building is currently empty; the owners closed the facility after determining the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems needed a full overhaul. She estimated construction would begin after required permits and financing are in hand and last about six months from that point.

Bethany (staff) told the commission that Commissioner Moore had suggested placing the north condenser on a landing next to the stair so it would be outside the front setback and hidden from Maple Street. Commissioners and the applicant agreed that relocating the condenser to the east side, down one terrace level and screening it with landscaping would address the primary neighborhood concerns.

The motion to approve included the relocation and screening conditions and was moved by Commissioner Willoughby and seconded by Julie; Bethany conducted a roll-call vote in which all present commissioners voted in favor. The project will proceed to permitting and financing; commissioners said staff will follow up on FAR corrections and final landscaping details during review and permitting.

The plan commission’s approval keeps the building’s assisted-living use and preserves the existing footprint while requiring conditions designed to limit noise and visual impacts on adjacent streets and properties.