Commission approves Cook Children's clinic at Midpark despite aesthetic concerns

The commission approved an amendment to PD 118 to allow a roughly 6,000-square-foot Cook Children's clinic at Midpark, granting variances for additional parking and the use of corporate color accents on elevations. Staff noted the site meets comp plan guidance for the Newtown module, and Cook Children's representatives said their corporate colors and three-peaked forms are part of the brand identity for their facilities.

Several commissioners expressed concern that the proposed cream/white-and-blue color scheme would contrast sharply with the darker brown and brick tones used elsewhere in the Midpark development. "I struggle when I looked at this initially and just knowing how the rest of this development looks," a commissioner said, asking for more neutral, earth-tone materials. Cook Children's representative Michael Smith said the building colors are part of the organization's recognizable identity but indicated willingness to work with staff on tones; a Midpark representative also spoke in support. After discussion, a motion to approve including the requested variances passed 5–1; the applicant agreed to provide material samples to staff for review prior to council action.