Commission approves Shell site redesign at 16700 Cicero Avenue with dumpster masonry, bike rack conditions

The Oak Forest Planning & Zoning Commission on May 20 approved a Major Design Review Permit for a replacement Shell gas station and convenience store at 16700 Cicero Avenue, voting 6-0 with two commissioners absent.

Staff Member Paul Ruane presented the application for MjrDR #26-03, describing plans to demolish the existing convenience store and canopy and to build a larger structure relocated to the west side of the property within the C3 Central Business District. Ruane said the design includes additional parking, new landscaping along Cicero Avenue and 167th Street, and facade articulation using a 12-inch cast stone veneer wainscot with utility brick and stone block accents.

Eric Erickson, the project architect from Erickson Architecture, told the commission the applicant is retaining existing pavement to avoid disturbing more than a half acre of the site, explaining that “exceeding that threshold would trigger stormwater detention requirements that would be costly and difficult to accommodate given the wetland conditions.” Commissioners noted the west elevation faces wetlands where the grade drops about six to eight feet and that the site is landlocked by wetlands to the west and south.

Commissioner Forbes said the proposal met design review standards, citing the use of brick, durable materials, and varied facade treatment. Commissioners added a standard condition the application had omitted: installation of a bike rack. Staff also noted that the zoning code requires a masonry dumpster enclosure constructed of materials similar to the building and that staff will confirm the enclosure material prior to permitting.

Commissioner Guisinger moved to approve the permit subject to the masonry dumpster enclosure and bike rack conditions; Commissioner McGrath seconded. The motion passed on a roll-call vote, 6-0, with Commissioners LaRoche and Runge absent. Staff will coordinate with the applicant on construction sequencing; the applicant said the existing operation is expected to remain open during most of construction with a temporary electric panel and a roughly one- to two-week switchover period to the new building.