2005-07-12 - Appearance Review Team - Minutes Board or Commission: ❑Appearance Review Team
Document Type: ❑Agenda 0 Minutes
Meeting Date: 07/12/2005
Type of Meeting: ❑ Regular Meeting
Appearance Review Team (ART) Meeting
10:30 a.m., 7/12/2005
Proposed Depot Expansion -- Buffalo Grove Metra Station, 825 Commerce Court
ART TEAM:
William Brimm, Assistant Village Manager/ Director of Finance
Robert Pfeil, Village Planner
Greg Summers, Associate Planner
CC:
William Balling, Village Manager
Ghida Neukirch, Assistant Village Manager
SUBJECT SITE
Buffalo Grove Metra Station, 825 Commerce Court
REQUEST
Metra is seeking approval of a substantial addition and remodeling at the Buffalo Grove Metra Station
Depot located at 825 Commerce Court.
OVERVIEW
On March 28, 2005 a staff level Appearance Review Team (ART) was conducted for the Buffalo Grove
Metra Station Depot located at 825 Commerce Court. At that time, Metra proposed matching additions
to the north and south of the existing train depot building to maintain the symmetry of the overall
proposal. This information was presented to, and approved by, the Village Board on April 4, 2005. Since
that time, Metra has revised the plans and now proposes an addition to only the south end of the depot.
ART RECOMMENDATION / NOTES
The revised proposal creates an off balance design by adding to only one end of the existing depot. The
asymmetrical nature of the design is accentuated by the clock tower which would be off-centered as a
result of the proposed addition. The ART recommended that Metra explore options including a
connected roofed open-air area constructed to the north end of the depot, or a roofed walkway connector
to the existing warming house, to balance the visual mass created by the south addition.
The ART members noted that in the previously approved design the roof structure on the clock tower
was proposed for removal and reconstruction in better proportion to the balance of the building. The
ART concurred that the existing clock tower roof structure was over-scaled and should be reconstructed
at the smaller size as per the previously approved design.
The plans propose two new clocks be added to the north and south facades of the clock tower to
enhance visibility from the station platforms. Members of the ART concluded that due to site grades a
west clock face on the tower is not necessary, as its visibility could be substantially hindered by the roof
of the depot building itself.
Although no material samples were submitted, the ART discussed the proposed brick, and E.I.F.S.,
aluminum wrap for the wood frieze board, and the proposed asphalt roofing shingles. ART members
noted that the brick and E.I.F.S. should match that on the existing structure as closely as possible. The
aluminum wrap for the wood frieze board was viewed as an enhancement to the depot given the
appearance of the existing wood frieze board.
While it was understood that Metra has indicated that the cement tile product which is used on the
existing depot is no longer available from the manufacturer, members of the ART noted that a similar
roof tile was used on the new east platform warming shelter. Since an asphalt roof shingle on the depot
will not be compatible with the concrete tile roofs of the adjacent structures located along the platforms
(including the existing west platform arming house and new east platform warming shelter), the ART
recommended that Metra re-roof the entire depot building with the same roof tile used on the new east
platform warming shelter.
Metra has provided alternates for three warming shelters adjacent to the west platform. No elevations
have been provided for these warming shelters, although Metra has indicated that they would be
identical to the newly constructed east platform warming shelter. The ART questioned if the northern
most warming shelter is necessary as the engine typically sits at this point along the platform. The ART
recommended that each new warming shelter should be identical in appearance to the new east platform
warming shelter, including the roof tile.
The ART recommended that the Metra design team re-evaluate their options and submit a new proposal
for further consideration by the ART.
The meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m.