2005-03-28 - Appearance Review Team - Minutes Board or Commission: ❑Appearance Review Team
Document Type: ❑Agenda 0 Minutes
Meeting Date: 03/28/2005
Type of Meeting: ❑ Regular Meeting
Appearance Review Team (ART) Meeting
3:00 p.m., 3/28/2005
Proposed Depot Expansion -- Buffalo Grove Metra Station, 825 Commerce Court
ART TEAM:
William Brimm, Asst Village Manager/ Director of Finance
Robert Pfeil, Village Planner
Edward Schar, Building Commissioner
Greg Summers, Associate Planner
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
The addition to the structure is proposed at the north and south ends to accommodate new commuter
waiting areas. The roof structure on the clock tower is proposed for removal and reconstruction in better
proportion to the balance of the building. The plans propose the addition of clocks to the north and south
facades of the clock tower to enhance visibility from the station platforms. Interior renovations are also
proposed.
No material samples were provided since the windows, window framing, brick, E.I.F.S., and cement roof
shingle are all proposed to match the existing. The only change in materials would be wrapping the
wood frieze board with an aluminum facing to prevent further deterioration of the wood.
ART RECOMMENDATION / NOTES
Mr. Summers noted that the general style and materials of the station remained unchanged.
Mr. Summers noted that clocks are being added to the north and south elevations of the clock tower in
order to facilitate visibility of the clocks from the train platforms. He suggested that a clock be provided
on the west elevation for visibility from the entrance drive and drop-off areas.
The consensus of the ART was that the fourth clock face should be provided.
Mr. Summers noted that the proposal also calls for removal of the existing clock tower roof structure and
replacement with a smaller roof structure in better proportion to the balance of the building.
The ART consensus was that the smaller clock tower roof structure better complemented the design of
the train depot.
Mr. Brimm noted his concern about ensuring the new roof tiles would match the old. He was concerned
that the existing roof tiles have developed a patina over time and the new tiles, even if the manufacturer,
color, and style are matched the patina, may cause a mis-match. He suggested that if the tiles do not
match, Metra should provide new roof tiles for the entire building.
Mr. Pfeil was also concerned with matching the roof tiles, particularly on the east portion of the roof
where the new and old roof tiles would be in the same plane. He asked if there is a stain product that
could be applied to the entire roof to create a matched color if the new tiles did not match the old.
The consensus of the ART was that Metra and/or their architect should provide further documentation on
how they intend to ensure that the new roof tiles will match the existing.
Mr. Summers noted that the same issue would apply to the E.I.F.S. siding material, although it appears
areas where the two materials would meet are limited. Therefore, if the color varies just slightly the
difference may not be as perceivable as where the roof tiles meet. The same is true for the window
glass and window framing. A precise brick color match may be more complicated.
The ART recommended approval of the submitted documents subject to the following conditions:
1) addition of the west clock on the existing clock tower;
2) assurance that the exterior materials would have as precise of a color match as possible,
including further documentation on how Metra will ensure that new roof tiles will be matched to the
existing roof tiles.
The meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m.