1992-08-13 - Appearance Commission - Minutes APPEARANCE COMMISSION
VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE . ILLINOIS
THURSDAY , AUGUST 13 , 1992
I . CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Eddie Larsen called the meeting to order at 7 : 36 P.M. on
Thursday , August 13 , 1992 at the Village Hall , 50 Raupp Boulevard .
II . ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present : F . Weissman, M. Cea . S . Trilling , E. Larsen.
Commissioners Absent : R. Gordon, A. Viehman and R. Lundine
Bldg . Dept . Liaison: Edward Schar , Deputy Building Commissioner
Village Board Liaison: William Reid , Trustee
III . APPROVAL OF MINUTES
July 23 , 1992 - Motion to approve the minutes of July 23 , 1992 as
submitted was made by Com . Cea and seconded by Com. Trilling .
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Cea , Trilling and Larsen
NAY - None
ABSTAIN - Weissman
Motion Passed - 3 to 0 , 1 abstention. Minutes of July 23 , 1992
were approved and will be placed on file .
Ch. Larsen announced that three (3) Signs for Reservoir 2 have been
submitted for AC review and asked for a motion to add this item to
the Agenda under New Business , Item D. Com . Trilling so moved and
Com. Cea seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote was AYE Unanimously .
IV. OLD BUSINESS
A. Woodland Commons Ground Sign Review •
Dominick ' s - Zale Companies
Mr . George Woock , White Way Sign Company . 1317 Clybourn Avenue ,
Chicago , IL 60610 ( 312/642-6580) made the presentation.
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Mr . Gregory Jenkins , Architect , and Ms . Christy Wiegel of Zale
Companies were also present . auri
The three (3) Woodland Commons ground signs were recalled for
Appearance Commission review because they differ from the signz
that were recommended for approval on September 26 , 1991 .
Mr . Woock attributed this discrepancy to miscommunication. He
presented a colored rendering of the sign as it was proposed :
Woodland Commons was shown as black back lit letters on a white 4:::)
drivit background . Dominick ' s was to be orange and green cut .
out letters on a black metal background . ACE Hardware and
three other major tenant panels were to be white cut out
letters on a black metal background .
Mr . Woock used an overlay to show the existing sign which has
Woodland Commons as presented . ACE Hardware , Michael ' s Red
Hots and two other black metal tenant panels are as presented .
Dominick ' s . however , is orange and green cut out lettering on
the same background as Woodland Commons .
Mr . Woock explained that the original presentation was made by
the architect and the developer . White Way was not represented
at that AC meeting and it was assumed by the developer that
White Way had obtained approval of a background color change
for Dominick ' s but White Way was not made aware of this
responsibility . The sign was constructed . per instructions
from the developer . to display Dominick ' s on the same back-
ground as the Woodland Commons portion because orange and green
colors would not have shown up as well on a black background .
The Appearance Commissioners were asked for acceptance of the
signs as they have been constructed and erected on Half Day Rd .
Ch. Larsen explained for the benefit of the new commissioners
that the AC had worked very diligently with the petitioner to
come to an agreement regarding the sign structure . They were
permitted to have an oversize sign because their architect ,
working with the Village , incorporated certain recommendations
into the sign that made it acceptable .
Woodland Commons was to have the reverse channel neon letters
on the beige color background because it gave identification to
the shopping center and at night the letters are silhouetted .
Dominick ' s and the other major tenants were to be a contrasting
color , but Dominick ' s indicated to the Zale Group , by letter
dated November 18 , 1992 , that they would not accept the black
background . When the lease was drawn up , Dominick ' s was per-
mitted to have a plexiglas cut out sign on a light background .
The sign was constructed with one half white stucco background
and one half black metal background.
Ch. Larsen expressed his opinion that he would prefer to have
the sign all one color , and recommended that the whole sign be
changed to the beige stucco . Dominick ' s could remain as it has
been constructed . The ACE Hardware and Michael ' s Red Hots
panels could have red letters or different colored letters . ;:to
The choice would be left up to the developer .
Mr . Woock said that in his opinion the sign is beautiful as it
is and Dominick ' s would be very unhappy if the background was
changed to black .
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Ch. Larsen said he understood and agreed that the Dominick ' s
sign would not read as well on the black background , but the
other stores would also read better if they were on the light 4:1111:
background .
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August 13 , 1992 - Page Two
Ms . Wiegel asked if all the other tenant panels would have red
letters on the light background .
Ch. Larsen replied that the choice would be the developer ' s .
The color could be the same or could be different . They could
ail be orange to match Dominick ' s if one color was preferred
or each tenant could choose its color .
After discussing various options . Mr . Woock suggested Tabling
the matter until the next meeting .
Ch. Larsen had no objection to giving them time to discuss the
situation and consult their tenants . He repeated his statement
that the Village had worked with Zale to develop a nice looking
sign, but what they got was a sign that looks sawed in half .
Mr . Bud Babbitt . Zale ' s construction superintendent , was
present and asked if they have the option to reconstruct the
sign as originally approved? He confirmed that Zaie honestly
thought the change had been approved or they would not have had
the sign contractor proceed without Village consent . He
commented that there would be considerable expense involved in
changing the 24 tenant panels from black metal to the beige
drivit material . (Each double faced sign has 8 tenant panels . )
Ch. Larsen said the sign could be changed to comply with the
approved design. The AC realizes the ramifications involved
in going back to a major tenant with such a request . He asked
Ms . Wiegel if it is Zale ' s desire to Table? If not , the AC
will make the necessary recommendation to the Village Board .
Ms . Wiegel summarized their options :
1 . Change all the lower panels to beige and leave
Dominick ' s as it is .
2 . The plexigias letters could be red or any color .
3 . Change Dominick ' s background color to black .
Ms . Wiegel said they would like to have time to consider the
options , determine the cost of making the changes and come back
to the next AC meeting .
Com . Cea made a motion to Table the Woodland Commons signs
to August 27 . 1992 . Com . Weissman seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Weissman , Cea , Trilling and Larsen
NAY - None
Motion to Table Passed - 4 to 0 .
The item will be first under Old Business .
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August 13 , 1992 - Page Three
B. Sargent-Welch Inc . - Lots 54 to 64
Covington Corporate Center on Commerce Court
Elevations/Materials - Tabled on July 9 . 1992
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The AC did not approve of the bland color of the materials that
were presented on July 9 , 1992 and the item was Tabled to
permit further consultation with the clients .
Stephen Rankin. Architect . 320 North Michigan Avenue , Chicago .
IL 60601 (312/899-0002) presented and described the site plan.
The ownership situation has changed . Sargent-Welch was to be a
tenant in the park but they will now own the building . He said
the AC ' s comments were well founded and they have shown their
clients different color combinations . Sargent-Welch has a
corporate philosophy that is very low-key and very restrained .
They resisted a color on the building , but did agree to a
series of grey tones . One vice-president referred to the
building as a " tuxedo" - very elegant and very refined .
The elevations will have five (5) tones of grey, ranging from
black window frames on the office portion; charcoal grey on the
coping of the building ; with three sets of medium grey reveals
(resembling pin-striping) . The doors will be lighter grey and
concrete panels will be cool grey. The office portion will be
smooth panels and the warehouse portion will be raked panels
with vines planted on each side of the loading docks that will
grab hold of the texture and cover them.
Mr . Rankin said the total height of the reveals on the office
section will be 9 inches . There are reveals around the top and
between the windows . They are made up of 3 groups of 3 each.
The glass will remain solar grey , non-reflective .
Ch. Larsen commented that the AC ' s concerns have been addressed
and he is satisfied with the changes .
Mr . Rankin said they are very pleased with the results of their
negotiations and added that the building is more appropriate
for the surroundings .
Com. Cea and Com . Trilling agreed the building is much better .
Com. Weissman made a motion to recommend approval of the
Elevations and Materials for the Sargent-Welch building at
Covington Corporate Center on Commerce Court , as submitted .
Com. Cea seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Weissman . Cea , Trilling , Larsen
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 4 to 0 .
Mr . Rankin was asked to submit a written list of actual names
and numbers of the grey colors to the Building Department .
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August 13 , 1992 - Page Four
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. New Age Sports - Neon Window Signs
Grove Court Shopping Center
Mr . Bob Angarola , Owner of New Age Sports , 775 S . Buffalo Grove
Road , ( 520-5800) described his business . It is an upscale
sports store that sells memorabilia , cards , clothing and a
small line of sporting goods . He requested approval of five
(5) neon signs to enhance the storefront . They would be
eighteen inches ( 18" ) square and they represent the sports
logos of the major Chicago sports teams . i . e . Bears , Bulls ,
Cubs , Blackhawks and Sox . A letter of approval , dated July
28 , 1992 , and signed by David L . Rhodes , Property Manager of
Brian Properties , Inc . was submitted with the request .
The signs would be constructed by Vincent Signs (766-8855) .
The storefront has four (4) glass panes and the signs would
probably be suspended from the drop ceiling to prevent harm to
children.
Com . Weissman said signs are limited to name and nature vs .
brand . The word "BEER" is permitted , but not the name of a
beer . He questioned whether these logos would be considered
brand names or national trademarks and would they be in
violation of the Sign Code?
Mr . Angarola responded that this was questioned by Staff and it
is his position that he is not selling sports teams , per se .
He would be using the signs to promote a sports concept .
Ch. Larsen commented that team signs can be purchased at the
ball parks but questioned whether is would be permissible to
have them made by Vincent Signs . The style may be somewhat
different that what is legally approved .
Mr . Angarola said has not done any research concerning the use
of licensed registered products but he has seen them on display
in similar stores in the city.
Ch. Larsen referred to the Sign Criteria , Section V. Prohibi-
tive Types of Signing . Items M and N could be applied :
M. Signs with exposed source of lighting or self-
illuminating signs on or within the building if
they can be seen from without .
N. Signs on windows or doors which are illuminated .
Mr . Angarola noted that there are neon signs at the store next
to his and at the liquor store . Did they have approval ?
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August 13 . 1992 - Page Five
Ch. Larsen said these stores did not have AC approval . The
signs at the liquor store were removed from the window and
were hung at the rear of the store . Aside from this , the
Building Department does not enforce leases . The AC reviews
and approves the Sign Criteria for shopping centers , but it is
up to the landlord of the property to enforce the criteria.
These signs do not meet the Sign Criteria and the AC cannot
approve them unless the Sign Criteria is modified .
Mr . Angarola asked for direction. Would it be advisable for
him to seek to have the Sign Criteria amended?
Ch. Larsen said having the Sign Criteria changed is one option
or the signs could be hung on the wall away from the windows
and the Village would not take any action against them . There
is a restriction in the Sign Code that only permits 33% of the
window area to be covered . The AC has no problem with the
designs of the signs but Mr . Angarola was cautioned that he
could have a problem with the sport team owners .
Mr . Angarola understood this possibility. He said he has tried
to meet all the Village ' s requirements and wants to run his
store "by the rules . "
Ch. Larsen expressed appreciation to Mr . Angarola for having
the signs reviewed and wished him success .
B. Giordano ' s - Recommendation for variance
270 N. Mc Henry Road at Town Center
Mr . Thanos Kourliouros , Restaurant Operations Manager of
Giordano ' s enterprises Inc . , 308 W . Randolph, Chicago , IL
60606 (312/641-6500) requested approval of a wall sign on
the south elevation that faces the interior roadway .
The were no questions or objections .
Com. Cea made a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals
and the Village Board to grant a variance for Giordano ' s to
have a second sign on the south elevation, as submitted .
Com . Trilling seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Weissman , Cea , Trilling , Larsen
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 4 to 0 .
Mr . Kourliouros was informed that Tuesday, August 18 , 1992 is
the application cut-off date for the September 15 , 1992 ZBA
meeting .
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August 13 , 1992 - Page Six
C . Cellular One - Arbor Creek Lot 1
Full Review: Elevations/Materials/Landscaping/Lighting
Mr . Tim Kaufenberg , Director of Network Engineering introduced
the project . This building will be the 5th facility of its
kind . It is a main transmitting switching station for all the
cell sites in the perimeter area . The whole building is fed by
fiber-optic cable from IBT, so there will be no need for a
tower to be located on the property now or anytime in the
future . With this technology , using IBT' s facilities , the use
of cellular phones is more cost effective . The B.G. location
was chosen for its proximity to the IBT facility in Northbrook .
The capacity of this switching center , in its mature state ,
will be sufficient to handle up to 60 cell sites .
1 . ELEVATIONS AND MATERIALS :
Mr . John G. Cordogan, AIA , Cordogan, Clark & Associates , Inc . .
111 West Downer Place , Aurora , IL 60506 (708/896-4578) made the
presentation. Mr . Tony Astrella represented Cellular One .
The eighteen foot ( 18 ' ) high building will be constructed with
pre-cast concrete with projecting bays and a cornice with two
bands of red granite that break down the massiveness of the
building . There will be no exterior identification signs on
the building .
a . The base will be red precast concrete made with red
and grey aggregate mixed into the concrete .
b . The lighter yellow color is a mixture of white
limestone and sand colored aggregate .
c . Polished granite accent pieces will match the
base and banding .
d . Door frames , window frames and coping will be
rust colored aluminum with a keener finish.
e . Glass will be Solar Bronze (grey tinted in nature) .
f . The roof top units are concealed behind the precast
top screen toward the rear of the building .
The materials are simple in nature and are combined to make
an elegant classic building .
Ch. Larsen commented favorably on the front entrance with the
columns and skylight . The Commissioners agreed .
Com. Cea made a motion to recommend approval of the
Elevations and Materials for the Cellular One Building
at Arbor Creek as submitted .
Com . Weissman seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Weissman, Cea , Trilling , Larsen
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 4 to 0 .
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August 13 . 1992 - Page Seven
2 . LANDSCAPING
Mr . Cordogan said the Landscape Plan has been developed to
accent the building entryway with evergreen and deciduous trees
`•/ along the southern border . Low level flowering ground covers
will be used at the base of the building .
They will comply with the Village Forester ' s Review , dated
August 14 , 1992 , regarding the additional screening of the
parking lot and additional Scotch Pines along the southern
exposure . They will contact Mr . Rigsby concerning the
comment about parkway trees along Barclay Boulevard and will
comply with his recommendations .
There were no questions or comments from the Commissioners .
Com. Weissman made a motion to recommend approval of the
Landscape Plan as submitted by Cellular One subject to the
Village Forester ' s Recommendations .
Com. Cea seconded the motion
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Weissman, Cea , Trilling , Larsen
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 4 to 0 .
3 . LIGHTING:
Cuts of the lighting fixtures were reviewed and a photometric
plan was submitted . There is no public access to the building .
There are three types of dark bronze lighting fixtures :
1 . Low level bollard lights around the building
2 . Parking lot lights on 18 foot aluminum poles
3 . Low level building lights for security of the workers
Metal Halide (white) lights were proposed and Ch. Larsen asked
that the light source match the surrounding business park .
Mr . Cordogan agreed to this stipulation.
Com. Cea made a motion to recommend approval of the Lighting
Plan as submitted by Cellular One , subject to the Village
Engineer ' s Review of the photometrics and with the stipulation
that the light source will match the neighboring color .
Com. Trilling seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Weissman, Cea , Trilling , Larsen
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 4 to 0 .
Ch. Larsen welcomed Cellular One to Buffalo Grove .
APPEARANCE COMMISSION
�.J August 13 , 1992 - Page Eight
D. Reservoir 2 - Signs on Arlington Heights Road
Trustee Reid described the site and location of the signs .
Three (3) signs were submitted to identify the site as
Reservoir #2 , the Pumphouse and the Welihouse : BG -1 is a
temporary construction sign: BG-3 and BG-4 are permanent
building ID signs .
The signs will be single faced and the posts will be painted
white .
Com. Weissman made a motion to approve the temporary
construction sign and two ( 2) building ID signs as
submitted for Reservoir #2 on Arlington Heights Road ,
per the site plan.
Com . Cea seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Weissman, Cea . Trilling , Lundine
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 4 to 0 .
VI . ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr . Schar announced that Mr . Hruby will try to schedule the Intro-
lductory Workshop in September .
Ch. Larsen said he would not be able to attend on the 16th or 17th.
The Commissioners agreed that it would be preferable to schedule the
Workshop on a regular meeting night .
VII . ADJOURNMENT
Com. Cea made a motion to adjourn.
Ch. Larsen adjourned the meeting at 8 : 55 P. M.
Respectfully submitted ,
Shirley Ba es ,
Recording Secretary
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August 13 . 1992 - Page Nine