1993-07-22 - Appearance Commission - Minutes APPEARANCE COMMISSION
VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE , ILLINOIS
THURSDAY , JULY 22 , 1993
I . CALL 10 uxuLR
Chairman Eddie Larsen called the meeting to order at 7 : 34 P . M. on
Thursday , July 22 , 1993 in Room 24 of the Alcott Community Center ,
530 Bernard Drive .
II . ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present : F . Weissman, R. Gordon, A. Viehman ,
S . Trilling and E. Larsen. QUORUM.
Commissioners Absent : C . Cea and R. Lundine
Bldg . Dept . Liaison: Edward Schar , Deputy Building Commissioner
III . APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Postponed until after the business meeting .
OLD BUSINESS
A. Condell Medical Center - 150 Half Day Road
Wall Signs - Recommendations for Variance
Mr . Vic Laska , North. Shore Sign , 1925 Industrial Drive ,
Libertyville , IL 60048 (816-7020) and Mr . Jay Justice
from Condell Medical Center , were present .
Mr . Laska presented photographs of the Condell Medical Center
and described the proposed signs :
I . South elevation - Remove existing letters and
replace with two lines of copy , reading :
ACUTE CARE CENTER
24 HOUR MEDICAL TREATMENT
Letters will be non-illuminated . flat cut out aluminum .
2 . East elevation facing the Woodland Commons
Shopping Center and West elevation facing the
Fire Station: 24 HOUR MEDICAL TREATMENT
Letters will have aluminum faces and they will be
silhouette lighted sith illumination thrown across the
back of the letters .
Mr . Schar said all three signs require a variance . The one
on the south elevation exceeds the size permitted for a
business with a ground sign. The signs on the east and west
elevations require a variance because they do not face a
right-of-way.
Ch. Larsen questioned the effectiveness of a wall sign on the
east elevation next to the fire station?
Mr . Laska responded that it can be see from a distance of
about one hundred feet ( 100 ' ) after a driver has passed the
trees .
Mr . Justice explained the need for additional signs . He said
even with the ground new sign , people still come in and say
they know where the building is but they do not know how to
get there . If they had a curb cut on Route 22 , they would not
need the signs . They understand that if a building is
constructed to the west of them . the sign on the west
elevation would be blocked , but until then . they would like to
have the identification.
Ch. Larsen commented that the sign on the south elevation
could be eliminated because the ground sign is in front of the
building . Variances would be needed for the other two signs .
Com. Viehman recalled the AC complementing the architect on
the design of the building and he is concerned that the build-
ing will lose aesthetic value if it has too many signs on it .
Com. Trilling works for the construction company that built
the Condeli Medical Center and so he will abstain from voting .
He recalled that during construction , they recognized the lack
of direct access to the building . Adding illuminated signs to
the building will not help solve the problem . People will
still not be able to get to it .
Com . Gordon agreed . He did not object to the proposed signs
but he did not think they would resolve the situation .
Mr . Justice said that since the Fire Station has opened up
the access road , they have two ways to enter the property and
they have helped .
in Ch. Larsen' s opinion , they are putting too many signs on
the building . He recommended two lines of smaller letters .
reading "ACUTE CARE CENTER - 24 HOUR MEDICAL TREATMENT" be
located at the south end of the east and west elevations .
They would only comprise 20% of the wall space and would
eliminate the need for variance for the size of the sign.
The signs would still require a variance because they do not
face the right-of-way . He expressed doubt whether the ZBA
would grant three variances and the sign on the south eleva-
tion is not illuminated so it would not be seen after 4 P. M.
in the winter months . The letters could be about 21 " in
height and people could read the two lines faster than a long
single line . The sign band is 66 ' x 5 ' = 330 sf . and the
signs would be approximately 66 sf . so they would not need a
variance for size , just the number of signs . If the
petitioners agree . new drawings would have to be submitted .
APPEARANCE COMMISSION
July 22 . 1993 - Page Two
Mr . Justice thanked Mr . Larsen for the suggestion and said
they want to improve the situation.
Mr . Laska had no objections and agreed to submit new drawings
for the ZBA public hearing on August 17 , 1993 .
Com . Viehman made a motion to recommend to the Village Board
and the Zoning Board of Appeals that a variance be granted
for the Acute Care Center that would permit two (2) additional
sets of reverse channel letters with neon halo illumination be
installed toward the south ends ( toward Route 22) of the east
and west elevations . Copy to be two ( 2) lines of 18" to 21 "
letters reading : ACUTE CARE CENTER
24 HOUR MEDICAL TREATMENT
The AC also recommends that the sign on the south elevation
of the one story building be removed , but does not object if
the sign is permitted to remain .
Com . Wiessman seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Gordon , Weissman , Viehman and Larsen •
NAY - None
ABSTAIN - Trilling
Motion Passed - 4 to 0 , 1 abstention
Mr . Laska submitted a drawing of the double-faced ground sign
that was replaced by the new ground sign on Route 22 and
requested that it be installed at the rear of the building in
place of the existing eight foot ( 8 ' ) identical single-faced
pylon sign.
There were no objections , but Mr . Schar said a variance may
be required because they are replacing an existing sign.
The size may also exceed what is permitted for the frontage .
Com . Gordon made a motion to recommend approval of the
substitution of the existing eight foot (8 ' ) single-faced
ground sign at the rear of the property with the previously
approved double-faced ground sign that was in front of the
Condeil Medical Center on Route 22 , as requested . Site to
be at the northwest corner entranceway at the rear .
This motion includes a recommendation to the Village Board
and the Zoning Board of Appeals for variance , if it is deemed
necessary by Mr . Frank Hruby . Director of Building and Zoning .
Com. Weissman seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Gordon. Weissman , Viehman, Larsen
NAY - None
TRILLING - Abstain
Motion Passed - 4 to 0 , 1 abstention
APPEARANCE COMMISSION
July 22 , 1993 - Page Three
IV. NEW BUSINESS
A. Bennett and Kahnweiller - Temporary Sign
Lexington Drive and Hastings Lane
Mr . John Johnson, C. Johnson Sign Company , 9615 Waveiand Ave . .
Franklin Park . IL 60131 (678-2092) described the proposed
sign. It will be 4 ' x 8 ' mounted on wood posts . The colors
of the left half will be blue with white copy . The three
stripes at the bottom will be light blue . yellow and red .
The right half of the sign will be white with black copy .
At Ch. Larsen ' s request , Mr . Johnson agreed to paint the
posts white .
The Commissioners had no comments . '
Com. Trilling made a motion to recommend approval of the
temporary sign for Bennett and Kahnweiller on Lexington Dr . ,
as submitted .
Com . Viehman seconded the motion .
Roll Cali Vote : AYE - Viehman , Weissman . Gordon ,
Trilling and Larsen
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 5 to 0 .
B. Movers International - Ground Signs
Commerce Court and Busch Parkway
Approval and Recommendation for Variance
Mr . John Johnson, C. Johnson Sign Company , 9615 Waveland Ave . .
Franklin Park , 60131 (678-2092) presented diagrams of the
proposed signs and described them :
1 . A 4 ' x 4 ' cube with the gold and black MI logo
and Movers International on all four sides to be
located in front of the building on Commerce Ct .
The cube will be constructed of cut out aluminum
letters mounted tight on clear anodized aluminum .
The base will be a concrete pedestal .
Ch. Larsen observed that the letters in the photograph appear
to be about 1/2 inch in depth and stand off .
Mr . Johnson will verify this from the specifications and the
sign will be constructed accordingly .
2 . An identical cube , 3 ' x 3 ' will be moved from an
existing facility in Itasca and relocated at the
corner of Busch Pkwy . and Commerce Court . It will
be mounted on a post within the landscaped area .
APPEARANCE COMMISSION
July 22 , 1993 - Page Four
3 . An address plate - 30' x 16-1/2' - with the numbers
1051 will be mounted to a large rock , to be located
at the entrance across from the large cube .
Ch . Larsen informed Mr . Johnson that if the number plate is no
larger than two square feet ( 2 sf . ) it will not require a
permit and needs no recommendation.
Mr . Johnson agreed to meet this stipulation.
Ch. Larsen asked if the company would consider placement of
the larger cube on Busch Parkway away from the corner and set
back ten feet ( 10 ' )? If so , it would not be construed to be
on Commerce Court and would not require a variance because
there is enough frontage to permit two signs and it would be
on a different street .
Mr . Schar said a variance may be required because there is
a PACE sign across the street . The Sign Code states that
signs shall be 250 feet apart on the same side ofthe street .
The interpretation will be discussed with Mr . Hruby.
Ch. Larsen also suggested that the larger 4 ' x 4 ' cube be
located at the corner on Busch Parkway and that the 3 ' x 3 '
cube be mounted on a similar concrete base at the entrance .
The Commissioners agreed with this recommendation ,
Mr . Johnson had no objection to making the proposal to the
company and said it will be to their benefit to have more
exposure . If they object , he will resubmit the signs to the
AC for approval .
Ch. Larsen explained that the sign on Busch Road would have to
be located past the truncated corner and advised Mr . Johnson
to work with the landscaper so that the sign is not obstructed
Com . Weissman made a recommendation to approve the signs
submitted for Movers International as discussed :
1 . The 4 ' x 4 ' cube to be located at the intersection
of Busch Parkway and Commerce Court , favoring
Busch Parkway.
2 . The 3 ' x 3 ' cube to be located at the south drive
entrance to the property on Commerce Court , with
the stipulation that the base be concrete similar
to the base of the larger cube .
Petitioner agrees to return to the Appearance Commission if
the developer does not approve of the proposed recommendations
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July 22 , 1993 - Page Five
Com . Viehman seconded the motion .
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Trilling . Gordon , Weissman ,
`-/ Viehman and Larsen
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 5 to 0 .
C . Manchester Greens - Sign and Awning. Color Changes
Mr . Schar described the proposed color scheme for the V-shaped
sign located on Checker Road . The background will be changed
from green to black with gold , pink and blue/green letters and
gold underscores . It was noted that the logo and developers
names , at the bottom of the sign , in reverse white letters .
The color of the canopy at the sales center will also be
changed from dark brown to black .
The Commissioners commented that the black color is unusual .
They had no objections to the color changes , but they did not
approve of having the price on the sign because it would be
changed from time to time and the colors do not always match.
The color of the base on the diagram is designated beige and
Ch. Larsen suggested that it be changed to grey to match the
sales trailer .
Com . Viehman made a motion to recommend approval of the
color change as submitted for the previously approved
Manchester Greens sign, with the stipulations that the
price be eliminated , the copy be repositioned , and the
color of the base be changed from beige to grey.
Also recommend approval of the color change of the canopy
from beige to grey to match the sales trailer .
Com. Weissman seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Gordon , Weissman , Viehman ,
Trilling and Larsen
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 5 to 0 .
APPEARANCE COMMISSION
July 22 , 1993 - Page Six
D. Village of Buffalo Grove Construction Sign
Village _Hall Expansion - Raupp Boulevard
Mr . Schar described the proposed sign. It will have the
typical Village logo and the copy will be black on a cream
background . including the names of the construction manager
and architect , and the band will be red . The posts will be
cream. The height of the sign will be eight feet (8 ' ) above
the grade and it will be set back ten feet ( 10 ' ) from the
sidewalk .
The Commissioners had no comments .
Com. Viehman made a motion to recommend approval of the
installation of the Village construction sign as submitted .
Com. Weissman seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Trilling . Gordon , Weissman ,
Viehman and Larsen
NAY - None
Motion Passed - 5 to 0 .
VI . ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES : June 24 , 1993 - Com . Viehman , Chairman
of the meeting corrected grammatical errors on Pages 2 and 3 .
Motion to approve as corrected was made by Com . Gordon and
seconded by Com . Weissman.
Roll Call Vote : AYE - Trilling , Viehman . Weissman and Gordon
NAY - None
ABSTAIN - Larsen
Motion passed - 4 to 0 , 1 abstention
Minutes of June 24 , 1993 were approved .
B. The Broasterie has the windows covered with signs again and
Mr . Schar said the Village will probably take them to court .
C. Ch. Larsen expressed appreciation for the Commissioners '
thoughts and prayers during his surgery and recuperation. The
doctor said he is doing well and he went back to work this
week .
VII . ADJOURNMENT
Com . Weissman made a motion to adjourn.
Com. Gordon seconded the motion.
Ch. Larsen adjourned the meeting at 8 : 40 P .M.
Respectfully submitted ,
Shirley Bates ,
Recording Secretary
sb APPEARANCE COMMISSION
July 22 . 1993 - Page Seven