2012-07-11 - Plan Commission - Minutes Board or Commission: ❑ Plan Commission
Document Type: ❑A e
g nda 0 Minutes
Meeting ate: 07/11/2012
Type of Meeting: ❑ Special Meeting
SPECIAL MEETING
BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION
July 11, 2012
Burden's Jewelry, 1151 Lake Cook Road —proposed retail building
Petition for amendment of a Planned Unit Development (PUD)
And review of building appearance and sign package
Workshop#1
Chairman Smith called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Village Council Chambers,
Buffalo Grove Municipal Building, 50 Raupp Boulevard, Buffalo Grove, Illinois.
Commissioners present: Chairman Smith
Mr. Khan
Mr. Stark
Mr. Cohn
Mr. Weinstein
Mr. Goldspiel
Mr. Matthews
Commissioners absent: Ms. Myer
Ms. Johnson
Also present: Mr. Matthew Burdeen, Burdeen's Jewelry
Mr. W.Thomas Dobbins, Jr., The Dobbins Group
Mr. Alex Vaysman, The Dobbins Group
Ms. Beverly Sussman, Village Trustee
Mr. Mike Terson, Village Trustee
Mr. Andy Stein, Village Trustee
Mr. Robert Pfeil, Village Planner
APPROVAL OF MINUTES— None
COMMITTEE AND LIAISON REPORTS
Commissioner Stark attended the Village Board meeting on July 9, 2012. The Board referred the
petition by Crown Trophy, 1340 Busch Parkway, for a special use for an accessory retail sales
area in the Industrial District.
BURDEEN'S JEWELRY, 115 LAKE COOK ROAD— PROPOSED RETAIL BUILDING-PETITION FOR
AMENDMENT OF A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD) AND REVIEW OF BUILDING
APPEARANCE AND SIGN PACKAGE—WORKSHOP #1
Commissioner Weinstein stated he is an attorney with a law firm that shows Burdeen Jewelry
as a client on its client list. However, after further review, it was determined that they did not
actually represent the company itself but represented the two parent owners of the jewelry
store who are no longer owners of the store and the conclusion was that there is no conflict of
interest.
Mr. Dobbins reviewed the proposed site plan. He stated the petitioner is proposing to buy a .7
acre piece of property from PNC Bank to build a 6,000 foot jewelry store on the east end of the
PNC property. He noted that the building footprint would be a square shape with the entrance
facing the back at the south west. He noted they have the required parking and they are tying
the parking lots together so it will be more like a campus environment.
Mr. Dobbins introduced the landscaping plan with a tree preservation plan showing which trees
are existing and those for removal. He noted they are staying with the general theme of the
landscaping in the development for the most part. They are keeping all of the parkway trees
that are along Lake Cook Road and they are adding some trees.
Mr. Dobbins noted one of the interesting landscape and outdoor features is a patio area behind
the extended wall along Lake Cook Road. This would be for outdoor events related to the
jewelry store. There will be some seating and tables with landscaping.
Mr. Dobbins showed the exterior elevations of the building. He stated they are trying to create
a luxury building look commensurate with what a jewelry store should look like. The tower on
the left side is 32 feet tall to the top of the roof and to the right of the tower on the west side
they have a longer wall with some fake windows which gives some scale and articulation so it
does not look like a blank wall. There are awnings on that wall as well.Then to the far west side
of the north elevation along Lake Cook there are three openings that go from ground up to
about 9 to 10 feet that give a hint of the terrace behind and they are planning to incorporate
three banners to get nice composition and to get people to notice the building. One will be an
American flag and there will be flags related to the retail operation. On the east side of the
tower are more fake windows just to get it to scale. Two windows are shown on the tower
which will be real windows with awnings. In the center to the left side is the back main
entrance where everyone enters and the banner/tower feature there is turned to a 45 degree
angle and a very luxurious door. In the center are two signs.
Mr. Dobbins noted the two proposed ground signs. One sign is west of the driveway on Lake
Cook Road. They are proposing to build their sign on top of the existing brick element. The
other ground sign would be adjacent to the driveway on Arlington Heights Road. The entrance
drive signage off of Lake Cook Road is being proposed as a brick element as well as a limestone
look to match the building. The tower structure of the building in back would be a prairie stone
which is a manufactured limestone. The remaining plan is to use stucco or plaster. The light
limestone color is reminiscent of luxury jewelry stores all over the world with blue awnings
which is Burdeen's signature color. Up on top of the tower are two clocks which would be part
of the watch collection Burdeen's sells and again they are using artificial slate shingles on the
roof.
Mr. Dobbins noted that when you enter at Lake Cook Road you immediately turn right and you
can go to the drive-through for PNC bank. The drive through access is three lanes wide, and
they are planning to reduce it to two lanes. If you head straight into the site from Lake Cook
Road, you can access the parking lot for Burdeen's.
Mr. Dobbins stated they are introducing very minimal site lighting. They have bollard ground
lighting along the building, and other than that all of the lighting already exists. He introduced
the photometrics which shows mainly the existing lighting as they are adding very modest
lighting. He noted it is not typical commercial lighting and all they are doing is adding some
bollards.
Mr. Dobbins noted they have determined that the existing stormwater capacity has been
reviewed to confirm that no additional detention is needed for the site. In fact, the proposed
development actually reduces the amount of impervious area on the property.
Commissioner Stark asked how tall the bank is at its highest point.
Mr. Dobbins stated it is probably about 25 feet and the Omni building to the east is probably
taller.
Commissioner Stark asked if the fake windows would have actual glass that is clear or would it
be a frosted or opaque glass.
Mr. Dobbins stated it will be real glass but they are still trying to find the right kind.
Commissioner Stark asked if the sign that shows Burdeen's and PNC Bank is on the Omni
property.
Mr. Vaysman noted they are introducing two monument signs and integrating them with the
PNC signs and showed where they appear on the site plan.
Commissioner Khan asked if the existing stormwater management that runs along the south
property line that backs up to the residential area was created for the entire site at one time.
Mr. Dobbins stated yes for the entire PUD site
Commissioner Khan asked how and who manages the stormwater management.
Mr. Dobbins stated he is not sure but is guessing that some kind of mutual agreement presently
between Omni and PNC. He is guessing that once Burdeen's comes in they will provide
appropriate covenants to address common maintenance items for the overall development.
Commissioner Khan commented that he would like the details of the maintenance program for
the stormwater management area to be confirmed at the next meeting. He also noted it seems
the stormwater flows from east to west towards Arlington Heights Road and it is a dry bottom
pond, and he wants to be sure the water drains from the facility properly after a storm event.
Commissioner Khan asked if the additional portion of the bank drive-through lane that Burdeen
will be buying will be made a grassy island or will it be cut and made a part of the building and
totally reconfigured.
Mr. Dobbins stated it will remain a landscaped island
Commissioner Khan asked if there will be an access easement between the Burdeen property
and PNC so that their customers can drive through the Burdeen parking lot and vice versa.
Mr. Dobbins stated probably. They are not yet sure but it is one of the things that still need to
be worked out. He noted the objective is to integrate the parking lots among the bank,
Burdeen's and the Omni office. How they can legally create the unified design will have to be
worked on.
Commissioner Goldspiel asked what kind of outdoor events are intended for the patio area.
Mr. Burdeen stated they are not exactly sure but they have done some community involvement
activities and they would like to have clients after hours for a party or appreciation events.
However, when they do an event and due to the nature of their business they need a lot of
security out there. They just need a social area for their clients.
Commissioner Goldspiel asked if the events to be held there would require additional parking
other than what the ordinary operation of the facility would be.
Mr. Burdeen stated he did not think so. His store is very low volume so an event might have
about 30 people.
Commissioner Goldspiel noted that some of the proposed trees on the landscape plan include
ash trees. He asked if there are any emerald ash borer issues.
Mr. Dobbins stated they are more than willing to work with the Village and staff if there are
preferences as to the kind of trees to be used.
Commissioner Goldspiel noted that the handicapped parking space is just a normal
handicapped parking space width rather than the wider space. He also stated it is next to some
kind of herringbone bricked area and wanted to know if the handicapped ordinance is being
met here.
Mr. Dobbins stated they have two handicapped parking spaces and both are compliant with the
Illinois Accessibility law. One space is on the west side of the building and one on the south
side of the building and it kind of straddles the island.
Mr. Vaysman further stated that when the sign is moved over correctly on the plan it will be
shown correctly.
Commissioner Goldspiel noted the towers would not have any staircases but were purely
decorative rather than utilitarian.
Mr. Vaysman stated that is correct.
Commissioner Goldspiel noted there are four private offices in the store and asked if there was
something other than the retail jewelry operation going on here.
Mr. Burdeen stated no.
Commissioner Weinstein asked for confirmation on the tree inventory which is showing 10
trees and 7 to be removed. The legend, however, shows only 4 of them to be removed. So
what amount is to be removed?
Mr. Vaysman stated that was a typo.
Commissioner Weinstein asked for more information on the outdoor patio and events.
Mr. Burdeen stated he has occasionally a group of people he likes to entertain for business
purposes and if such events are held they would be over by 10:00 p.m. at the latest.
Commissioner Weinstein noted that because of the residences to the south they might want to
explore some limits on the hours for outdoor events.
Commissioner Weinstein asked about the entranceway and signage he asked if there was
discussion on how one would get to PNC from the entrance off Lake Cook Road.
Mr. Dobbins noted all details have not yet been worked out but the objective is to incorporate
it in the pylon sign at the base to give enough information and instruction.
Commissioner Weinstein noted Mr. Pfeil's memo regarding pedestrian access and asked if any
thought has been given to some access from the sidewalk to the building.
Mr. Burdeen noted he does not see a lot of his clients walking to his store. He also noted for
security reasons it was not a good idea.
Commissioner Weinstein asked if any of the windows on the building would be real.
Mr. Dobbins stated the two windows on the tower facing Lake Cook Road and the windows in
Mr. Burdeen's office would be real. Other windows would be glass but they are not sure as yet
about the type.
Commissioner Cohn noted if events are held during store hours there will be a parking demand
beyond what is there for regular customers and events after store hours there would just be
parking demand from people who are coming solely from the event. He asked if the petitioner
would be willing to accept as part of the approval some kind of restriction so that the
Commission can be comfortable so that there would never be an event with parking beyond
the number of spaces he has available. An event can have so many people during store hours
and so many additional people during post store hours and then maybe also as part of the
approval the duration of the event up to a certain time. He asked if those would be reasonable
restrictions.
Mr. Burdeen stated he does not have many events but he does not know if he wants to be
restricted as far as how many people can be at his events which would not be entirely fair to his
business. He noted he would certainly go to Omni and ask for permission to use their lot if he
had for example a grand opening event and he had more people than expected coming or
something to that effect.
Commissioner Cohn noted the sign has the brick base and then the limestone above it and
there was a comment in the staff memo about the Burdeen portion appearing too large in
relation to the stone base.
Mr. Dobbins noted the existing brick structures along the streets are somewhat unusual, and
they are trying to integrate the new ground signs with these structures.
Commissioner Cohn asked if the 3 flags will be lighted at night.
Mr. Vaysman stated yes.
Commissioner Cohn asked what kind of lights will be used for that.
Mr. Vaysman stated Village ordinance says if there is an American flag that will not be taken
down then it must be lit at night. They are proposing three very minimal LED uplights.
Commissioner Cohn asked if the flags would be closer to Lake Cook Road or to the adjacent
residences.
Mr. Dobbins noted they are closer to Lake Cook Road.
Commissioner Cohn asked if the lighting Burdeen's would be putting in would make it brighter
than it is now from the bank.
Mr. Vaysman noted they have more light and the bank is very bright which is not what they are
going to do. From the residences you will not be able to see this building at night. The north
and east side of the tower is to be lit by directional flood lights. They will be turned off at a
certain time. They are making sure it is not going to increase the light levels.
Commissioner Cohn asked about safety and security for the store with such dim lighting.
Mr. Burdeen stated they use infra-red cameras. He further stated they wanted to be
extraordinarily sensitive to the light issue as to how they are to the people's back yard. One of
the main objectives was that everything was to be very sensitive to light.
Commissioner Stark stated the lighting for the towers will be angled from the ground and will
be angled toward the north and east.
Mr. Dobbins stated yes.
Commissioner Stark asked who would be responsible for snow removal.
Mr. Dobbins stated they are expecting some shared responsibility on that but have not yet
determined how that will be worked out and will have more information for the next meeting.
Commissioner Matthews asked how long the material for the fake slate roof has been on the
market and what is the product life expectancy. He inquired if there may be issues with
discoloration or fading.
Mr. Dobbins stated it has been around long enough where they are confident it will be work
well.They have been using artificial slate for about 20 to 30 years. He said he would provide
more information about the product at the next meeting.
Commissioner Weinstein noted a few issues in today's staff memo which the petitioner has not
yet seen. They include a comment from the deputy fire marshal that the turning radii in the
parking lot need to be checked to confirm that there will be adequate room for emergency
vehicles including fire trucks to maneuver.
Mr. Dobbins stated they would certainly make it as big as needed
Commissioner Weinstein noted the handicapped spots are double spots but don't show the
ramps or curvature or such to get to the sidewalk and shows a curb and needs to be corrected
on final drawings. Also the various windows have awnings only on the Lake Cook side and one
of the comments from staff is that some of the awnings have been proposed to have the letter
B on them as a logo and they suggested it may not be necessary as there is enough signage that
none of the awnings should have any lettering.
Chairman Smith stated that was going to be one of his questions as well. He stated he would
like to get staff's comments on this as to both the awnings and the letter B which is etched into
the building.
Mr. Pfeil commented that the building etchings of the B would be considered as architectural
elements if there is no coloring or similar surface treatment. If the letters will be colored or
painted, they will be classified as multiple wall signs, which would require variations of the Sign
Code. He said that in the discussion by Village staff concerning the awnings, it was noted that
the B does not appear to be needed since all the other signs provide adequate identification for
the building.
Mr. Burdeen stated at this stage the B on the awnings are just place holders and will not be
everywhere. What they do want is to use graphics to suggest the products that are available in
the store, and they will be better prepared to address this at the next meeting.
Mr. Pfeil commented that the development team should meet with staff to discuss appearance
and signage issues. If variations of the Sign Code will be requested, the overall sign package
needs to be carefully considered to achieve an attractive overall appearance.
Mr. Burdeen noted the B's in the wall are not colored.
Mr. Pfeil noted that the drawings depicting the sign graphics will be exhibits to the PUD
ordinance, so it is important to clearly represent what is being proposed.
Commissioner Goldspiel asked where the plaster and stucco would be on placed on the
building.
Mr. Dobbins noted the plaster and stucco would be the predominate material throughout. The
only area they are planning to use the simulated limestone is on the towers.
Commissioner Goldspiel stated it seems to him to have that much plaster is just very 1970's and
does not feel it is desirable. His basic thought about all of this and what is in the Village
Appearance Plan is that within a development there should be compatibility of the appearance,
and except for the signs that have the brick courses there is no compatibility between this
proposed building, the bank building and the Omni building, and he does not think this meets
the criteria of the Appearance Plan.
Commissioner Matthews stated he personally thinks it is a good looking building. He asked
where the mechanical equipment is shown and where it would be.
Mr. Dobbins stated it will be rooftop and there is about a three foot parapet all the way around
for screening.
Chairman Smith stated he has no problem with the parking or having separate events and
hopefully the business will do very well and the Village will benefit form the business. As far as
he is concerned if extra parking is needed it would be up to Burdeen to make arrangements
with the neighboring businesses.
Chairman Smith asked if PNC has been shown the monument sign and if they are OK with
Burdeen having a bigger area on it.
Mr. Dobbins stated yes, they have seen the sign and they are working out the details but they
have no big objections.
Commissioner Khan agreed with Chairman Smith's parking comments. But since this has come
up so many times perhaps the petitioner might want to consider landbank parking which is an
agreement with all three entities just in case you need to use their parking.
Trustee Terson stated in his opinion we need to be concerned with everyday parking and not so
much with special events or holiday parking when parking cannot be met. He noted when he
looks at this picture of the building he does not see stucco but rather brick and wonders if he
understands the material fully.
Mr. Dobbins stated it is intended to look like limestone and the rendering is intended to look
that way.
Mr. Burdeen stated they modeled it after Saks Fifth Avenue with its high quality venue style and
luxury.
Trustee Terson stated in his opinion this building looks fantastic and he is excited to see this as
part of the community.
Trustee Sussman also stated she feels the building is absolutely beautiful.
Trustee Stein stated he likes the building and has no issues with the parking issues and the
outdoor patio.
Mr. Pfeil noted the deputy fire marshal indicated that a fire hydrant is needed to the northwest
area of the building in the landscaped area.
Commissioner Cohn noted the parking is also not a concern to him but asked petitioner to find
examples of buildings in the area like this that have used stucco.
Mr. Burdeen noted this is patterned after the Highland Park Saks store which uses the stucco
being proposed for the new building.
Ms. Jane Dibbern, 10 Whitehall Ct, Buffalo Grove, stated they are one of the residences behind
the proposed project and she and her husband feel it is a fantastic plan and all lighting and
parking issues have been addressed. She stated her only concern is their issues with PNC and
the lighting. The lighting on the outside of the driveway is fine. But PNC has a big light at the
west end of the parking lot that beams into their home, which is particularly noticeable in
winter when there is less daylight. She it would be appreciated if something can be done to get
PNC to make some corrections on that light.
Mr. Sussman noted that the curb area should be removed and the sidewalk should be level with
the parking lot surface for the handicapped accessible parking spaces. He asked where the
entrances and exits to the building are located.
Mr. Dobbins pointed out there are three exits and one main entrance. He noted none of the
doors are looked from the inside for emergency purposes.
Mr. Dobbins noted as a jewelry store they generate very little trash so there is a room in the
corner of the building for garbage cans that can be rolled out for truck pick-up.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT— None
FUTURE AGENDA SCHEDULE— Mr. Pfeil said there would be a meeting on July 18, 2012, and the
main item is the public hearing for the Barkington Palace petition.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS— None
STAFF REPORT- None
NEW BUSINESS - None
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Commissioner Weinstein, seconded by Commissioner Cohn and carried unanimously
to adjourn. Chairman Smith adjourned the meeting at 8:51 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Fay Rubin, Recording Secretary
APPROVED BY:
ERIC SMITH, Chair