Winnetka Design Review Board AGENDA June 19, 2014-7:30 pm The Winnetka Design Review Board will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at Winnetka Village Hall, 510 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, Illinois, at 7:30 p.m. 1. Adoption of previous meeting minutes; AGENDA 2. Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness for new wood fence at Winnetka Public School Nursery, 1155 Oak Street; 3. Comment to Village Council and Zoning Board of Appeals regarding Special Use Permit for proposed Children s Garden at the Winnetka Community House, 620 Pine Street; 4. Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness for new wall sign and window graphics at Riley Baker Educational Consulting, 16 Green Bay Road; 5. Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness for replacement signs at The Private Bank, 1000 Green Bay Road; 6. Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness for new window graphics at Citibank, 814 Elm Street; 7. Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness for new blade sign and awning at Heavenly Pianos, 952 Green Bay Road. NOTE: Public comment is permitted on all agenda items, and may be provided in person at the meeting, or submitted in writing prior to the meeting. NOTICE All agenda materials are available at villageofwinnetka.org (Government > Council Information > Agenda Packets & Minutes). The Village of Winnetka, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, requests that all persons with disabilities who require certain accommodations to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting or have questions about the accessibility of the meeting or facilities, contact the Village ADA Coordinator Megan Pierce, at 510 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, Illinois 60093, 847-716-3543; T.D.D. 847-501-6041.
Winnetka Design Review Board/Sign Board of Appeals May 15, 2014 Members Present: Members Absent: Village Staff: John Swierk, Chairman Kirk Albinson Bob Dearborn Michael Klaskin Paul Konstant Brooke Kelly Peggy Stanley Brian Norkus, Assistant Director of Community Development Call to Order: Chairman Swierk called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Swierk asked if there were any comments or questions to be made or an approval for the April 17, 2014 meeting minutes. No comments were made at this time. A motion was made by Mr. Albinson and seconded to approve the April 17, 2014 meeting minutes. On a voice vote, the motion was unanimously passed. Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness for New Signs at 60 s Beauty Lash, 572A Lincoln Avenue James Sayegh introduced Annette Pecora as the owner of the business. Chairman Swierk asked if the request included a blade sign. Mr. Sayegh confirmed that is correct. Chairman Swierk referred to a photograph of what would be included in the window. He then asked if there would be a white border. Chairman Swierk stated that his comment with regard to the two window signs is that he would like to see the lettering closer to the ground. He again referred to the white border. Chairman Swierk stated that the door is fine. He then asked the Board members if they had any questions or comments. Mr. Albinson asked if there is a marketing or brand strategy in having the quotes where the letters touch each other.
Design Review Board/Sign Board of Appeals May 15, 2014 Page 2 Ms. Pecora responded that the stacked lettering represented a look that they liked. Mr. Albinson then stated that he would agree with Chairman Swierk s comments. Chairman Swierk suggested that it be moved down to the lower third of the window. Mr. Albinson stated that in the past, the Board has said that at the top, it would be at the center point and below or that the lettering be in the bottom third. Chairman Swierk stated that for the door, it would be better if it was more at eye level. Mr. Sayegh informed the Board that they looked at Round Table Books and that they wanted everything on the front of the building to look the same. Chairman Swierk commented that the white border made it look like a big box. Mr. Albinson recommended that the applicant remove the white border wherever there is a white border. Ms. Pecora referred to the two panel doors at the street level and that they would remove the white border in the other locations. Mr. Klaskin asked if it is otherwise not frosted in the big window and that one window appeared to be frosted while the other is not. He also asked if there would only be white letters on the glass. Ms. Pecora referred the Board to the three windows on the courtyard side. Mr. Sayegh stated that once you go into the courtyard, it needed to be more usable and stated that the one next to it is like that. Chairman Swierk asked if the lettering would be applied on the inside. Ms. Pecora responded that she believed that is correct. Mr. Konstant asked if there was a vinyl film which made the window appeared to be opaque. Chairman Swierk identified those windows. He asked if there were any other comments. Mr. Albinson stated that in order for there to be consistency, there would be three different window types which included frosted with no white border, clear windows with a white border on either side of the doors and a clear window with no border at the large picture window. Chairman Swierk confirmed that they would be eliminating the white border on the two windows by the door.
Design Review Board/Sign Board of Appeals May 15, 2014 Page 3 Mr. Sayegh stated that if it is helpful for the Board, there is articulation in the building and that the door is inset facing south, as well as the fact that the building jutted out. Mr. Albinson asked if there are any other storefronts which have border treatment on the building. Mr. Sayegh responded that Round Table Books has a gold border around its glass. He indicated that it is meant to look like gold leafing. Mr. Sayegh also stated that there is a unique logo where the outline fits with the logo. Ms. Pecora stated that the business is about beauty and that it looked pretty and like the look of it. Mr. Dearborn commented that it is fine. Mr. Albinson stated that his comment is to either allow a border on all of the clear windows or no border on any window for consistency. Mr. Klaskin asked Ms. Pecora if she considered changing the text to white versus black. Ms. Pecora stated that they were going to, but that since the frames are black and since there would be stacked lettering, it would be easier to read black. She added that it was recommended that black would be easier to read. Chairman Swierk asked for a motion to approve the request as presented. Mr. Konstant moved for the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness for the request as presented. Mr. Albinson seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion was unanimously passed. AYES: NAYS: Albinson, Dearborn, Klaskin, Konstant, Swierk None Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness for New Awning and Window Graphics at Conlon Real Estate, 565 Lincoln Avenue Judy Pettas introduced herself to the Board as the managing broker at Conlon Real Estate. Chairman Swierk referred to the corporate name and the name Christie s Real Estate. Ms. Pettas informed the Board that it took over two years to earn the name and that Christie s is very specific with regard to the guidelines as to the use of the logo and color which have to be the same size. She also stated that there must be a specific font and that it has to be of the same
Design Review Board/Sign Board of Appeals May 15, 2014 Page 4 color. Ms. Pettas added that in the city, there is similar branding in all four of the storefronts. She informed the Board that they followed their guidelines and that it is very consistent with any of their offices. Chairman Swierk asked if there would be white lettering. Ms. Pettas confirmed that is correct. Chairman Swierk asked if the awning containing Conlon/Christie s is typical. Ms. Pettas confirmed that is also correct. Chairman Swierk then asked what is next door on the green awing. Ms. Pettas responded that it is an old picture with For Rent in the storefront. She then identified their location for the Board. Chairman Swierk suggested that they keep it the same and referred to the window to the left. Ms. Pettas stated that all three spaces are not consistent. Chairman Swierk stated that his comment is that it be lowered and that the window graphic be lowered. Mr. Klaskin stated that if they were to put listings in the window, he asked if the graphic is in the middle, would the listings show. Ms. Pettas confirmed that is correct and that it would be similar to the Hyde Park location. She commented that the display worked nicely there. Chairman Swierk asked Mr. Norkus if there would be an issue with items inside the window. Mr. Norkus stated that there would be no issue. Chairman Swierk asked if there were any other questions. No additional questions were raised at this time. Mr. Dearborn moved for the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness for the proposed signage and awning as presented. Mr. Konstant seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion was unanimously passed. AYES: NAYS: Albinson, Dearborn, Klaskin, Konstant, Swierk None
Design Review Board/Sign Board of Appeals May 15, 2014 Page 5 Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness for New Ground Sign at Winnetka Bible Church, 555 Birch Street Chairman Swierk informed the Board that in the package, the sign which is currently there is perpendicular to the corner and the request is to remove and install a sign in line with the corner of the building and the side of the street. He also referred to a photograph of the Skokie Playfield sign as an example and the sign s facing, which he stated would have the same face as the Skokie Playfield sign. Chairman Swierk then referred to the lower piece and asked what would be the material. Kurt Krueger stated that it would be the same material. He added that it would be hooked with chains only and that the one item which would change is that they would have two services on Sunday. Chairman Swierk stated that his comment related to the border without stone and that here, they have all white. Mr. Klaskin commented that it would be fitting with the church. Mr. Krueger stated that there would be four white colonial columns in the front with the same decorative top as that over the two side doors in order to match the church. Mr. Klaskin stated that it is not similar to this at all. Mr. Albinson asked if it would be 100% white or wood grain. Mr. Krueger responded that it would be white in the same material. Mr. Klaskin commented that it is fine. Chairman Swierk asked how thick is the top portion. Mr. Krueger responded that it is 2 inches thick and that there would be a finial over it. Chairman Swierk questioned how it would typically be fastened and that they do not want chains. Mr. Norkus stated that this is how it would typically be fixed. He then referred to a threaded rod. Mr. Krueger confirmed that there would be a hook one side and the other and that it is not quite a chain. Mr. Albinson referred to the adjoining single family homes across the street and asked if the hanging portion on the sign would make noise.
Design Review Board/Sign Board of Appeals May 15, 2014 Page 6 Mr. Krueger informed the Board that there would be 15 knockout rose bushes underneath and around the sign which would deaden any sound of noise. He also stated that his own residence is across the street and that residence measured 150 feet to the sign s location. Mr. Klaskin stated that portion of the sign would not have much slack to move and that it would not catch that much wind. Chairman Swierk stated that if in the worst case, they can come back and change it. Mr. Klaskin described it as basic. Mr. Dearborn asked with regard to the lighting, if there were standards for the lighting s brightness. Mr. Norkus stated that in the design guidelines and the Village code, there are no specific limits on the level of illumination. He noted that some communities have sophisticated approaches to illumination with a foot candle level of illumination. Mr. Norkus stated that they do not have that here and that in the sign code, there are restrictions on the illumination of commercial signs when they are facing a residential zoning district. He also stated that there is language in the sign code which allowed illumination to be used in an institutional setting or a use which is located within the multi-family zoning district which is what the church is. Chairman Swierk asked if it would be similar to the sign at Hibbard Road and Willow Road. Mr. Krueger stated that the home kitty corner to the sign has lights shining away from it with 70 watt bulbs. Chairman Swierk asked if they are looking at the use of one LED fixture at 18 inches which would provide cost savings. He then stated that a 15 watt LED fixture would give more rectangular light. Mr. Krueger informed the Board that they just moved to that configuration inside of the church. He also stated that he was surprised only to have to have it down 12 inches. Mr. Krueger added that they do have electricity out to the current sign. Mr. Klaskin asked if the sign would not be turned off. Mr. Krueger responded that it would be turned off at 11:00 p.m. Mr. Dearborn asked if there would be no neighbor who would be put out by the lighting of the sign. Mr. Krueger confirmed there is not. He again identified the way in which the sign would be lit and that it would have less reflection than they currently have.
Design Review Board/Sign Board of Appeals May 15, 2014 Page 7 Chairman Swierk asked if there would be plantings below the sign. Mr. Krueger confirmed that is correct. Mr. Norkus asked Chairman Swierk if the applicant can leave the specifics with regard to the final light fixture to the Village staff for review. Chairman Swierk responded that would be fine. Mr. Krueger then identified the roses for the Board. Mr. Albinson asked with regard to the light fixture if a recommendation can be made to choose the light fixture which would allow the minimum amount of spillage. Mr. Norkus agreed with Mr. Albinson s suggestion along with the use of a longer, single fixture. Chairman Swierk asked for a motion. Mr. Albinson moved to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the request as submitted with the exception that there be one LED fixture on either side of the sign pending the Village staff s review and approval. Mr. Klaskin seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion was unanimously passed. AYES: NAYS: Albinson, Dearborn, Klaskin, Konstant, Swierk None Mr. Krueger then informed the Board that there is a large pine tree at the intersection. He stated that in connection with the Forestry Department, photographs were taken from either direction and that when pulling up to it, there is a 20 foot shadow and that you cannot see. Mr. Krueger stated that when the tree was small, it was fine, but now, it obscured vision. He estimated the tree to be 30 feet in height. Mr. Norkus stated that he would speak to the Village Forester about the tree. Mr. Krueger then referred to a smaller tree at the other end of Birch on the same street. He also referred to stop signs at the intersection which are hidden and not visible. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Antionette Johnson
Date: June 12, 2014 To: From: RE: Design Review Board Brian Norkus Winnetka Public School Nursery 1155 Oak Street Proposed wood fence Attached plans depict a proposed cedar fence to be constructed on the perimeter of the Winnetka Public School Nursery playground at 1155 Oak Street. The proposed fence would replace an existing 4 chain link fence. The proposed fence would measure 6 in height, but tapers in height to along the west fence line, such that the southerly fence would measure only 4 feet in height. Design Guidelines (excerpt attached) suggest the preferred use of ornamental metal fencing, suggesting that solid fencing be limited to screening of service areas. In addition, guidelines suggest a maximum height of 4 feet. 06/12/2014
7. Bicycle Racks: Bicycle racks should be located in high bicycle traffic areas along pedestrian and vehicular zones. Racks should be sited so as to not impede on the pedestrian free zone or seating/gathering areas. Surface and structural parking lots should allocate spaces for bicycle parking. Publicly accessible open spaces should provide bicycle racks using the same or coordinating model style. (See Figure 51g) Typical Bike Rack Figure 51g 8.Bollards: Decorative metal non-lit bollards should be incorporated at key locations to create a separation for safety between pedestrians and streets or driveways. (See Figure 51h) 9. Trash/Equipment Screening: For all new developments and loading areas, dumpsters and outdoor utility equipment should be consolidated as much as possible and thoroughly screened with year round solid screening. (See Figures 77a&b for more information). 10. Decorative Fencing: Decorative metal and/or wood fencing should be used where appropriate to enhance and define open spaces, landscaped areas and building entrances. (See Figure 51i) Such fencing should not be more than four feet in height. Solid fencing should be avoided unless used for screening of service areas. Chain link fences are prohibited. Decorative metal fencing, using the Village standard, is encouraged along all public street frontages to obscure the view of surface parking areas. Bollard design shall substantially conform with base of standard decorative street light Figure 51h Standard decorative metal fencing Figure 51i 11. Newspaper Corrals: Decorative newspaper corrals should be installed only at Metra stations to consolidate newspaper boxes and eliminate clutter. (See Figure 51j) Example of a newspaper corral screen Figure 51j 33 Public Spaces/Streetscapes
Date: June 13, 2014 To: Design Review Board From: Brian Norkus RE: Winnetka Community House Children s Garden Attached plans depict the proposed design and installation of a Children s Garden at the Winnetka Community House, adjacent to the south entryway of the Community House. A detailed planting plan and hardscape plan is attached, along with details of a proposed pergola structure, entrance archway, fencing and related structures. Due to the nature of the proposed improvements, the request requires approval of a Special Use Permit by the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Council. In such cases where a Special Use Permit is required, the Design Review Board s comments and recommendations are transmitted to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Council for their consideration. 06/13/2014
Date: June 13, 2014 To: From: RE: Design Review Board Brian Norkus, Assistant Director of Community Development Proposed wall sign and window graphics at Riley Baker Educational Consulting, 16 Green Bay Road Attached plans show the proposed wall sign and window graphics for a new business which will occupy space formerly occupied by North Shore Builders. A proposed wall sign consisting of individual pin mounted letters complies with the sign code maximum allowable sign area of 15 percent of storefront area (64.04 s.f. maximum, 19.66 square feet proposed). In addition, the sign complies with the maximum recommended letter height of 14 recommended in the Design Guidelines (excerpt attached). Window graphics comply with the maximum window area limitation of 10 % of window area, and 50% of door glass area.
d. Building Signage Commercial signs should reflect the character of the building style, while expressing each store s individuality. There are several prominent sign styles that are appropriate to Winnetka: surface mounted, pin-mounted, interior, decal and projecting blade signs. Sign materials are limited to painted wood, canvas, architectural glass and metal. Sign color must harmonize with the building upon which it is mounted and adjacent structures. Background colors for the body of the sign are limited to earth tones and primary colors, whereas pastels, neon and secondary colors are not allowed. Lettering color can be unique to the image of the retailer/user. Metal sign and plaque material such as brushed bronze, antique bronze, aluminum, stainless steel and painted cast iron or similarly appearing materials are preferred. Highly reflective metallic signs are not allowed. Signs should be lit by marquee or spot lighting; neon lighting is not permitted. Spot lighting should be minimal and unobtrusive and, per the Village Code, the source of illumination shall not be visible from any street, sidewalk or dwelling. Simplified industrial light fixtures are not permitted. Contextual solutions are recommended. The majority of the signs will be mounted within the building s sign band, defined as the wall area located above the ground floor storefront opening and below the second floor windowsill, and is located a minimum of 8-0 above grade and a maximum of 15-0 above grade. Signs must comply with the general provisions of the Winnetka Sign Ordinance as well as design provisions contained within these Design Guidelines. 1. Surface mounted commercial signs are either fabricated from painted wood or cast metal plaques and are to be mounted within the sign band or within the storefront transom. The height of the sign is restricted to 75% of the area of the sign band or 14 inches - whichever is less. The sign band of a building consists of the area located above the ground floor storefront opening and below the second floor windowsill, and is located a minimum of 8-0 and a maximum of 15-0 above grade. Refer to figures 28, 29, and 30 for location. Surface mounted or pin-mounted signs are not permitted on secondary elevations without a defined sign band. 2. Pin-mounted commercial signs consist of reverse channel, cast metal and flat cut metal letters mounted above the storefront in the masonry sign band or suspended in front of the storefront at the transom or recessed entry. The size of the lettering is restricted so that the height of the letters does not exceed 75% of the height of the sign band or 14 inches - whichever is less. The length of the lettering is to be contained within 75% of the length of the sign band. (See figure 38) Figure 38 19 Building & Architecture
Date: June 13, 2014 To: From: RE: Design Review Board Brian Norkus, Assistant Director of Community Development Proposed rebranding sign package at Private Bank, 1000 Green Bay Road Private Bank s Winnetka Branch is proposing the replacement of three existing signs with new signage incorporating a new logo, shown in attached plans. Signs are located above the existing east and south entrance, as well as on a freestanding pagoda structure adjacent to Green Bay Road. Signs comply with maximum area and location requirements of the sign code.
Date: June 13, 2014 To: From: RE: Design Review Board Brian Norkus, Assistant Director of Community Development Proposed incidental sign at Citibank, 814 Elm Street The Citibank branch at 814 Elm Street is proposing an additional minor window sign panel adjacent to the building entry. The proposed sign is to be constructed of an acrylic stock with metallic face, measuring 1.56 square feet in area. The sign complies with the maximum area of 2.13 square feet (10 % of glass area). Individual letters mounted to the metallic background panel are ¼ thick aluminum painted white.
Date: June 13, 2014 To: From: Design Review Board Brian Norkus, Assistant Director of Community Development RE: New blade sign at Heavenly Piano - New awnings for Heavenly Pianos / Paul Rehder Salon (952 Green Bay Road) Two new businesses have signed leases in recent months for the former Hubbard Woods Trust Savings Bank building (recently occupied by Christopher Guy furnishings showroom). Heavenly Pianos, relocating from Arlington Heights will occupy the north storefront, while Paul Rehder salon will occupy the south store front. With the benefit of both tenants signing leases at approximately the same time, an opportunity existed for both tenants to develop an awning program that met both businesses goals. The proposed black awnings would replace existing faded red awnings, and a new half dome awning over the center entry would highlight the shared entrance with a vertical striped design. In addition to the proposed awnings, Heavenly Pianos is proposing a projecting blade sign, to be fabricated from high density urethane (HDU) material.