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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION 2017/10/25 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest Historic Preservation Commission Proceedings of the October 25, 2017 Meeting A regular meeting of the Lake Forest Historic Preservation Commission was held on Wednesday, October 25, 2017, at 6:30 p.m., at the City of Lake Forest City Hall, 220 E. Deerpath, Lake Forest, Illinois. Historic Preservation Commissioners present: Chairman Grieve and Commissioners Wells Wheeler, Elizabeth Sperry, Jan Gibson, Robert Alfe, Bill Redfield and Carol Gayle. Commissioners absent: None City staff present: Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development 1. Introduction of Commissioners and staff, overview of meeting procedures. Chairman Grieve reviewed the meeting procedures followed by the Commission and asked the members of the Commission and staff to introduce themselves. 2. Consideration of the minutes of the September 27, 2017 meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission. The minutes of the September 27, 2017 meeting were approved as submitted. 3. Continued consideration of a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for signage for a new business, Freedom Home Care, to be located at 289 E. Deerpath. Property Owner: Deerpath Western LLC (Doug Hanrahan) Tenant/Business: Freedom Home Care Representative: Skip Spanjer, North Shore Sign Company Chairman Grieve asked the Commission for any conflicts of interest or Ex Parte contacts. Hearing none, he invited a presentation from the petitioner. Mr. Spanjer noted that after the last meeting, the business owner considered the recommendations offered by the Commission and met at the site with staff to discuss options. He stated that rather than a wall sign above the awning, a hanging sign is now proposed. He stated that there will be no alterations to the building façade noting that the sign will hang from chains that will be inserted into the existing wood frame located behind the copper awning. He stated that the sign is the same as the previously proposed wall size except that a black background with gold letters and a gold border is now proposed rather than either a green or blue background with white letters. He stated that the sign is proposed to have a satin finish but a matte finish could be used. He stated that the sign will hang from four black chains and will be centered in the window and will not extend over the window frame. He stated that the sign will be located about 15” in front of the glass. Ms. Czerniak stated that in response to the Commission’s discussion at the last Historic Preservation Commission Minutes October 25, 2017 - Page 2 meeting, the petitioner is now proposing a sign located under the awning, rather than above the storefront and awning. She stated that the location of the sign is consistent with the direction provided by the Commission. She noted however that the sign appears too large in relation to the transom windows, the overall storefront and as a result of the lower height. She noted that other options discussed by the Board at the last meeting included signage on the window itself and a projecting sign. She noted those options may still be worth considering given the uniqueness of the building and the prominence of the streetscape. She noted that conditions of approval are offered in the staff report which could allow the hanging sign to be more compatible with the building. Commissioner Redfield commented that the sign appears a little large for the window and a bit out of scale with the storefront. Commissioner Gayle noted that the petitioner responded to the concerns previously raised by the Commission about the wall sign and made an effort to explore options. She noted however, that the sign as now proposed blocks the transom windows which are a distinguishing feature of the building. In response to comments from Commissioner Gayle, Mr. Spanjer stated that the sign will hang in front of and will be smaller than the transom windows. He stated that the transom windows will be visible behind the sign. In response to questions form Commissioner Wheeler, Mr. Spanjer explained that a support strut mounted on the center mullion will provide wind bracing for the sign. He confirmed that the center mullion is substantial enough to provide the necessary support. Commissioner Wheeler observed that the transom windows are delicate in appearance. He stated that care should be taken not to stress the mullion. He suggested removal of the graphic and using only lettering on the sign. In response to questions from Commissioner Alfe, Mr. Spanjer stated that the sign will be supported using the existing structure so that there will be no disruption to the building. He stated that the existing wood is strong and an angle arm will keep the rigid sign from flexing in the wind. In response to a question from Commissioner Sperry, Ms. Czerniak stated that she is not aware of a similar hanging signs in the Central Business District. In response to questions from Commissioner Gibson, Ms. Czerniak stated that liability for the sign will rest with the property owner or the business owner. In response to questions from Commissioner Gibson, Mr. Spanjer confirmed that a matte finish could be used on the sign and that the sign will be supported by the super structure of the building. He stated that a window sign will not be readable. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes October 25, 2017 - Page 3 In response to questions from Chairman Grieve, Mr. Spanjer explained how the chains will be fastened to the existing wood members to support the sign. He stated that the chains will be black. He reviewed the sign itself noting that it will be constructed of wood and aluminum noting that the wood panel will fit inside the flat aluminum background panel. He stated that the ends of the aluminum sheet will bend to create a return to finish the edges. He stated that the sign is two inches thick. Hearing no further questions from the Commission, Chairman Grieve invited public testimony. Jim Opsitnick, President of the Preservation Foundation, noted that the Foundation submitted a letter to the Commission on this petition. He noted that the location of the new business is at the gateway to the Central Business District. He stated that the location and prominence of the building warrants further refinement of the sign. He pointed out that the hanging sign blocks the transom windows which are a significant architectural feature of the building. He suggested that the sign should be compatible with the signage in the neighboring storefront which shares the unique, copper awning. He stated that the proposed hanging awning is inconsistent with other signage in the area. He suggested that the sign be floated in the picture window. Laura Luce, member of the Preservation Foundation and a longtime resident, expressed concern that the sign appears to be targeted toward advertising the business rather than simply identifying the location of the business. She stated that as proposed, the sign is too high for pedestrians walking in front of the space. She stated that the lettering as proposed is too large and disproportionate to the storefront and streetscape. In response to public testimony, Mr. Spanjer stated that the sign could be lowered and mounted to the larger mullions on the picture window. He stated that the sign should be separated from the glass to preserve an air space between the sign and the glass. He noted however that other signs in the vicinity are located above the windows, high on the wall. Chairman Grieve returned the matter to the Commission for further comment and deliberation. Commissioner Gibson commented that the proposed hanging sign will be the only sign of this type in the Central Business District. She stated that locating the sign under the transom windows and further back would be more appropriate and consistent with the applicable standards. She noted concern about the asymmetry that will result from the proposed sign in relation to the neighboring storefront. She stated that the sign and lettering should be smaller. She noted that the window sign in the neighboring retail space is easy to read. She stated support for using a natural material for the sign and a green background, with white lettering. She emphasized Historic Preservation Commission Minutes October 25, 2017 - Page 4 that no changes should be made to the original building. Commissioner Sperry, concurred with the comments for Commissioner Gibson. She agreed that the hanging sign is not appropriate. She expressed concern about the scale of the lettering in relation to the storefront. She stated that the sign should identify the location of the business and not serve as a primary means of advertising the business. She stated that as proposed, the sign appears to overwhelm the neighboring tenant space and the streetscape. She stated that either color choice appears consistent with the overall character of the area. Commissioner Alfe stated support for locating the sign below the transom windows. He suggested that the sign should be held off the glass a sufficient distance to allow the window to be washed. He stated that unobtrusive supporting brackets should be selected. He stated support for the green background and white lettering but acknowledged that the black background with gold lettering could be consistent with the overall character of the area. Commissioner Wheeler commended the idea of moving the sign below the transom windows. He noted that in that location, with a reduction in the size of the lettering, the sign will comply with the applicable standards. He stated support for the materials and colors as proposed. Commissioner Gayle expressed appreciation to the petitioners for their flexibility. She stated support for lowering the sign adding that it is important that the sign does not compromise any part of the original building. She stated that the size of the sign should be reduced to better align with the small character of the windows and store front. She stated that the lettering is clear and reads well. In response to comments from Commissioner Redfield Mr. Spanjer stated that the width of the sign cannot be reduced because of the brackets needed to support it. He stated that as proposed, the sign projects out far enough to allow the windows behind it to be washed. Commissioner Alfe suggested that consideration be given to locating the sign just below the window muntins. Chairman Grieve stated his appreciation for the petitioner’s willingness to consider the suggestions of the Commission. He summarized the comments offered by the Commission including eliminating the chains, setting the sign back from the front of the awning and lowering the placement of the sign. He stated that it is important that the sign is in scale with the storefront. He stated that a properly proportioned sign will not appear to be jammed up against the edges. He stated that the Commission appears to be open to either the black and gold or green and white color schemes. He agreed that a mock of a refined sign is needed before final approval. Ms. Czerniak suggested that in an effort to keep the petition moving forward, the Historic Preservation Commission Minutes October 25, 2017 - Page 5 Commission could consider the appointment of a subcommittee of two members of the Commission to meet on site with the petitioner and staff to view a mock-up of a refined sign and resolve the final details. She stated that the subcommittee could direct the petition back to the full Commission if a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached. Commissioner Gibson suggested that gold or white letters on a green background should be considered. Commissioner Gayle encouraged the petitioner to consider matching the background of the sign to the color of the painted wood on the storefront. Hearing no further comments from the Commission, Chairman Grieve invited a motion. Commissioner Wheeler made a motion to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for a storefront sign for Freedom Home Healthcare, a new business, subject to the following conditions. 1. The sign shall be located below the transom windows, on the face of the glass. The chains shall be eliminated. 2. The size of the lettering shall be reduced. 3. The final placement, size, design details and color of the sign shall be subject to review and approval by a subcommittee of the Commission appointed by the Chairman. If the subcommittee is not able to resolve the final details of the sign in a manner generally consistent with the discussion of the Commission, the petition may be returned to the full Commission for further deliberation at the discretion of the subcommittee. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Gayle and was approved by a vote of 7 to 0. OTHER ITEMS 4. Opportunity for the public to address the Historic Preservation Commission on non- agenda items. No testimony on non-agenda items was presented to the Commission. 5. Additional information from staff. There was no additional information presented by staff. The meeting was adjourned at 7:12 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes October 25, 2017 - Page 6 Respectfully submitted, Catherine J. Czerniak Director of Community Development