| 6/13/2016 | 0 |
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
| ADOPTED
Minutes note: Ms. Hatala showed a picture from 1980 when the property was a Marc's Big Boy. In 1937 the two-story building was reduced to one story and 3-4 businesses were operating at the site. The building is vey simply in design with a few art deco features. The Big Boy restaurant opened in 1970 following a renovation. The building is currently empty and was most recently a county social service agency. Family Dollar is proposing to make the entire building into one store. Part of the proposal is to install a yellow/orange film over some of the windows to allow more interior shelving. There will no longer be a recessed storefront - it will all be one wall. Ms. Hatala said half of the original 1937 building was already altered and the HPC approved other alterations in 1992. Staff recommends approval, although it is somewhat suburban and she is concerned about the windows being covered up by the yellow film. The business district has been working on having window areas open so the public can see the merchandise. Staff recommends opaque or transulent panels and shelving that supports that.
Jemela Butters is the property owner who owns multiple housing on Wells St. and the owner of this property
Alex Hollamine - Family Dollar project manager from Palatine, IL - they are planning on having 7 feet tall shelving units.
Ms. Clendenen-Acosta is fine with the film on the left side, but would like it be open on the corner and also across from Modjeska Theater. The chair was concerned about how dark the building would be in winter and not produce any ambient street lighting. Mr. Williams recommended inverting the interior plan so the transparent windows are on the corner and the opaque windows on the left side. Mr. Williams would like the corners as transparent as possible.
Ald. Bauman moved to hold. There was no second.
Mr. Williams moved for approval, with the applicant to work with staff on transparency at the corner and down the Mitchelll Street side, seconded by Ms. Clendenon-Acosta. Ald Bauman would like have this held and voted no.
| Pass | 4:1 |
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