Appearance Commission

Meeting Minutes for Appearance Commission August 28, 2024 | 7:30 PM Skokie Village Hall | 5127 Oakton Street, Skokie IL 60077 | Council Chambers Members Present: Michael Lynk, Chair Thomas DaMario, Vice Chair Maryjane Klein Julie Naumiak Jay Pathak Members Absent: Joe Maschek Archana Shah Presiding Officer: Staff Present: Brian Augustine, Zoning Administrator Jose Acosta, Planning Coordinator Others Present: 1) Time Meeting was Called to Order/Declaration of Quorum A quorum being present, Chairman Lynk called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. 2) Approval of Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Klein to approve the minutes of the August 28, 2024 Appearance Commission meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Naumiak. All members voted aye. 3) Old Business 4) New Business 2024-039A –4999 Old Orchard Center Applicant & Owner: Westfield Corporation Request: Mixed-Use additions to Westfield Mall Discussion & Interested Parties Staff comments were read into the record. Chairman Lynk acknowledged that this case was previously approved by the Plan Commission and clarified that their only concern is to review and discuss the aesthetics and appearance of the project. 621670  Chairman Lynk commented that he would like to see renderings of Phase I without the inclusion of Phase II elevations. Chairman Lynk shared concerns about the completion of the project and wanted to see what the development would look like if only Phase I of the project were to be completed. Donna Pugh, from Westfield’s development team introduced her colleagues Stephen Fluhr, Tim Anderson, Vic Howell, Matt Renauld and Jonathan Fisher. Stephen Fluhr, Senior Vice President of Westfield, addressed Chairman Lynks concerns about the completion of Phase II and stated the reason why the development is split into two phases has little to do with financial constraints, and more to do with the construction process and the ability of new businesses to be absorbed into the marketplace with the increase in density being added to the site. Tim Anderson, CEO and Founder of Focus, spoke about the materials and design of the mixed-use use buildings and provided additional details about the internal roadways and open space included in the mall serving the residents and mall shoppers. Chairman Lynk noted that the design of the building provides some transition between Phase I and Phase II with some of the materials being used on the finishes. Chairman Lynk inquired about the Orange Garage and asked Westfield’s development team if anything will be done to the exterior of the parking garage to improve the aesthetics. Chairman Lynk suggested painting the garage. Stephen Fluhr clarified that there are improvements planned for the Orange Garage as part of this development. Matt Renauld, the landscape architect for the project, spoke on the proposed landscaping for both phases. Mr. Renauld mentioned that the goal is to tie in residential, commercial, and open spaces with the landscaping to create seasonal colors and textures using native plantings. The landscaping is intended to be the guiding element that links the new buildings with the existing buildings. Commissioner Naumiak asked if the internal drive accessible from Old Orchard Road gives access through the Phase I and II additions or if there is a turn around. Mr. Fluhr clarified that there is access that runs through the phases and there is a keyhole design that allows the road to run under the building in Phase I. Commissioner Naumiak also asked about the materials being used for the railings on residential balconies. Mr. Fluhr confirmed that they will be made of metal. Commissioner Klein asked if there will be native plants as part of the landscaping. Mr. Renauld clarified that native plantings would be the basis of their landscaping palette. Recommendation & Voting A motion was made to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness to approve as presented. The vote was unanimous. 621670  Motion: Julie Naumiak Second: Thomas DaMario Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 5) Summary of Public Comment Phillip Klein, a member from the public, asked for clarification on which existing buildings will be removed for the construction of both phases. Stephen Fluhr clarified that the Barnes and Noble, Zara and adjacent tenant spaces are being removed for the construction of Phases I and II. Mr. Fluhr also mentioned that Westfield is in conversations with the displaced businesses to relocate them temporarily within the mall while construction is underway. 6) Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 8:08 PM Respectfully Submitted, Jose Acosta, Planning Coordinator 621670