DESIGN AND PROJECT REVIEW COMMITTEE (DAPR) MINUTES July 12, 2017 Voting Members Present: J. Leonard, S. Mangum, G. Gerdes, I. Eckersberg, J. Nelson, M. Tristan, P. Zalmezak, L. Biggs, M. Griffith, M. Jones. Staff Present: Ana Asilis, Stefanie Levine, Jennifer Lasik Others Present: Presiding Member: J. Leonard A quorum being present, Ms. Leonard called the meeting to order at 2:30 pm. Approval of minutes June 28, 2017 DAPR Committee meeting Ms. Biggs moved to approve the minutes from June 28, 2017, seconded by Mr. Nelson. The Committee unanimously voted 9-0, with one abstention, to approve minutes from the June 28, 2017 meeting. New Business Ms. Leonard announced that the third item on the agenda, 1829 Simpson Street shall be discussed first in the meeting. 1. 1829 Simpson Street Concept Review Arkady and Rita Kats, owners, submit to rezone their property from the R3 Two-family Residential District to the B1 Business District and convert the existing vacant commercial building into a Type 2 Restaurant. APPLICATION PRESENTED BY: Arkady Kats, owner DISCUSSION: Mr. Kats stated that they bought the property in October 2016 under the impression that it was zoned as commercial, owing to the storefront façade of the building. Mr. Kats stated that they would like to create a dine-in and carry out restaurant in the lot, using the existing building and adding a small portion to the rear store room that already exists. The restaurant would also have a covered patio and backyard space in the rear side, with views to the surrounding park, resulting in a
pleasant dining space. The restaurant would serve European cuisine and aimed to be competitive with fast food chains with respect to pricing. Upon Ms. Leonard s request, Mr. Mangum explained that the project would require a map amendment to rezone the property to B1 Business District and a special-use permit to operate a Type 2 Restaurant. The applicant clarified to Ms. Leonard that Ald. Rue Simmons is aware of the recent changes in the plans of the restaurant. Ms. Leonard expressed concern that the rezoning of the property might set a precedent in the City to which the applicant responded that there have been similar properties in the City, one of them being the establishment at the intersection of Emerson and Dodge. Mr. Mangum summarized that the applicant would need to submit for a map amendment as a special use permit which could be processed by the City concurrently and would be presented to the City Council for approval. Mr. Zalmezak asked if anybody on the Committee was familiar with Ald. Rue Simmons design conditions for the project, to which Ms. Leonard responded that the Alderman was not specific but did mention that project should enhance the quality of the neighborhood and create a high quality dining destination. Ms. Leonard voiced her concerns about the rezoning of the property and said that the Law department would have to be consulted on the matter and then the process would follow. Ms. Leonard added that the support from neighbors and the design aspects need to be discussed again. The applicant clarified to Mr. Mangum that they plan to use exposed brick, stucco and metal as façade materials. Mr. Gerdes said that the Committee would need further clarification on what materials are going to be used and the signage as shown in plans would require a variance. The applicant clarified to Mr. Gerdes that they plan to use a fence with a combination of wood and plastic, to which Mr. Gerdes responded that the Committee would need to see samples during the final review. Mr. Mangum suggested that the applicant consider consolidating the design elements on the façade and unite them to follow a single design language. Ms. Leonard suggested that the applicant move forward by applying for a special use permit and concluded that no action would be taken by the Committee in this meeting because it is concept review. 2. 721 Howard Street Preliminary Review The City of Evanston, owner, submits for a building permit to convert an existing commercial space into dinner theatre cultural space in the B3 Business District. APPLICATION PRESENTED BY: Krista Simonsgliva DISCUSSION: Ms. Simonsgliva stated that the existing interior demo of the property has been removed, freeing up a large space to be used and that the majority of the work is
to be done on the exterior façade to rework the storefront to make it look like a single building. She added that the masonry on the east and west facades need repairs and additional HVAC will be added. The rear portion of the building will consist of the dressing rooms and a kitchen area which will be used to warm up food to be served in the theatre. The materials to be used on the exterior will be fiber cement board cladding, wood in colors to match the brick. There will be display units added in the storefront to showcase posters of upcoming shows. The signage will consist of clear, acrylic dimensional letters. Ms. Simonsgliva clarified to Ms. Leonard that the address of the property would be displayed on two sides of the building. Ms. Leonard asked if there were any nighttime renderings to show the lighting of the building. The applicant responded that the signage would be lit along with the posters on display in the storefront and a light at the entry. Mr. Gerdes mentioned that the signage would require a separate review for permit. Mr. Mangum noted that the project is a vast improvement from existing conditions and asked if there was a chance to increase the surface area covered by windows. The applicant responded that since the theatre needed a minimally lit space, the proposed window area was the maximum that could be achieved. Ald. Rainey mentioned that the theatre group also insisted that light be kept out from the interior spaces of the theatre. Mr. Mangum stated that the existing number of parking spaces needs to be maintained by the theatre. The applicant responded that they were able to accommodate three spots, inclusive of one handicapped parking spot in the rear part of the building. Mr. Gerdes moved to approve the preliminary review, seconded by Ms. Biggs. The committee voted unanimously 10-0, to approve the preliminary review for 721 Howard Street. 3. 1571 Maple Avenue Preliminary and Final Review Michael McLean, developer, submits for Evanston Mural Arts Program (EMAP) to install a mural on the Union Pacific railroad embankment east of the 1571 maple Avenue planned development in the D3 Downtown Core District. APPLICATION PRESENTED BY: Dustin Harris, coordinator DISCUSSION: Mr. Harris stated that the design was approved by the Evanston Arts Council which was of the opinion that the art was vibrant, contemporary and appropriate for the neighborhood. Ms. Biggs asked if the Alderman of the ward has been notified of the proposed mural, to which the applicant responded positively that Ald. Wilson has approved
of the mural. As a response to Mr. Gerdes question, the applicant said that the mural contains the skyline of Chicago to signify the daily commute to Chicago that many of Evanston s residents take. Ms. Leonard suggested that the mural should include elements that symbolize Evanston. As a response to Ms. Biggs question, Mr. Harris said that developer is commissioning the mural. Mr. Harris also responded to Ms. Leonard that the maintenance of the mural would be required only later because high quality exterior paints along with an exterior varnish shall be used. Advisory member Jennifer Lasik suggested that design could show the transition from the skyline of Evanston to the Chicago skyline, thus signifying transportation linkage between Evanston and Chicago. Mr. Mangum stated that while he was not an art critic, his opinion was that this mural is contemporary and closely matches downtown Evanston. Mr. Mangum asked if there was lettering included in the mural, to which Mr. Harris responded by saying that the word RUSH was included in the art. Ms. Biggs asked if all mural projects would be commissioned to the same artist, to which Mr. Harris responded that there are many budding artists and the program would encourage various artists. Ms. Biggs also suggested that for all future mural proposals, the Alderman of the respective ward and the neighbors should be notified before recommendation by the Committee. Ms. Lasik said that the Arts Council is currently reworking the public art policy to be more inclusive and arrive at a consensus between all parties concerned. Ms. Biggs asked about the length of maintenance period for the mural. Ms. Lasik and Mr. Harris both responded by saying that it is generally mentioned in the contract that the artist shall help maintain the mural for a specific period of time. After 5-7 years of painting the mural, the City reserves the authority to decide if the mural has to be retained or painted over. Mr. Harris responded to Mr. Mangum s question that they were in the process of obtaining the agreement with Union Pacific Railroad. Ms. Biggs asked if the paint of the mural was removable or the wall would need fresh painting over the mural. Mr. Harris responded that the paint could be removed by means of power washing if needed. Mr. Gerdes stated that the applicant would need a right of way permit during the painting of the mural. Mr. Nelson asked if there were any existing trees that would need to be removed. Mr. Harris responded that the overgrowth from the trees behind the mural wall might need trimming. Staff member Ana Asilis clarified if the mural would be non-illuminated, to which Mr. Harris responded positively. Mr. Mangum moved to approve the preliminary and final review of the request to install a mural on the Union Pacific railroad embankment east of the 1571 maple Avenue, seconded by Mr. Gerdes. The committee voted unanimously 10-0, to approve the preliminary and final
review for 1571 Maple Avenue. Adjournment: Ms. Biggs moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Nelson. The committee voted unanimously 10-0, to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 3.35 pm. The next DAPR meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at 2:30 pm in Room 2404 of the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center. Respectfully submitted, Kalyani Agnihotri
DESIGN AND PROJECT REVIEW (DAPR) MTG DATE: July 12, 2017 Address: 721 Howard VOTING MEMBERS STAFF COMMENTS Director of Community Johanna Leonard Chair Planning and Zoning Administrator Scott Mangum Vice Chair CMO/Economic Rep. for the Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services Paul Zalmezak Ray Doerner City Engineer Lara Biggs Fire Department Police Dept. Mario Tristan Lloyce Spells Per City requirement automatic sprinkles & fire alarm system are required for the Change of Use Group. Rep. for the Director of Public Works Jim Nelson Will you have to upsize the water service since currently 721 Howard has a 1 ½ lead water service? Zoning Planner Melissa Klotz Building & Inspection Services Division Manager Assistant Director of Public Works/Forestry Gary Gerdes Paul D Agostino Separate sign permit review required1 Neighborhood and Land Use Planner Meagan Jones Secretary Utilities Dept. Ingrid Eckersberg Quorum: A quorum shall consist of the Director of Community or his/her designee, one other representative from the Department of Community, a representative from the Department of Public Works, and two additional Voting Members, and shall be required in order to conduct any official committee business.
DESIGN AND PROJECT REVIEW (DAPR) MTG DATE: July 12, 2017 Address: 1571 Maple Avenue VOTING MEMBERS STAFF COMMENTS Director of Community Johanna Leonard Chair Planning and Zoning Administrator Scott Mangum Vice Chair CMO/Economic Rep. for the Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services Paul Zalmezak Ray Doerner City Engineer Lara Biggs Fire Department Police Dept. Mario Tristan Lloyce Spells Rep. for the Director of Public Works Jim Nelson What happens to the trees? Zoning Planner Melissa Klotz Building & Inspection Services Division Manager Assistant Director of Public Works/Forestry Gary Gerdes Paul D Agostino ROW permit required for use of street/parking lane. Neighborhood and Land Use Planner Meagan Jones Secretary Utilities Dept. Ingrid Eckersberg Quorum: A quorum shall consist of the Director of Community or his/her designee, one other representative from the Department of Community, a representative from the Department of Public Works, and two additional Voting Members, and shall be required in order to conduct any official committee business.
DESIGN AND PROJECT REVIEW (DAPR) MTG DATE: July 12, 2017 Address: 1829 Simpson Street VOTING MEMBERS STAFF COMMENTS Director of Community Johanna Leonard Chair Planning and Zoning Administrator Scott Mangum Vice Chair CMO/Economic Rep. for the Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services Paul Zalmezak Ray Doerner City Engineer Lara Biggs Fire Department Police Dept. Mario Tristan Lloyce Spells Rep. for the Director of Public Works Jim Nelson Currently 1829 Simpson has a 1 ½ water service. This service will need a back flow preventer on it and on all restaurant equipment connected to the water service. Zoning Planner Melissa Klotz Building & Inspection Services Division Manager Gary Gerdes - Separate sign review/permit required - Provide exterior material samples - Provide fence style samples - Provide proposed parkway improvements Assistant Director of Public Works/Forestry Paul D Agostino Neighborhood and Land Use Planner Meagan Jones Secretary Utilities Dept. Ingrid Eckersberg Quorum: A quorum shall consist of the Director of Community or his/her designee, one other representative from the Department of Community, a representative from the Department of Public Works, and two additional Voting Members, and shall be required in order to conduct any official committee business.