Appearance Commission Meeting – May 27, 2026

The Park Ridge Appearance Commission met on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, a consent agenda for three cases, a conditional approval for a single-family alteration, and a preliminary review for another single-family project. A new commissioner, Matthew Langan, was welcomed.

Consent Calendar

• SF-25-01 Revision: Single-Family Residence at 113 S Fairview – placed on consent agenda, approved without discussion.
• CI-24-06 Revision: Commercial Project at 29-31 S Fairview – placed on consent agenda, approved without discussion.
• CI-26-08: Commercial Project at 1925 W Dempster – placed on consent agenda, approved without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made on non-agenda items.

Discussion Items

• Approval of Minutes – April 22, 2026: Commissioner Kelly requested a wording clarification regarding the commercial project at 116 S Prospect (CI-26-07) to ensure the minutes reflected the discussion about limiting white trim in the alley. The commission agreed the wording was accurate. The minutes were approved with three ayes and two abstentions (Commissioners Kelly and Druco abstained).
• SA-26-11: Single-Family Alteration at 1317 Frances Pkwy: The applicant presented plans for a second-floor addition. Commissioner Kelly expressed concern about the massing on the west elevation and suggested painting the entire structure one color to unify it. Commissioner Stewart noted the garage helps balance the massing. After discussion, the commission recommended extending the first-floor roof skirt (eyebrow) over the entry on the north elevation to the vertical trim board of the second floor, ending in a hip. A motion to approve with that condition passed 5-0 (Motion by Commissioner Stewart, second by Commissioner Langan).
• Preliminary Review: Single-Family Alteration at 626 Parkwood Ave: Applicant Ed Grossmeyer, a resident of seven years, explained the need for a larger home due to growing family and pending baby. The review was preliminary due to a pending zoning question (likely floor area ratio). The commission provided guidance on material transitions: on the left elevation, a six-inch change in plane was requested where brick and siding meet; on the right elevation, a similar offset or architectural element (e.g., a chimney) was suggested to avoid a flat transition. The applicant may also add a trim board at the base. The commission noted that once these changes are made and submitted by the June 12 deadline for the June 24 meeting, the case could potentially be placed on the consent agenda. No formal vote was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Minutes: April 22, 2026 minutes approved (3-0-2).
• Consent Agenda Approved: Unanimously approved for three cases.
• SA-26-11 Approved: Conditional approval (5-0) requiring extension of the roof skirt on the north elevation to the vertical trim board, ending in a hip.
• 626 Parkwood Ave Preliminary Guidance: The applicant was directed to address material transitions on the left and right elevations (six-inch offset or architectural element) and to provide a revised submission by June 12, 2026, for a final review at the June 24 meeting.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, 2026 (subject to change). Acting Chair Mattingley noted he will be absent due to a work trip; Commissioner Langan will also be absent. Staff member Claudia Hampel will handle the June meeting.