Park Ridge Appearance Commission Meeting - July 22, 2026

The Appearance Commission of Park Ridge, Illinois met on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. All five commissioners were present: Acting Chair Mattingway, Commissioners Kelly, Droco, Langan, and Stewart. The meeting covered a consent agenda, two appearance review cases (one approved, one continued), a pre-submittal discussion, election of a permanent chair, and a briefing on a proposed mural ordinance.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (June 24, 2026): Unanimously approved.
• Consent Agenda Items: Three cases were approved without discussion:
  • GA-26-03: New garage at 31 Berry Parkway
  • SA-26-14: Single-family alteration at 920 St James
  • SF-26-05: Single-family residence at 1118 Garden Motion to approve the consent agenda, seconded, all in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

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

Discussion Items

• SA-26-13 – Single-Family Alteration at 626 Parkwood: The applicant addressed questions about material transitions on the left side elevation and window proportions on the front elevation. The commission clarified that the brick offset (2 feet) was sufficient and appreciated the applicant's response to prior feedback. Window alignment was confirmed as a rendering issue, not an intention. A motion to approve was made with a condition to restore landscape after construction; seconded and passed unanimously.

• CI-26-11 – Commercial Project at 149 N Northwest Highway (Shutters): The applicant's representative, not the building owner, presented plans for exterior rolling shutters. Commissioners expressed concerns about the shutters' appearance, impact on the pedestrian environment, and consistency with commercial design guidelines. Suggestions included exploring interior shutters, awnings to hide the shutter boxes, and alternative security measures. The commission voted to continue the case to the next meeting, requiring additional information: attachment details, color verification, how the shutter engages with the ground, consideration of interior shutters, and written property owner endorsement. Motion seconded, all in favor.

• Pre-Submittal – Single-Family Residence at 445 N Northwest Highway: The architect presented preliminary plans. Feedback from commissioners included: connecting a vertical element on the west elevation to the window sill, widening windows for better proportion, making the front door more prominent (possibly with a red color or lighting), and providing color renderings for all elevations. The architect agreed to incorporate these comments and return with full construction documents. No vote was taken.

• Other Business – Election of Chair: Acting Chair Mattingway was nominated and unanimously elected as permanent chair.

• Other Business – Mural Ordinance Update: Staff reported that a proposed ordinance allowing murals only on city-owned or public district facilities (e.g., schools, libraries) had passed first reading at City Council. Murals would be reviewed by the Appearance Commission for design, then go to City Council. Commissioners discussed the process (whether two readings are required) and noted that staff would clarify before the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Approved: Three cases released without further review.
• SA-26-13 Approved: Subject to landscape restoration.
• CI-26-11 Continued: To August 26, 2026 meeting with specific information requests.
• Pre-Submittal Comments Provided: Applicant to incorporate feedback and resubmit with full construction documents.
• Chair Elected: Commissioner Mattingway appointed as permanent chair.
• Mural Ordinance: Staff to confirm review process before next meeting.
• Meeting Adjourned: Unanimously.