Park Ridge Appearance Commission Meeting Summary – August 26, 2026

The Appearance Commission of Park Ridge, Illinois met on August 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Chair Mattingley presided, with Commissioners Langan, Stewart, and Druco present; Commissioner Kelly was absent. The meeting covered approval of minutes, a consent agenda, multiple single-family alteration and residence cases, a commercial project, and a pre-submittal discussion.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes – The minutes from July 22, 2026, were approved unanimously.
• Consent Agenda Items – Three cases were approved without discussion:
  • SA-26-02 REVISION: Single-Family Alteration at 1621 W Talcott
  • SF-25-05 REVISION: Single-Family Residence at 719 Vine
  • CI-26-12: Commercial Project at 140 N Northwest Hwy (Signage)

Public Comments & Testimony

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

Discussion Items

• SA-26-15: Single-Family Alteration at 213 W Kathleen – The applicant proposed replacing brick with stone veneer on the front elevation. Commissioners raised concerns about material transitions at corners, requiring the stone to wrap around the east elevation without a separation. The applicant agreed to wrap the stone veneer to the gas meter on the east side; the west side had siding meeting the stone at a corner with a downspout. The project was approved with that condition.
• SF-26-08: Single-Family Residence at 215 Berry – The applicant presented a new home with dark brown siding to blend with the traditional block. Commissioners noted the color was darker than typical guidelines but accepted the rationale. The garage was recessed. Approved as submitted.
• SA-26-16: Single-Family Alteration at 1032 S Washington – Questions about the bay window roof line and a second-floor bump-out were addressed. Approved as submitted.
• SF-26-04 REVISION: Single-Family Residence at 2821 Mayfield – A revision removing a basement and adjusting windows. No appearance changes; approved as submitted.
• SF-25-17 REVISION: Single-Family Residence at 1103 S Crescent – Added a gable roof fireplace and chimney on the rear. Commissioners discussed the visual balance and building code height requirements for the chimney. Approved as submitted.
• SF-26-07: Single-Family Residence at 1705 S Crescent – Concerns about the home’s height (nearly 35 feet) and predominantly siding material in a brick neighborhood. The applicant agreed to reduce the main roof and dormers by 2 feet. Approved with that condition.
• CI-26-11 CONTINUED: Commercial Project at 149 N Northwest Hwy (Shutters) – The applicant did not appear. The commission moved to close the case, allowing the applicant to reapply if desired. Approved.
• Pre-Submittal: Single-Family Alteration at 638 Park Plaine – A preliminary discussion of a second-floor addition. Commissioners gave feedback: minimize the “box on top” appearance (e.g., by clipping the roof corner), remove or redesign shutters that are too narrow, and improve material transitions (brick to siding). No motion was made; the applicant will return with revisions.

Key Outcomes

• Approved with conditions:
  • SA-26-15 (213 W Kathleen) – wrap stone veneer around east elevation to gas meter.
  • SF-26-07 (1705 S Crescent) – reduce main roof and dormer height by 2 feet.
• Approved as submitted:
  • SA-26-16 (1032 S Washington)
  • SF-26-08 (215 Berry)
  • SF-26-04 REVISION (2821 Mayfield)
  • SF-25-17 REVISION (1103 S Crescent)
• Case closed (no applicant): CI-26-11 (149 N Northwest Hwy).
• Pre-submittal feedback: 638 Park Plaine – applicant to revise design based on commission comments.
• Procedural discussion: Commissioners discussed the importance of adhering to design guidelines regarding neighborhood compatibility and material choices. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 PM.