TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Planning Commission
DATE: November 20, 2013
SUBJECT: title
An Ordinance Establishing a Special Sign District for the Presence Mercy Medical Center Campus located south of Sullivan Road, west of Lake Street, east of Highland Avenue and north of Indian Trail, Aurora, Illinois (Presence Mercy Medical Center - Au09/4-13.384-M - Tm - Ward 6)
body
PURPOSE:
The petitioner, Presence Mercy Medical Center, is proposing a Special Sign District Petition for hospital campus signage located at 1325 N. Highland Avenue.
BACKGROUND:
This Miscellaneous (Special Sign District) petition, which is part of the Mercy Center Special Use Planned Development, was referred by the City Council to the Planning Division on November 5, 2013.
Legislative History:
Date Review Body Motion Vote
11/20/2013 Planning Commission Conditional Approval Unanimous
11/12/2013 Planning Council Forward Unanimous
DISCUSSION:
Development Proposal:
The proposal consists of establishing a Special Sign District to provide for a cohesive plan for signage on the Presence Mercy Medical Center Campus. The Sign District addresses specifically the external signage, all signs within 100' of dedicated public Right-of-Way. There are a total of seven (7) signs. The signs consist of three categories: Major Campus Sign, Minor Campus Sign and Entrance Signs. The sign district does not include internal directional and wall signage for the campus.
Evaluation:
Staff has reviewed the Miscellaneous petition, submitted by the petitioner and have sent comments back to them on those submittals. The petitioner has made all the requested changes to these documents and they now meet all of the applicable codes and ordinances.
The proposed Special Sign District will provide specific guidelines for the signage for the entire campus of the former "Provena Mercy Medical Center", now the "Presence Mercy Medical Center." Because of the nature of the industry and the possibility of future changes to the name of the campus the petitioner and staff felt that it would be best to establish the Sign District to establish a cohesive design for the entire campus for the signs within 100' of the public Right-of-Way. These signs represent some of the most visible signage and as such the Special Sign District allows for the image portrayed to be consistent at all gateways to the campus. Additionally it provides specific guidelines for possible future changes to be addressed easily.
This District is codifying the existing conditions, at this time all of the campus signs exist, with the exception of the signs proposed for the intersection of Sullivan and Highland and the sign at Highland and the future access drive for McAuley Manor. These proposed signs will be installed after the proposed roadwork at the intersection of Sullivan and Highland, and after the new access is constructed to Highland for McAuley Manor. All of the existing signs are to be re-clad and reimaged to reflect the new Presence motif.
There are seven (7) signs that are being addressed in this District, the internal directional signage has been reviewed and is acceptable to staff. The signs have been categorized as Major Campus Sign, Minor Campus Sign and Entrance Signs. The major Campus Sign is the existing sign located at Sullivan and Lake. This sign is very large and very prominent. As part of the reworking of the signs staff has requested that the existing message centers be better incorporated into the signs, so that they are fully integrated as a design elements of the signs.
Staff reviewed the previous approvals for the Hospital Campus and it has been noted that there is a long standing request that the hospital install a sidewalk along the Highland Avenue frontage. This has been a condition of approval for two previous approvals sought by the hospital. At this time the Sidewalk still has not been installed. Staff is recommending that the approval of the Sign District be conditioned that the twice previously requested sidewalk be installed. This project can be coordinated with the existing projects on the west side of campus including the addition of an access point onto Highland for the McAuley Manor, as well as the City improvements to the intersection of Sullivan Road and Highland Avenue.
Public Input:
As of the date of this report, staff has not received any public inquiries regarding this petition.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This item will increase the tax base and overall viability of the City which will offset any incidental Department or staffing impacts.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff would recommend Conditional Approval of the Special Sign District on 79 acres for a Special Sign District for hospital campus signage at 1325 N Highland Avenue by Presence Mercy Medical Center with the following condition:
1. That a sidewalk be provided for the entire length of Highland Avenue per the condition of approval of the Revised Master Plan approved by Resolution Number PDFNL06.019 and the Preliminary Master Plan approved by Resolution Number R06-329.
2. That the existing Electronic Message Centers be fully integrated into the remodeled signs with the units being mounted flush with the face of the sign.
The Staff's Recommendation is based on the following Physical Development Policies:
10.0 To provide for the orderly, balanced and efficient growth and redevelopment of the City through the positive integration of land use patterns, functions, and circulation systems. To protect and enhance those assets and values that establishes the desirable quality and general livability of the City. To promote the City's position as a regional center.
14.1(5) To provide for the visual enhancement of the City through attractive landscaping, quality signage and diverse building design and arrangement.
93.1(2) To work toward improved signage and street furniture.
ATTACHMENTS:
Property Information Sheet
Sign Package
Planning Council Summary
cc: Alderman Saville, Chairman
Alderman Irvin
Alderman Donnell
Alderman Hart-Burns, Alternate