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Aurora, Illinois

File #: 20-0341    Version: Name: KSM Properties LLC / Tortas / 5 S. Lake Street / Mural / Special Sign District
Type: Ordinance Status: Passed
File created: 6/18/2020 In control: City Council
On agenda: 7/28/2020 Final action: 8/25/2020
Title: An Ordinance Establishing a Special Sign District on the Property located at 5 S. Lake Street
Attachments: 1. Exhibit "A" Legal Description - 2020-06-30 - 2020.081, 2. Exhibit "B" - Special Sign District - 2020-07-16 - 2020.081, 3. Mural - 2020-05-04 - 2020.081, 4. Land Use Petition and Supporting Documents - 2020-06-18 - 2020.081, 5. Survey - 2020-05-22 - 2020.081, 6. Photo - 2020-05-04 - 2020.081, 7. Property Research Sheet - 2020-06-30 - 2020.081, 8. Legistar History Report - 2020-07-09 - 2020.081, 9. Agreement between Aurora Downtown and Owner, 10. Mural Summary for City Council
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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin

FROM: Planning Commission

DATE: July 14, 2020

SUBJECT:
An Ordinance Establishing a Special Sign District on the Property located at 5 S. Lake Street (KSM Properties, LLC - 20-0341 / AU22/3-20.081-V/SD - JM - Ward 6)

PURPOSE:
The Petitioner KSM Properties, LLC is requesting approval of a Special Sign District for 5 S. Lake Street which includes the installation of a mural on the western wall of the building.

BACKGROUND:
The Subject Property is currently a commercial building with B-3 Business and Wholesale District zoning. Additional information on the legislative history of the property can be found in the attached Property Information Sheet.

The Petitioner is requesting approval of a Special Sign District. The details of the request include allowing an approximate 765 square foot mural outside of the downtown. Aurora passed an ordinance in 2016 to allow murals within the FoxWalk Overlay district. Outside of the FoxWalk, murals have to adhere to the Aurora Sign Ordinance. Since the mural is over the size requirements of the Sign Ordinance, a Special Sign District is required.

The proposed mural is designed by local artist Joshua Schultz and is funded by Aurora Downtown. It will decorate the already painted west-facing wall of the building that houses the restaurant Tortas. The mural will be the size of the wall measuring around 45 feet by 17 feet. The location was chosen due to being along the heavily traveled Galena Boulevard and is located right as you begin entering the downtown. The design celebrates Aurora's architectural history and rich design roots with vibrant colors.

While not officially required for a Special Sign District, staff sought the feedback of the Aurora Public Art Commission on the mural design and location. The Aurora Public Art Commission is not meeting currently but provided positive feedback on the mural digitally.

DISCUSSION:
Staff has reviewed the Special Sign District petition and h...

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