Board approves sign-plan amendment for UChicago Medicine LaGrange hospital and zoning variation for FNBC Bank

The Village of La Grange Board of Trustees unanimously approved two sign-related items: an amendment to the planned-development sign plan for University of Chicago Medicine LaGrange Memorial Hospital and a zoning variation allowing additional wall signage at 620 W. Burlington Avenue for FNBC Bank and Trust.

Trustee Gale introduced the hospital item and explained the amendment would remove and replace freestanding signs, add and remove selected wall signs, and install one new ground sign as part of re-branding the facility after a partnership with UChicago Medicine. Staff and the village attorney said the proposed changes are generally in keeping with the approved plan and that remaining landscaping work is scheduled for spring 2024. Gary Potts of Professional Permits told the board the hospital’s permanent signage had not been installed and that any visible markings might be temporary banners.

Trustee Gale moved and the board approved the hospital sign ordinance without objection. The board then considered a separate request from FNBC Bank to add wall signage at 620 W. Burlington; the Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval with conditions (notably, no west-elevation wall signs). Trustee Peterson said she discussed the plans with the applicant and observed the proposed east elevation sign would be visible to westbound traffic on Burlington. The board approved that variation by unanimous roll call.

Staff said most landscaping per the 2018 planned development has been planted and that remaining plantings will mature over the next seasons. Trustees asked staff to follow up on whether any temporary banners already visible complied with permitting, and staff said they would review permit status and report back.

Next steps: staff will finalize ordinance language and monitor installation to ensure permanent signs, when placed, conform to the approved amendment and permit requirements.