Commission advances Enclave Coworking’s projecting sign, defers wall-sign decision for design fixes

Dan Johnson, general manager of Enclave Coworking Chicago, asked the commission to approve a projecting sign and a small wall sign mounted on a private gate to help wayfinding to a second-floor workspace at 29 East 1st Street. “We tried a lot of different options…this seems like the best case,” Johnson said.

Staff said the building’s configuration is unusual and that the plan commission can authorize a permitted modification for a second projecting sign; they urged the HPC to weigh appearance and structural attachment methods. Commissioners objected to visible metal strapping on the proposed wall sign and recommended either a framed mounting approach, an undermount below the existing canopy (which may require a variance), or a more permanent design that matches nearby Lovato signage.

Commissioners also raised concerns about drilling into terracotta elements and the structural implications of mounting to the canopy; staff said the building owner (who owns the canopy) has been engaged in the conversations. The commission agreed they could assist the applicant with a temporary fence sign for the opening while the permanent solution is refined.

Vote: The commission moved and voted to recommend approval of the projecting (blade) sign to the plan commission (unanimous roll call). The request for the wall sign was continued to a future HPC meeting for additional design options and structural review.