Commission approves mural commission for Village Oak Park parking garage; members suggest cardinal instead of skunk

The Planning, Zoning and Historic Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness to commission a mural at the Village Oak Park parking garage (304 Hill / Village Oak Park Drive), after brief discussion about design motifs, visibility and longevity.

Committee member (S4) noted the proposal’s animal motifs — a fox, an owl and a skunk — and said a cardinal or deer might better reflect local identity. Committee member (S2) said the commission would take that feedback back to the artist. Committee member (S3) observed the location is largely visible only to drivers who enter the garage and said that the design need not be highly prominent from the public right-of-way.

Commission members also discussed durability and anti-graffiti measures. Staff noted the mural elements would be mounted on aluminum plates that can be removed for cleaning or replacement; a commissioner suggested illumination or a deterrent camera to reduce vandalism. During discussion a cost figure of "$10,000" was mentioned as an approximate amount for the work.

A commissioner asked whether the East Dundee Arts Council must review downtown mural proposals; staff clarified that the Arts Council provides an initial review and recommendation before the Planning, Zoning and Historic Commission issues its recommendation and the Village Board makes the final decision.

The commission voted to approve the certificate of appropriateness with the design suggestions noted and directed staff to relay commissioners’ feedback to the artist. The mural is expected to be long-term but mounted on removable plates; staff did not state a final installation date during the meeting.