Commission recommends approval of wayfinding 'P' signs for East Dundee parking garage with font review

The Planning, Zoning and Historic Commission voted to approve a certificate of appropriateness for two exterior wayfinding parking signs at the village-owned parking garage at 304 Phillips Street, with the condition that the vendor confirm use of the village’s approved historic design and font.

Commission members discussed sign placement, illumination and terminology for the sign type. Committee member (S2) described the proposal as including one projecting sign on the corner and one sign above the garage entrance; staff noted the signs would be backlit with a halo effect. Committee member (S4) said, “That’s really neat,” and praised the illumination. Committee member (S3) raised compatibility concerns, saying the applicant’s lettering is “a little more modern” than the historic district guidelines and suggested the commission ask the vendor to reference the approved wayfinding packet.

The commission clarified that under the code the projecting sign may be treated as a blade sign, which could affect which historic-district rules apply. Commissioners directed staff to have the vendor confirm the sign’s type and to explore a more vertical blade-style design that would display the word “Parking” in the approved font. The motion approved the certificate of appropriateness with those considerations.

The Clerk recorded the vote as unanimous in favor. The commission did not set a specific implementation date; staff will follow up with the vendor to confirm font, mounting details and any price implications before installation.

The commission next moved on to a mural proposal for the same garage.