Appearance Commission approves Dunkin' remodel and drive‑through at former 7‑11 on Skokie Boulevard with landscaping condition
May 14, 2026 | Skokie, Cook County, Illinois
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The Appearance Commission on May 13 approved exterior facade changes to convert the vacant former 7‑11 at 8357 Skokie Boulevard into a Dunkin'/Baskin‑Robbins with a drive‑through, contingent on a landscaping change requested by commissioners.
The commission heard from franchisee and developer Rena Panjwani Kwaja and project architect Nicoletta Scarlottis, who said the proposal would remove roughly 500 square feet from the building’s southern portion to allow drive‑through circulation, reskin that portion, add more glazing to the south elevation for interior seating light and install fiberboard and painted brick panels consistent with the Dunkin' prototype. Scarlottis said the design seeks to “Dunkify” the building while working with existing conditions.
Why it matters: the project converts a long‑vacant commercial space to an active tenant and adds a drive‑through that changes circulation on a busy corridor in Skokie. The commission’s requirement on landscaping aims to ensure the site’s public frontage will be durable and visually cohesive for patrons waiting in the drive‑through queue.
Commission discussion focused on site circulation, the condition and placement of adjacent fences and the landscape plan. One commissioner pointed out a newer south fence and worried that patrons waiting for the drive‑through would be facing an older east fence; Scarlottis said the team would consider replacing or matching existing boards to ensure cohesion. A commissioner raised concerns about the choice of Vinca as a ground cover, calling it “really difficult to maintain” and prone to patchiness in sun. Panjwani Kwaja said the team would work with the landscape architect and agreed to replace Vinca if a more maintainable, native or drought‑tolerant option was available.
A commissioner moved to grant a certificate of appropriateness for case 2026‑020A at 8357 Skokie Boulevard with the exception that the Vinca ground cover be replaced with a more viable native or low‑maintenance alternative; the motion was seconded and carried by recorded roll call. The commission’s staff had reported no objections to the proposed building design and noted the plan commission had given a positive recommendation at its April 16 meeting.
The approval allows the applicant to proceed to the Village Board review process as the next step in the public hearing sequence. The applicant said it will continue to coordinate with staff on fence and planting details.
The commission heard from franchisee and developer Rena Panjwani Kwaja and project architect Nicoletta Scarlottis, who said the proposal would remove roughly 500 square feet from the building’s southern portion to allow drive‑through circulation, reskin that portion, add more glazing to the south elevation for interior seating light and install fiberboard and painted brick panels consistent with the Dunkin' prototype. Scarlottis said the design seeks to “Dunkify” the building while working with existing conditions.
Why it matters: the project converts a long‑vacant commercial space to an active tenant and adds a drive‑through that changes circulation on a busy corridor in Skokie. The commission’s requirement on landscaping aims to ensure the site’s public frontage will be durable and visually cohesive for patrons waiting in the drive‑through queue.
Commission discussion focused on site circulation, the condition and placement of adjacent fences and the landscape plan. One commissioner pointed out a newer south fence and worried that patrons waiting for the drive‑through would be facing an older east fence; Scarlottis said the team would consider replacing or matching existing boards to ensure cohesion. A commissioner raised concerns about the choice of Vinca as a ground cover, calling it “really difficult to maintain” and prone to patchiness in sun. Panjwani Kwaja said the team would work with the landscape architect and agreed to replace Vinca if a more maintainable, native or drought‑tolerant option was available.
A commissioner moved to grant a certificate of appropriateness for case 2026‑020A at 8357 Skokie Boulevard with the exception that the Vinca ground cover be replaced with a more viable native or low‑maintenance alternative; the motion was seconded and carried by recorded roll call. The commission’s staff had reported no objections to the proposed building design and noted the plan commission had given a positive recommendation at its April 16 meeting.
The approval allows the applicant to proceed to the Village Board review process as the next step in the public hearing sequence. The applicant said it will continue to coordinate with staff on fence and planting details.
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