Title/Name/Summary
Portillo's Hot Dogs, LLC - 20 Orland Square Drive - Appearance Review for Exterior Mural
History
QUICKFACTS
Project
Portillo’s Mural
AR 25-00524
See also Case 2024-0116 - Special Use for Drive-Through Restaurant
Petitioner
Melissa Balcerak
HD Group
Purpose
The petitioner proposes to two full height murals on the south elevation of the Portillo’s Drive-through restaurant.
Requested Actions: Appearance Review
Project Attributes
Address: 20 Orland Square Drive
P.I.N.(s): 27-10-300-008-0000
Parcel Size: 1.28 acres (55,752 s.f.)
Building Size: 0.12 acres (5,390 s.f.)
Comprehensive Plan Planning District: Regional Core Planning District
Comprehensive Land Designation: Regional Mixed Use
Existing Zoning: COR Mixed Use District
Existing Land Use: Restaurant
Surrounding Land Use:
North: COR Mixed Use District - Financial Services (CitiBank)
South: COR Mixed Use District - Retail / Restaurant (Pearle Vision / Soul Vibez)
East: COR Mixed Use District - Retail (Orland Square Mall)
West: VCD Village Center District, (across LaGrange Rd) Motor Vehicle Services
PROJECT DESCRIPTION & CONTEXT
In August 2024, the Board of Trustees approved the petitioner’s request for a Special Use Permit for a Drive-Through Restaurant (Case No. 2024-0116). As part of the Development Petition, the petitioner sought a modification (to locate the parking lot and drive-through facilities within the setback between the building and the street), and proposed a mural showcasing Orland Park elements as an incremental improvement. Hence, in accordance with the Special Use permit, the petitioner is proposing painting two full height murals on the south elevation of the building.
The design of the murals align with the intent of the Village’s Land Development Code Section 6-308.A, which encourages the creation of “an architectural identity and avoid monotonous similarity or inappropriateness in exterior design and appearance of property”.
The murals pay homage to Orland Park’s historic landmarks, and creatively integrate the historic structures with the racetrack theme of the drive-through only restaurant. The landmark buildings will be illustrated with vibrant, detailed imagery, capturing their historical and architectural character. The racetrack theme introduces imagery relating to movement, progress and vitality of the community.
The composition will include a blend of historical textures, colors, and motifs, ensuring harmony with Orland Park’s cultural heritage while maintaining a modern, visually engaging aesthetic. The mural will be painted with high-quality, weather resistant materials to ensure durability.
The following historic landmarks are showcased in the mural:
• Train station and depot in downtown Orland Park
• Historic Train
• Orland Square original monument sign
• General Store (Loebe Brothers) Building
• Orland Park Hotel
• Orland Plaza Billboard
• Village Hall Building
• Post office building
• 1917 Schoolhouse building
PHOTMETRIC PLAN
The Site Photometric plan conforms to the Land Development Code, Section 6-315 Exterior Lighting requirements of max. 0.5 foot candles at the lot lines adjacent to public right of way, and max. 5.0 foot candles at the lot line between two non-residential properties. The petitioner has demonstrated that the light fixtures illuminating the mural are shielded from view, and do not negatively impact the site photometry.
DETAILED PLANNING DISCUSSION
The petitioner submitted an initial design package with a colorful mural design. Upon review, staff encouraged the petitioner to explore an option of the mural in a grayscale with limited red accents, that would match the black, red and white color scheme of the rest of the building.
The petitioner’s response was that a grayscale version would diminish the mural’s energy and visual appeal, making the space feel less engaging for residents and visitors alike. The petitioner contended that bright, colorful murals naturally draw people in, encouraging them to stop, take photos, and share on social media-essentially making the location a landmark, bringing more attention to surrounding businesses and improving the overall vibrancy of the area. They added that mural was intentionally designed in full color to convey a specific emotion, story, and cultural connection while showcasing a dimensional artwork from the street.
The petitioner submitted three revised options with slight variations in the color scheme, and one of those options was approved by staff, which serves as the basis of this approval.
The LDC Section 6-307 Signs states that murals and public art shall not be considered signs if the work of visual art does not contain any commercial messaging, advertising, logos, or business identification messages. Hence, in order for a portion of the mural to not be considered a wall sign, the petitioner was directed to remove the word “Portillo’s” from the initial design of the portion of the mural that showcased the Orland Plaza billboard.
Additionally, the petitioner was directed to paint the exit door on the south elevation to match the mural on the surrounding wall.
Parking
No changes to configuration of the parking lot have been proposed.
Lot Coverage
No changes to lot coverage have been proposed.
Signage
Signage is not part of this petition and should be submitted for separate review to the Building Division.
Recommended Action/Motion
The Appearance Review for Portillo’s Murals, 20 Orland Square Drive, case number 2025-00524, as shown on the Design Package titled "Proposed Orland Park Mural - Resubmission" submitted by the petitioner on 02/20/2025, has been administratively approved on 02/24/2025, subject to the following conditions:
1) Meet all building code related items.
2) Signage approval is part of a separate review.