Title/Name/Summary
CPAC Modernization Project-Phase II - 15600 West Avenue - Appearance Review for expansion of pool pump building and replacement of pool equipment
History
QUICKFACTS
Project
Centennial Park Aquatic Center Modernization, Phase 2 - 15600 West Avenue - Building Additions and Exterior Improvements
Legistar ID: 2026-0249
Project ID: PPA-26-0014
Petitioner
Village of Orland Park - Joel Van Essen, Public Works Director
Purpose
The petitioner is proposing exterior building additions and related site improvements associated with Phase 2 of the Centennial Park Aquatic Center (CPAC) Modernization Project. Based on the submitted application and plans, Phase 2 includes expansion of the pool pump building and replacement of pool equipment, including demolition of existing restrooms and construction of enlarged restroom facilities, expansion of the pump pit and mechanical room, installation of a new cooling office, and construction of a new underground surge tank, chlorine room, electrical room, and storage room.
Requested Action: Appearance Review
Project Attributes
Address: 15600 West Avenue
P.I.N.: 27-16-300-002-0000
Parcel Size: 20.4 acres
Building Size: 11,143 square feet
Comprehensive Plan Planning District: Centennial
Comprehensive Land Use Designation: Aquatic Center
Existing Zoning: OS - Open Space District
Existing Land Use: Open Space
Surrounding Land Use:
North: BIZ General Business District
South: OS Open Space District
East: OS Open Space District
West: OS Open Space District
BACKGROUND
The Centennial Park Aquatic Center Modernization Project is being completed in three phases between 2024 and 2027. According to the submitted materials, Phase 2 is scheduled for Fall 2025 through Spring 2026 and involves improvements requiring Illinois Department of Public Health review and permitting. Public Works is working with Tria Architecture on the design and construction administration for the project phases, and the work is to occur during the portion of the year when the pool is not open to the public.
Phase 2 is the next installment of the broader modernization effort based on the “2023 Centennial Park Aquatic Center Facility Condition Assessment.” Unlike Phase 1, which focused more heavily on general site and aesthetic upgrades, this phase is centered on building expansion, mechanical modernization, and support-space improvements.
DETAILED PLANNING DISCUSSION
Per Section 5-106 of the Land Development Code, the Appearance Review process is intended to maintain and enhance the appearance of existing development through administrative review of minor site and exterior building changes, while confirming conformance with applicable Code requirements and maintaining harmony with surrounding community character. The proposed work qualifies for Appearance Review because it involves exterior building additions and associated site modifications to an existing Village-owned aquatic center facility.
The submitted plans show that the proposed additions are attached to the existing CPAC building and are designed as one-story masonry additions that expand the existing building footprint in a cohesive manner. The exterior elevations indicate use of face brick, brick quoin detailing, stone sills, and metal coping, with notes stating that new masonry infill and additions are to match the existing building in size, color, and character. The plans also indicate that removed brick is to be salvaged, cleaned, stored, and protected for reinstallation where applicable.
The elevations and renderings show that the additions maintain the established architectural palette of the aquatic center, including the existing masonry character and complementary roof forms. In staff’s opinion, the building additions are compatible with the existing aquatic center and do not introduce materials that would appear out of character with the site or with Centennial Park more broadly.
The site plan indicates that the work is concentrated around the existing pump/restroom building area, with related exterior improvements including limited concrete walk/drive patching, utility and equipment-related improvements, stairs, and restoration of disturbed lawn areas with sod. The plans show that major existing site elements, including the pool, fencing, many existing paved areas, and much of the surrounding park setting, are to remain. This helps ensure that the overall site layout and recreational function of the aquatic center remain intact while targeted modernization occurs.
Although this phase is largely functional in nature, the submitted materials demonstrate consistency with the general intent of Section 6-308 Design Standards in that the project uses durable exterior materials, maintains visual continuity with the existing facility, and improves the appearance and long-term viability of an important public recreational amenity. The project appears to enhance the site and does not create unfavorable visual impacts.
As noted by the petitioner, Phases 2 and 3 require Illinois Department of Public Health review and permitting. Any required IDPH approvals, along with all building permits and other applicable permits, shall be obtained prior to commencement of work. Overall, the project conforms to the Village’s Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Codes, and policies for this area.
Recommended Action / Motion
The Appearance Review for the Village of Orland Park, case number PPA-26-0014, received March 12, 2026, is recommended for administrative approval on April 2, 2026, subject to the following conditions:
1. A building permit must be obtained from the Village’s Building Department prior to initiating work.
2. All required IDPH approvals and any other outside agency approvals shall be obtained prior to permit issuance and commencement of work.
3. The work shall be completed in conformance with the submitted plans and elevations prepared by Tria Architecture for the CPAC Modernization Project - Phase 2.
4. All exterior materials, including masonry infill and new masonry additions, shall match the existing building as indicated on the submitted plans, to the satisfaction of the Development Services Department.
5. All disturbed lawn areas shall be restored with sod or equivalent landscape restoration in accordance with the submitted site plan.
6. Future project phases shall be subject to separate review and approval, as applicable.
7. The petitioner must meet all Building Code and Land Development Code requirements.