Title/Name/Summary
St. Francis of Assisi - 15050 Wolf Road - Sidewalk Replacement & Shrine Construction
History
QUICKFACTS
Project: 2025-0367 - St. Francis of Assisi
Petitioner: Cardinal Blasé Joseph Cupich, Catholic Bishop of Chicago
Petitioner Contact: Rev. Arthur Sowa, St. Francis of Assisi
Purpose: Replace the existing sidewalks at the main entrance and install a new statue of Saint Francis with landscaping in the central island of the roundabout.
Requested Actions: Appearance Review
Project Attributes
Address: 15050 Wolf Road.
P.I.N.(s): 27-07-401-023-0000
Size: 10.54 Acres
Comprehensive Plan Planning District: Orland Grove Planning District
Comprehensive Land Designation: Community & Institutional
Existing Zoning: E-1: Estate Residential
Surrounding Land Use:
North: LSPD - Large Scale Planned Development (Undeveloped)
South: R-3 Single Family Residential (Spring Creek)
East: R-3 Single Family Residential (Undeveloped)
West: R-2 Single Family Residential (Silo Ridge)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION & CONTEXT
In 2004, the subject property was re-zoned from LSPD: Large Scale Planned Development to E-1 Estate Residential and granted a Special Use Permit for a school (religious education/ administration building) and designated as a Planned Development to allow two buildings on a single consolidated lot in the E-1 District subject to the conditions in Ordinance No. 3835 (2004-0478). This was to approve the construction of a new 11,823 square foot, 2-story religious education/administration building on a 10-acre parcel adjacent to the existing church. The religious education/administration building was located northwest of the existing church property, east of the Silo Ridge subdivision and was not adjacent to any right-of-way.
The site then remained unchanged for many years until a proposal was received to add an exterior stairwell and sidewalk in 2011. For context, the site was previously granted a Special Use Permit Amendment to increase the permissible impervious surface on this site from 40% to 45% (2000-0277) - necessary under the regulations of the time. However, the Land Development Code Section 6-201 had since been amended to increase the permissible impervious surface area to 70% throughout the E-1 District (2009-0605). The proposed work for the stairwell and sidewalk increased the existing 4.6 acres of impervious coverage to 4.65 acres (45%) which was compliant under the updated regulations.
More recently, the site received approval to install a screening fence around their existing cool unit on the south side of the primary building (2017-0819).
The Petitioner now proposed to replace the existing sidewalk flanking the main brick paver entryway. The existing sidewalk has fallen into disrepair and the Petitioner is proposing a same-for-same replacement. Additionally, the Petitioner is proposing to update the central island of their parking lot roundabout. The updates would feature a new bronze statue of Saint Francis alongside a decorative bronze-colored corten steel screen around the southern border (nearest the church), a small concrete wall with an inscription reading “make me an instrument of your peace”. This would take the place of the existing unremarkable landscaping and unpaved pathway throughout the central island.
DETAILED PLANNING DISCUSSION
The Land Development Code does not provide regulations on the content of a roundabout central island. The Statue depicted does not exceed the height restriction of 35’ for the E-1 district. Additionally, Section 6-302.C.18. of the Land Development Code states statues are permitted in rear, side and front setbacks. The Landscaping should conform to the practices stipulated in Section 6-305 of the Land Development Code.
In regards to the sidewalk replacement, setbacks and lot coverage are unchanged in the proposal for a same-for-same replacement.
Overall, the project conforms to the Village’s Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Codes and policies for this area.
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 replacement of the existing sidewalks and installation of new statue and landscaping in the center island of the roundabout, case number 2025-0367, as shown in the plan titled: St. Francis of Assisi Shrine/ Statue Installation submitted on April 30, 2025, has been administratively approved on May 6, 2025, subject to the following conditions:
1) Meet all building code related items.
2) Landscaping for the central island shall abide by Section 6-305 of the Land Development Code