Title/Name/Summary
IBN Hamido Seafood - 14035 LaGrange Road - Appearance Review
History
This property has been the subject of past Appearance Review cases:
2007-0644
2014-0588
2021-0841
Project
IBN Hamido Seafood - 2026-0474
PPA-26-0032
Petitioner
GEMCAP Capital (Katrina Newsome)
Director of Project Advancement
Purpose
The purpose of this petition is to update the exterior façade of the existing building. Proposed work includes painting and staining the façade. Acid washing the existing brick, airbrushing decals, replacing canopy covers, replacing exterior lighting and the addition of two landscape islands into the existing parking lot.
Requested Actions: Appearance Review
Project Attributes
Address: 14035 LaGrange Road
P.I.N.(s): 27-03-300-024 and 025
Size: 1.97 Acres (85,725 sf)
Building Size: 9,000 GSF
Comprehensive Plan Planning District: Downtown District
Comprehensive Land Designation: Downtown Mixed Use
Existing Zoning: VCD Village Center District
Existing Land Use: Restaurant with outdoor seating
Proposed Land Use: Restaurant with outdoor seating
Surrounding Land Use:
North: Downtown Mixed Use: Nature Center (across railroad tracks and SW Hwy)
South: Downtown Mixed Use: Orland Crossing (multi-tenant shopping center)
East: Downtown Mixed Use: Residences of Orland Crossing
West: Downtown Mixed Use Vacant (future downtown Orland Park)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION & CONTEXT
The Petitioner proposes changes to the exterior of the existing 9,000 SF restaurant space, originally developed as Parcels 10 and 11 of the Orland Crossing Planned Development (2007-0031). The building was originally two-toned (red brick, off-white EIFS with a cast stone masonry base, ) with detailed molding and accents on throughout all 4 facades. The building’s color palete was largely muted, with individual black awnings over each window. The existing building underwent a significant change in 2022, with the occupancy of Chuck Lager’s Tavern. The building was re-painted in a red, blue, and grey color scheme, with distinctive sunbella orange awnings. The awnings over the main outdoor dining area facing LaGrange Road were consolidated and expanded to create a covered outdoor dining area. Additionally, the existing fixed exterior windows along the outdoor dining area were replaced with operable windows and doors to facilitate continuity between the indoor and outdoor eating areas.
Overall, the Petitioner is proposing to re-paint the exterior of the building and add airbrushed sea creature murals. New exterior lighting fixtures are proposed as a part of the proposal and new awnings featuring a new color scheme and pattern.
North Elevation
The Petitioner proposes to update the northern façade by re-painting the EIFS of the building blue (SW 6797). The Petitioner proposes to lime white wash the existing red brick of the façade and tint it white (SW 7008 Alabaster). The Petitioner proposes to leave the masonry base unpainted. Under the EIFS cornice there are 5 brick pilasters, the Petitioner proposes to paint these elements light blue (SW 6794 Flyway). The Petitioner proposes to paint 3 blue (SW 6797 Jay Blue) horizontal stripes across the brick areas. The Petitioner proposes to airbrush sea creature murals onto the expansive brick surface near the center of the façade centering each between the building’s existing design and the proposed horizontal stripes. The Petitioner proposes 1 lobster, 3 fish, 1 octopus, 1 oyster, 1 crab. The airbrushed creatures must be maintained in good condition in perpetuity. Unlike the southern façade, the airbrushed creatures on the north façade will be illuminated by the 4 existing double-headed cylinder lights which the Petitioner is proposing to replace with like-for-like fixtures. The Petitioner also proposes to re-paint the gates on the garbage enclosure blue (SW 6797 Jay Blue).
Main Entrance
The Petitioner proposes to re-paint the entryway light blue (SW 6794 Flyway) to accentuate it. The Petitioner proposes to paint 4 blue (SW 6797) horizontal stripes of varying widths across the entryway, and to leave the cast stone masonry base as is. There is a sizable awning over the main entrance, the Petitioner proposes to change the fabric to a matching white and blue vertical stripe pattern. The Petitioner proposes to replace the 4 existing exterior light fixtures with new black, barn-style, fixtures matching the others used across the structure.
South Elevation
The Petitioner proposed to update the southern façade by painting the EIFS blue (SW 6797 Jay Blue), lime whitewash the existing red brick surfaces and tint it white (SW 7008 Alabaster). The Petitioner proposes to maintain the cast stone foundation as is. The Petitioner also proposes airbrushing 8 sea creatures on the expansive brick surface near the center of the façade, centering each with the existing form of the facade. The proposed sea creatures consist of 1 oyster, 1 octopus, 3 fish, 1 lobster, 1 crab, 1 squid - matching the north facade. The sea creatures will be framed by 3 blue (SW 6797 Jay Blue) horizonal stripes of differing widths. The south façade has 1 double-wide awning, 3 single-wide awnings and 1 awning over the exterior door. The awnings are pre-existing but new fabric is proposed featuring a white and blue vertical stripe pattern. 6 new exterior lighting fixtures are proposed to replace the existing fixtures, they are barn-style and will be black in color. Each window is bordered by brick pilasters which the Petitioner proposes to re-paint blue (SW 6794 Flyway).
East Elevation
The Petitioner proposes to lime whitewash the brick areas and tint them white (SW 7008 Alabaster). The Petitioner also proposes to re-paint the EIFS surfaces blue (SW 6797 Jay Blue) and paint 3 blue (SW 6797 Jay Blue) horizontal stripes of varying widths across the brick surfaces. Additionally, there are two decorative vertical brick columns below the EIFS area on the north east corner which the Petitioner proposes to paint light blue (SW 6794 Flyway). The masonry foundation is proposed to remain as is.
West Elevation
The Petitioner proposes to re-paint the EIFS area blue (SW 6797 Jay Blue) and replace the existing 11 exterior light fixtures with new black, barn-style, fixtures. The Petitioner also proposes to replace the awning fabric with blue and white vertically striped fabric to match the other awnings. Each storefront bay along the outdoor seating area has decorative projecting brick pilasters which the Petitioner proposes to paint light blue (SW 6794). The Petitioner proposes to lime whitewash the existing brick areas and paint 1 blue (SW 6797 Jay Blue) horizontal stripe across those areas - aligning with the horizontal stripe on the entrance vestibule. The cast stone masonry base is proposed to remain as-is.
Overall, the project conforms to the Village’s Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Codes and policies for this area.
Branding without Copy
The airbrushed sea creatures would constitute branding without copy as the artwork does not possess any text, logos or copy. The proposed artwork complies with Village Code and is not subject to signage requirements.
DETAILED PLANNING DISCUSSION
This site was originally developed as a restaurant use (Granite City; Legistar ID 2007-0031) as Parcels 10 and 11 of the Orland Crossing PUD. The existing building is approximately 9,000 square feet and features an extensive outdoor seating area along the western and southern façades. The building was originally constructed with red brick, a limestone base and accented by EIFS Parapet walls.
Following Granite City’s closure, the site was occupied by Chuck Lager America’s Tavern. The building was structurally unaltered, but the exterior color scheme changed significantly. Large portions of each façade were re-painted blue, parts of façade were re-painted red, and the main entryway on the north façade was re-painted gray. Additionally, the existing awnings were replaced with larger, sunbella tuscan orange awnings. The awning over the main entrance was expanded and the existing awnings along the western façade were consolidated and expanded to cover the outdoor dining area. Two additional landscape islands (measuring 660 SF in total) were installed as a part of the project. The site exceeded the maximum allowable lot coverage and the installation of the landscape island brought the parking lot closer to full compliance with Village-landscaping requirements and expanded green space on the lot. The Staff Report states that that future improvements to the site should include efforts to bring the lot closer full code compliance.
Mobility
The site is accessible by car from LaGrange via 141st Street. The Petitioner is not proposing any changes to the established traffic circulation pattern on the site. 7 bicycle racks are available to service users of the nearby multi-use path.
Parking/Loading
Per Land Development Code, Section 6-306, the proposed use requires 1 space per 100 square feet of space. Therefore, 90 parking spaces would be required for this site. The previous tenant installed 2 oversized landscape islands to bring the parking lot closer to compliance.
The site currently features 130 parking spaces, including 5 accessible spaces. The Petitioner proposes to install two new landscape islands which will reduce the available parking to 128 parking spaces, still exceeding the required amount of parking for this use.
Considered together, the parking requirements for this proposal have been met.
Landscape Plan
The Petitioner has proposed no changes to the site’s existing landscaping outside of the two new landscape islands. The new parking lot islands have been reviewed and confirmed to meet Village Code requirements. The existing landscaping appears to be in good condition and is the Petitioner’s responsibility to maintain going forward.
Additionally, the proposed installation of 2 additional landscape islands within the eastern parking aisle which will bring the site closer to full code compliance with the maximum lot coverage requirements for this site.
Signage
Signage is not part of this petition and should be submitted for separate review to the Development Services Department.
Recommended Action/Motion
The Appearance Review for the exterior improvements at 14035 LaGrange Road, case number 2026-0474, was administratively approved on June 18th, 2026. The project and exterior improvements are described in the plans prepared by BAU Design & Development titled Exterior work on existing commercial building (Dine-in Seafood Restaurant) submitted by the petitioner on June 17, 2026. The approval of the Appearance Review is subject to the following conditions:
1. A building permit must be obtained from the Village's Development Services Department prior to initiating work;
2. All building code-related requirements must be met;
3. All landscaping must be kept in good condition.
4. All artwork and murals must be kept clean and legible condition.