Title/Name/Summary
Dunkin’ Exterior Renovation - 15615 Harlem Avenue - Appearance Review
History
QUICKFACTS
Project
Dunkin’ Exterior Renovation - 15615 Harlem Avenue - Appearance Review
Petitioner
Shailesh Shah, Property Owner
Purpose
The petitioner is seeking approval to renovate the exterior of the Dunkin’ drive-through establishment at 15615 Harlem Avenue.
Requested Actions: Appearance Review
Project Attributes
Address: 15615 S. Harlem Avenue
P.I.N.(s): 28-18-308-004-0000
Size: 1.2 acres (54,094 SF)
Comprehensive Plan Planning District: 159th & Harlem Planning District
Comprehensive Land Designation: Community Commercial
Existing Zoning: BIZ - General Business District
Existing Land Use: Commercial
Surrounding Land Use:
North: RE/MAX Synergy (MFG - Manufacturing District)
South: Current Dunkin Donuts Location (BIZ - General Business District)
East: Catalina Industrial Park (MFG - Manufacturing - Industrial District)
West: Outback Steakhouse (BIZ - General Business District)
BACKGROUND
The Dunkin’ restaurant located at 15615 S. Harlem Avenue is within the Dunkin’ Donuts Plaza shopping center that was approved via special use permit Ordinance No. 5076 (2015-0267). The plaza was redeveloped as a two-tenant building with the Dunkin’ restaurant as the anchor with a drive-through. The building was formally occupied by the Orland Buffet restaurant. The landscape plan for the site was subsequently approved in 2017 (2017-0033). Appearance Reviews were approved for the design of the drive-through (2017-0383) and the building façade (2017-0523). The outdoor dining was updated in 2021 via Appearance Review (2021-0789).
PROJECT DESCRIPTION & CONTEXT
The petitioner is proposing a comprehensive update to the exterior of the Dunkin’ restaurant, as the franchise is undergoing a nationwide rebranding in removing “Donuts” from the business name. The updates include the following:
• Paint the metal copings on the top of the building in the color iron ore, which is a dark gray (previously orange)
• Remove and replace the fiber cement lap siding over the main entrance and drive through service window in the color camelback, which is a light brown, with new Azek accent stripe material painted in DD pink and nebulous white
• Install Hardi trim boards along the siding and paint to match the adjacent monolith plan
• Remove and replace the orange metal band adjacent to the main entrance with an 8” deep by 32” metal band in the color iron ore
• Install new Dunkin’ branded door handles on the main entrance
• Paint the EIFS cornice along the top of the structure in iron ore (previously orange)
• Paint the EIFS finish band along the top of the structure in nebulous white, which is an off-white color (previously beige)
• Remove and replace bollard covers, changing their color from orange to gray with a pink stripe near the top
• Paint all exposed meters/service areas to match adjacent exterior wall surfaces
• Reskin all existing awnings in the color DD orange
• Install 2 new canopies over the drive through service window and main entrance in the color DD orange
The existing masonry and stone features on the building will remain untouched. The adjacent tenant space, currently occupied by the Yummy Saj restaurant, will also remain untouched as part of this project.
DETAILED PLANNING DISCUSSION
Section 6-308.F of the Land Development Code discusses the design requirements for commercial buildings. Colors should be used harmoniously and with some restraint, considering the character and quality of structures in the area, and commercial buildings with facades greater than 100 feet in length must incorporate recesses and projections along at least 20% of the length of the façade. The proposed design meets the Village’s design standards.
The existing gray/blue awnings will be reskinned to DD orange. The size and dimensions will remain the same. Two new canopies are proposed for installation. Awnings, marquees, and canopies may project not more than 3’ into front, side, and rear setbacks. The new canopies will be in DD orange, and will comply with code requirements.
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 Dunkin’ Exterior Renovation, case number 2026-0743, received July 17, 2026, has been administratively approved on August 26, 2026 subject to the following conditions:
1. Obtain building permits prior to starting work;
2. Obtain a sign permit for the proposed signage;
3. Meet all Land Development Code requirements.