Title/Name/Summary
Qargo Coffee - 11359 159th Street - Exterior Improvements
History
This property has been the subject of past cases:
2007-0539
2009-0368
2026-0151
Project
2026-0656
PPA-26-0053
Petitioner
Yusra Sheikhah, property owner
Purpose
The purpose of this petition is to freshen the building’s exterior with new paint, updated awnings, new exterior light fixtures, new umbrellas in the outdoor seating area and the installation of new drive through equipment.
Requested Actions: Appearance Review
Project Attributes
Address: 11359 159th Street
P.I.N.(s): 27-19-201-025-0000
Size: 1.12 acres
Building Size: 1,700 sq. ft.
Comprehensive Plan Planning District: Centennial Planning District
Comprehensive Land Designation: Neighborhood mixed use
Existing Zoning: BIZ General Business District
Existing Land Use: Restaurant with vacant drive through and outdoor seating
Proposed Land Use: Restaurant with drive through and outdoor seating
Surrounding Land Use:
North: Cook County Single-family Residential R4
South: Commercial (Caputo’s Plaza)
East: Commercial (Caputo’s Plaza)
West: Community & Institutional (Sportsplex)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION & CONTEXT
Overall, the Petitioner is proposing to freshen the exterior of the building with a new color scheme while retaining the overall design of the structure.
There are no proposed changes to the site plan. The changes to the elevations are as follows:
Overall Structure
• A metal container accent feature, blue in color, is proposed to run just above the awnings throughout the west, south and east elevations - matching the existing ‘stripe’ created by tan brick.
• Existing ‘stripes’ of tan brick, along the top, bottom and just above the windows are proposed to be re-painted in navy blue.
• Previous green awnings are proposed to be replaced with navy blue awnings of the same dimensions.
• Exterior lighting fixture replacements are proposed. Similar to the existing half-cylinder-shaped fixtures, the new fixtures add decorative metal stripes.
South
• Existing bollards for the dumpster enclosure are proposed to be re-painted navy blue.
• Existing doors for the garbage enclosure are proposed to be re-painted dark brown.
East
• The existing awning over the drive through window is proposed to be removed and replaced with a silver light fixture, casting light downward.
Outdoor Seating Area
• Three mounted umbrellas are proposed. The umbrellas are navy blue in color with silver posts.
• The existing bollard lights are proposed to be re-painted navy blue.
• The existing bicycle rack is proposed to be re-painted navy blue.
DETAILED PLANNING DISCUSSION
This building was originally constructed as a part of a three building outlot development (Case No. 2006-0243) and was swiftly occupied by Starbucks who operated the site through 2020. The elimination of 10 parking spaces and approval of a drive-through lane were later approved (Case No. 2007-0539) as well as an amended landscape plan (Case No. 2007-0199). The site remained vacant from 2020 until the Petitioner obtained a Certificate of Occupancy for a restaurant, in early 2026. The previous Special Use Permit for a drive through and outdoor seating expired from non-use and therefore the Petitioner also obtained a new Special Use Permit to continue those uses (Case No. 2026-0151).
No exterior changes were proposed as a part of the original submittal. However, a site inspection conducted on May 19, 2026 found exterior work and signage was installed without the required Village approvals. The Special Use Permit subsequently approved by the Board of Trustees with the condition that all necessary approvals and permits are secured from the Village. This Appearance Review is a belated review of the work performed on site.
Land Development Code Section 6-308.F.4.c. stipulates that brick shall not be painted except if approved under an appearance review. Staff notes that the proposed painting of the tan brick for this site would likely not have secured Staff approval as painted brick cannot be restored and will have to be re-painted as needed to remain in like-new condition in perpetuity.
The structure appears to be in good condition, including the outdoor seating area and garbage enclosure. The re-paining of the garbage enclosure doors improves its appearance substantially.
Signage
Signage is not part of this petition and must be submitted for separate review to the Development Services Department.
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 exterior improvements at 11359 159th Street, case number 2026-0656, was administratively approved on July 14, 2026. The project and exterior improvements were considered as observed on site on May 19, 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;
2. All building code- and property maintenance code-related requirements must be met;
3. All landscaping must be kept in good condition.