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Minutes - 01/20/2003 - Plan CommissionVILLAGE OF OAK BROOK PLAN COMMISSION MINUTES January 20, 2003 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: ALSO PRESENT: A quorum was present. 1/. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairwoman Barbara Payovich Members Paul Adrian David Braune Jeffrey Bulin Marcia Tropinski Gerald Wolin Surendra Goel Trustee Alfred Savino Director of Community Development Robert Kallien Village Attorney Richard Martens Member Adrian moved, seconded by Member Braune, to waive the reading of the November 18, 2002 Plan Commission meeting minutes and to approve them as written. VOICE VOTE: All in favor. Motion passed. III. OAKBROOK SHOPPING CENTER — TEXT AMENDMENT AND SPECIAL USE — SPECIALTY RETAIL PROGRAM Chairwoman Payovich said that the applicant is seeking a Text Amendment and Special Use to allow a Specialty Retail Program. Robert Kallien, Director of Community Development gave a synopsis of the project. The Oakbrook Shopping Center is zoned B -2. They have an approved Special Use that allows them to use six portable carts in very specific internal areas of the shopping center. They are proposing an enhancement of this program and have defined it as a Specialty Retail Program. The program would include: a) permanent pavilions and kiosks for the preparation, sale and consumption of food and beverages, including adjacent outdoor seating; b) permanent pavilions for providing customers with information and assistance, gift certificates, strollers /wheel chairs and similar services; c) seasonal, portable carts for the sale of pre - packaged food and beverages, including adjacent outdoor seating; d) seasonal merchandise zones located in very defined areas. PLAN COMMISSION Minutes PC -MTG 03 JAN.doc �l January 20, 2003 e) defined zones for product introduction or promotional activities, such as demonstrations and fashion shows; f) defined and limited entertainment and performance zones, including tables and chairs; and g) enclosed and unenclosed children's play areas. They want to do this as an enhancement to the Shopping Center. It has been presented as something positive to Oakbrook Center and to the overall shopping experience. Chuck Fleming, Vice President General Manager of the Oakbrook Center said they are seeking a text amendment and special use approval for the creation of a specialty retail program in the common areas of the shopping as outlined by Mr. Kallien. He introduced the following people who will be making part of the presentation this evening. Danielle Cassel, Attorney, Piper Rudnick, Susan Houck, Regional Manager, Retail Marketing, The Rouse Company (ownership of the Oakbrook Center), and Suzanne Beres, Marketing Manager, Oakbrook Center. He has been the General Manager and Vice President since 1990 and has been with the property since 1985. Danielle Cassel thanked the Village staff for all their efforts in the preparation of this request. The kiosk program was originally contemplated in 1996, which was the starting point for this request. The Oakbrook Center has been zoned B -2 for the past 40 years and the zoning was created to be conducive to the mall. Many of the specialty retail components were not really described well by the B -2 regulations and vice versa. They are seeking to expand the allowable special uses in the B -2 district. They are seeking to add a new definition of Specialty Retail Program with various components. The second component of the request is special use approval and they believe that it meets all of the criteria for approval. The various factors required by the Village have been addressed in the paperwork provided on page I of the file. Chuck Fleming reviewed the material presented. They are attempting to create a program that will enhance the existing shopping center. They are looking to enhance the existing shopping experience by the customers and to compliment the existing tenants by introducing into the common areas the following elements; casual food, unique merchandise, product promotions and entertainment. They will preserve the existing gardens and landscaping and keep the uniqueness of the shopping center that has become quite a success. It is a signature property not only for the ownership but for the community itself. They are calling this program the Pavilions in the Park. The goals they are trying to achieve are: • Identify locations that can best serve for food kiosks and merchandising units and will compliment the Center's landscaping and park -like atmosphere. • They want to lease to a number of tenants that are not currently at the Center. They want to lease to national and one -of -a -kind merchants with local and regional flavor. • They want to design both kiosks and carts and other structures that compliment the existing architecture and environmental surroundings. Recognizing that they are an outdoor center, they need to be weather resistant. • They want to establish specialty retail product introduction and special events as forms of entertainment in the common area. The entertainment will enhance the overall shopping experience at the Center. PLAN COMMISSION Minutes January 20, 2003 2 PC -MTG 03 JAN.doc , _. There are two phases to this program. Regarding Phase 1, they want to get started this year. Phase 2, depends upon the success of the first phase. The largest component of the program is the introduction of Specialty foods. In 1993, they came before the Board's and had a program approved for a cart program. They were not successful with their tenants to get the program up and running. This time they believe they have a better idea and a more comprehensive plan. Food Pavilion - The first component of the food program is a Food Pavilion shown on page 9 of the presentation booklet. In the area located outside the Professional Building would be one structure that will be leased to one food vendor. That vendor will serve things like sandwiches, soft drinks, teas, cocoa, coffee, pastry, etc. They are envisioning a glass structure with sliding glass doors so that it will be available to the customer all year long. For heat purposes, the doors will be closed during the winter. They will put tables and chairs on the outside so that people can enjoy the outdoor setting. The building will be structured in such a way that it will meet all village codes and all local health department requirements. It will give the vendor the facilities inside to prepare food with three basin sinks, etc. Food Kiosk Structures - The second area described on page 13 is the Food Kiosk Structures. They are planning on putting in permanent food structures that will be open and available to customers all year long. They are smaller structures 7x9 feet in three locations in the center. 1. On the grass island between Mark Shale and the Brookstone store. 2. On the grass island near the Express store. 3. On the grass island adjacent to Whitehall jewelers. These areas were selected for many reasons and a major concern was the least amount of disruption to the existing landscaping. The Food Kiosks will be walk up structures with the vendor inside to prepare food. The structures will not be obtrusive and not interfere with site lines and would be architecturally compatible with the current structures. The types of booths they are looking at would be ice cream, hotdogs, smoothies, French crepes with other types of food supplements. They wish to make the food available around the shopping center so that the customer can pick it up at any given point around the center. Mobile Food Unit - The third area shown on page 17, is the Mobile Food Unit. These are self - contained portable carts containing packaged foods. However, these carts will not be out during the winter months. They are would like to have tables and chairs located around the units. They will be smaller (3x5 feet) and designed in such a way so that they are architecturally compatible with the rest of the shopping center. Retail Merchandising Zones - The new area that was not part of the 1993 request is the introduction of selling retail merchandise in the common areas (page 20). They want to create two merchandising zones to sell high profile products that will be displayed in a unique and elegant setting. The two zones will comprise of 12 units and they are still working out the dimensions. If they find that the areas do not support 12 units, they will go with fewer units. The first area identified as Zone 1 is the area adjacent to the Professional Building and the Talbot store. They envision 3 -5 carts with cross canopies. They would populate the sides of the walkways with these carts so that people traversing through there can stop and browse if they like. The carts are going to be 7x9 feet or 6x8 feet structures. They will be designed with a small canopy that will be on top of it so that the customers and vendor will have a small amount of protection. These carts will be operational only during the non - winter months. During the winter months, they will be stored in storage areas in the parking decks. The utilities will be located under sidewalks and will be capped flush to the walk. They will be brought back out in the spring. They are developing a very stringent compliance manual that the tenants will be required to follow. It will be part of their lease and if the rules and regulations are not followed, the Center has the right to default and remove them from the Center. The types of things they are looking to control are the types of product, how the merchandise is displayed, how well it is sold, the conduct of their vendors, the hours of PLAN COMMISSION Minutes PC -MTG 03 JAN.doc 3 �� Ll January 20, 2003 operation, and the overall appearance of the operation. The Center has a lot at risk and they want to make sure that their control extends directly to these carts. The second area described as Zone 2, is the crossover canopy that is between L'Occitane and Crate & Barrel. Where the cross canopy fans out they plan to place 3 or 4 carts on each side of the walkway. In terms of merchandise, they are looking for unique and stylish merchandise, something that is not found at the shopping center. They want to have a program that enhances the Center and the community. Since they are outdoors, they are looking at unique items such as flowers, kites, pet accessories, gardening accessories, nurseries, etc. Product Introduction Areas — They hope to develop strategic partnerships with the existing retailers, media sponsors and advertisers that create product introduction, merchandise sampling, fashion advertising and events. They have selected three areas where they believe it can be done without being disruptive to the remainder of the existing tenants and to the customers as they go through the Center. The locations are: sidewalk area near Bloomingdale's (old Saks) sidewalk area near Williams- Sonoma and sidewalk area near the Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware and Z- Gallery The type of events they are considering would be available to existing tenants, retailers and product vendors that may not be located in the Center. The are looking to enhance and compliment the existing tenant mix and not directly compete with them. They are also looking to put into effect a stringent performance and event criteria manual about what they can do and how they can promote their activities, and how they present themselves on the property. This is more on an event basis and will be available yearlong weather permitting. The type of product displays are luxury displays, fashion shows, fragrance sampling and garden shows. They want to give the customer something that they have not seen at other places or in other shopping centers in the area. Entertainment Zone — They would like to bring entertainment to the Center. Many years ago they used to have concerts at the mall. They are not proposing to do that, but they recognize that the customers always want a form of entertainment. They are not looking for mainline entertainment. They are looking for background entertainment that will augment the shopping experience and get the customer to stay in the Center a little longer. They have selected the area outside the Express Store, a circular area with concrete steps that go down and make a natural area to sit. They do not plan to build a stage. They are looking to have string quartets, classical musical performers, instrumentals and vocalists groups and barbershop quartets. It will be done on an event by event basis. As with all the other plans, they want to develop stringent criteria as to the type of entertainment that they would have and will control the sound amplification so that the main businesses are not disrupted. They think of this as a place for the customer to sit and enjoy the fountains, the park -like setting and the landscaping. Phase 2 - This phase is contingent upon the success of the first phase. There are three components of the second phase. Community Pavilion/Visitor Center — The shopping center does not have a service center. As part of Phase 2 they felt that it was necessary to let the village know that they are considering it and are looking at all of the factors. If a community center were developed together, it would be looked at as a point of destination for services, special amenities, community news and tourist information. They are looking to put one structure in the grass area adjacent to the Express store and near the big circular fountain. They envision a structure about 18 x 20 feet. It would also be glass structure so that people can see in and around it. They do not want to make it too large to effect site lines. It would be open year round with glass doors so that people can come and go easily. They envision having gift certificates, strollers, wheelchairs and information available regarding local transportation such as PACE, hotel shuttles and taxi services. They may have package pickup, year round gift wrapping, faxes and copies, dinner reservations and tourist information. PLAN COMMISSION Minutes PC -MTG 03 JAN.doc January 20, 2003 Children's Play Area — The play area is to be located on the sidewalk area next to Sears and in front of the Build -a -Bear store. It will provide families with an entertainment option to extend their shopping experience and to enjoy the outdoor environment of the Center. It will be one play area designed for children ages 3 to 12. They have looked at different types of outdoor play areas. They are still in the process of figuring out what they would like to do. However, they do want to make it a secure area so that parents will have a controlled area for the children to play in. The play area will be made of soft, interactive materials. It could be a maze like Old Orchard or something along those lines. Their customers have been asking for it and it would be in a great location, because there is a large concrete area there. It is also adjacent to other children type stores. Food Kiosk Structures (Phase 2) —Two additional permanent structures will be introduced if demand warrants. One kiosk would be on the grass island between Mark Shale and the Brookstone Store and the second on the grass island adjacent to the play area near the Sears store. They think the parents would like to have a place to get refreshments by the play area. They would be like the other kiosks, available as a walk up and open year round, and like the other would follow all of the local building and health codes. They are looking at putting in ice cream, hot dogs, French crepes, smoothies and other food supplements. This completed the description of the program. They are seeking to increase the overall shopping experience to make it more of what their customers are looking for. Their customers are looking for entertainment, food, and some variety. They have a wonderful common area and for most of the year, there are promotions going on all the time. They plant over 150,000 tulips that come up in the spring and another 150,000 summer annuals, 75,000 fall mums and a wonderful Christmas display. They do not want to take away from that. They want to enhance it and augment it. They have put together a program that the customers are looking for and something that they will be proud of and more importantly, something the community will be proud of. They are seeking the approval of the Village. Audley Weidman, resident of the Oak Brook Club, said that they are located near the mall and are always concerned about the progress or how it will effect the corridor to their gate. This may be a wonderful improvement, but she does a lot of her shopping at Old Orchard and downtown. She has found that the number of the upscale fashion stores in Oak Brook has diminished. She understands that the retail industry across the board is having a lot of problems. She asked why some of the more upscale stores cannot be attracted to the Oak Brook Center. She asked if some of these changes are going to make the Center more like Yorktown. She also felt that the Village of Oak Brook wanted to have a more elegant, dignified area that it is keeping with the residents. She worries that it might become too commercial and take on a carnival type atmosphere. Mr. Fleming responded that these are some of the considerations and factors they have considered while developing this program. They have a large shopping center with a lot of real estate. It is a program that does not cover the entire shopping center. They are looking for quality not quantity. They are only looking at putting in 12 carts and with that, you can get a variety of high quality retail, something that is unique. The surrounding communities that have indoor centers have a lot more of these specialty retail carts. The studies behind this program have done a lot of things to improve it for Oak Brook. The product introduction areas will be open to local groups if they wish to participate or have a promotion into the center. It is not just a merchandising program it is something that is entertainment and mostly food oriented. The landlord is willing to pay upfront for structures that are architecturally similar to what exists. That commitment recognizes that Oak Brook is a special community with a quality shopping center. No one else in the audience had any further questions or comments. Member Adrian asked if the glass food structure in the Professional Building area will impact the traffic flow. Currently, you can drive in that area. Will it be stopped? PLAN COMMISSION Minutes January 20, 2003 5 PC -MTG 03 JAN.doc . 7 Mr. Fleming responded that the area is planned on being kept open. They are going to provide something similar to what they have done with the restaurants and the outdoor seating. They are going to put some bollard's up or wrought iron fencing that will keep the cars on one side and the patrons on the other. Right now it is a mixed area and there is not a lot of traffic up there. People in that area go up there in cars to the pick up or drop off point at the professional building and they need to maintain that kind of access. They are working to minimizing the amount of traffic. They invite customers to sit in that area now, because there is a pool and benches existing. They recognize if they add tables and chairs the same safety restraints should be required as are required of the restaurants with outdoor dining. He noted that the current fountain will be removed and the structure would be placed there. Member Adrian asked if this would interfere with the other restaurants. Mr. Fleming answered that all the restaurants are sit down, white tablecloth and there are few casual food options and very little available for people who want to get a quick snack and refreshment and then stay in the Center. They envision the Food Pavilion and the Kiosks as giving the opportunity for a quick snacks, not a sit down restaurant. There is no food court in the Oakbrook Center and they do not feel that it is necessary. However they hear from their customers that they like being at the Center with all the wonderful amenities, but there is no place to get refreshments. Member Wolin said that he believes it would be a real challenge to have the Pavilion located there and still have safe traffic flow around it with people crossing back and forth across the street. The visibility of the drivers is going to be limited by the structure and people sitting at the chairs and tables. What kind of thinking has gone into the safety around that area? Mr. Fleming responded that the type of traffic that goes on around there is very minimal. The structure insets pretty far inside so that there is still a lot of visibility available as you go around. They have reviewed a number of things to control traffic, such as allowing only one way traffic. There is only minimal traffic going on there at this point. They do want to create a safe interaction between the customers and the cars and although it is a unique situation it has been going on for several years and people have felt comfortable with it. The change in the pavement has highlighted the multi -use character of the area. Susan Houck, Regional Manager, Retail Marketing, The Rouse Company said that she has been with the company for 18 years and the company is very proud to have the Oakbrook Center in its portfolio. It is a jewel and being part of this community is wonderful. They acquired the property last May during the Urban transition and see nothing but a bright future in the area. Currently there is not a delineation between the structures, the street and the walkway. What they are trying to address now is a little more of a delineation especially around the food area so that it does become much easier for the customers to understand exactly what is going with the traffic patterns. It is just a drop off point. It is not being promoted as a traffic outlet at all. They are cognizant of the same issues the village is and recognize that it is important on how that structure is addressed. Member Tropinski asked if some thought had been given to modeling some of the smaller store areas into something like a Starbucks to go in and enjoy some type of refreshment. Mr. Fleming said that they want to create somewhat of a fun atmosphere to have some things located within the common area itself. This gives the opportunity without needing much space. They try to keep the inline space to special retailers when possible. They think this will compliment and augment it as well. They could do it also as she suggested. Member Bulin's concern was an example that if a restaurateur with good food would occupy that location and would want to create a carryout. A situation could be created by patrons wanting to use the drop -off area to pick up food and that could create a potential hazard. PLAN COMMISSION Minutes 6 PC -MTG 03 JAN.doc January 20, 2003 Mr. Fleming said that they are looking at this for customers that are already in the Center. They are going to be developing different criteria manuals for the leasing and the type of business they area looking at they would be able to limit that type of activity. They do not want to make that as a drive -up, it would be prohibited. Member Braune asked that if it were a failure, what becomes of the structure? Mr. Fleming said that they would not have engaged in this program if they did not believe there was interest, of which there has been substantial to date. They do believe that it would be successful and they have had the experience and background of making it work. Member Braune asked if there were thoughts of having alcohol in the pavilion. Mr. Fleming said that it was not in their plans. Director of Community Development Kallien asked what the hours would be. Mr. Fleming said that they envision it to be something that is available for the customers so it would adhere closely to the mall hours. Member Wolin said that the Commission was given some very rough sketches as to what the pavilion would look like and a rough diagram that is hard to envision. In order to make any decision; more specifics are needed for review. Although the pictures of the food kiosks in the booklet were put in to be examples, they do not appear to be very attractive. What will everything really look like and how it will be positioned? As it has been described, it appears that there would be conflicts. Director of Community Development Kallien summarized the issues that have been identified. 1. Food Pavilion — There is a sense that the structure would be located internal to the turnaround area and there would be a potential conflict with vehicles and pedestrians. Need to see details as to how any conflict would be minimized. 2. Details needed in terms of the physical improvements as well as where they will be physically oriented within the Center. 3. If the restaurant fails, if the facility is to be used for anything other than a restaurant the special use must be amended. 4. Hours of operation. Mr. Fleming noted that the black dots on the plan depict the locations for the tables. Areas have been selected that are not in the main walkways. They are not in front of stores or in areas that would impede traffic flow. They have tried to find areas a little off to the side. Ms. Cassell said that they hope that the Food Pavilion will be a success, but if not, in Phase Two, if they decide to do the Community Center Pavilion, they could use the structure as an allowable replacement use as part of the special use. Director of Community Development Kallien asked for a larger schematic that would show dimensions of the common area. Mr. Fleming agreed to provide a concept plan of each area to show what the structure would look like, where the walkway is and some of the existing areas. Member Tropinski asked what if the merchandise kiosks fail. The concern would be if the Center would lose some of its uniqueness and takes on the character of some of the surrounding shopping centers. Mr. Fleming said that they do not want to develop a program that would make them similar to anyone else. If there was a failure and they could not find the products, they would not bring the carts out. The leases contain use clauses and as part of the lease negotiations, they would determine what product lines would be acceptable. If there were a deviation from that, they would be in violation of their lease. PLAN COMMISSION Minutes January 20, 2003 7 PC -MTG 03 JAN.doc Member Tropinski asked if they have data on these kiosks potentially becoming potential hangout areas so that they would lose the social amenities to the current shoppers in the Center? Ms. Houck responded that it enhances the customers experience. She attended the recent art show at Oakbrook Center. While there she wanted a bottle of water and could not buy one on the entire property. Some of the most fabulous are located in the Center, but you cannot walk up anywhere in the entire area and get a bottle of water. They have seen in some of their better properties, that these kiosks add to the experience. The kiosks are very limited. They area seeking a maximum of 12 merchandising kiosks, most places have 75 carts. They feel very comfortable with the small number because they feel it would add to the summer time experience during the six -month period where people get to enjoy the outdoor park. Chairwoman Payovich asked if there is a local area where they could view these carts. Ms. Houck responded that this is new territory for them and there are none available. The only outdoor experience they have are the Bayside in Miami, South Street Seaport in New York (which will be seasonal like Oak Brook) and the third property is Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston. When they took over the Center in May, they felt they could augment the whole experience. They really want it very defined and very unique units and adding the food experience one kiosk at a time. They are not going to be brought out until they are right and work at each location. Chairman Payovich said that Member Wolin's suggestion is so valuable because there is no place in the area they can view these kiosks. Everyone has images of kiosks and carts and they are probably not what the Center has in mind. Ms. Houck responded that the pictures in the booklet depict it but she will try to get others. Member Wolin said that he has experienced Faneuil Hall, but that it is a different experience than the Oakbrook Center. Faneuil Hall is a fun place to go with a festive atmosphere; the Oakbrook Center is uniquely elegant. Ms. Houck said that they want what is very different. They will not be selling magic pens; it is not going to be like what you see at a regional shopping center. They touched very little of the landscaping, with the exception of a little grass at the kiosk. There is only one fountain they are looking at removing. Member Wolin commented that there is a need for food, or getting a bottle of water, etc. He toured the shopping center over the weekend, he said many of the merchants told him customers would ask them where to get a bottle of water or a coke and it is not necessarily easy to get. The question then becomes how to deliver that. He had questions regarding seeing the specifics of the site. He asked if the Center were willing to explore other options that would be less obtrusive to meet some of the refreshment needs. Mr. Fleming said that in 1993 the program was for the existing restaurants to have satellite locations. It did not work. The restaurants are in the business of doing sit -down dining. What they want to do by building the food kiosks and the pavilion is to be able to serve their customers and address the concerns of the DuPage County Health Department which requires them to have three basin sinks and food preparation areas, etc. Bottled water is one thing, but they would like to have ice cream, etc. They are very limited by the type of program that was developed at that time. Grass will be lost, but there will be a relocation of only a few trees. The birch trees have always been what Oak Brook is about and they are not going to lose any trees. Ms. Houck said that there are different types of merchants who manage a 10,000 square foot restaurant or a 7 x 9 -foot kiosk. There are merchants out there that do much smaller scale operations and do them PLAN COMMISSION Minutes PC -MTG 03 JAN.doc 8 r January 20, 2003 well and successfully. The restaurants are not interested in the kiosks. The kiosks can be built to augment the area. Member Bulin said that there is a "good" (local) bad example, which is Old Orchard. It was the older sister to Oakbrook Center originally and through continued interior encroachment, it has lost all of its redeeming qualities. When it was done in the 1950's, it was a landmark facility. Oakbrook Center was modeled after it on a larger scale. Mr. Fleming said that Old Orchard is a completely different atmosphere than what was originally designed. They are happy with the Center's design, the type of feel the customer has when they go through the Center. The type of program they are putting together enhances that and does not detract from it. Developing the right type of merchandise mix is extremely important and they do not wish to create a "hangout" problem. They want to put together a mix that the customer is looking for. The specialty novelty items are not the type of things seen at indoor centers where there are 50 -60 structures with the types of uses that we believe the Center's customer would have any interest in. They want to cater to the type of customer they currently have. Member Braune said that he does not see Oakbrook as a tourist destination. He is concerned about the look and feel as to what this would do to the ambiance of the Center. The kiosks are probably a good idea as long as they maintain the ambiance. Unless it is well done, he would have a problem with the mobile merchandising units so that it does not turn into something like exists at Yorktown. Ms. Houck said that they are managing the process of designing the kiosks and carts. They are committed to this experience. If they were the typical developer, they would be seeking 40 carts so they could make millions. They want 12 of the most unique carts, showing regional art or pottery that is appropriate with the seasons. They are also only focusing on these carts being out for six months each year. Oak Brook is a tourist destination in this community. Oak Brook has been sold to the DuPage visitor's bureau. The flowers attract the visitors in a big way. 30 -40% of the customers at times are coming to see the beauty of the property. Member Wolin said that when he discussed this issue with the people in his area, the idea of product merchandising was very negative. The immediate reaction is that sunglasses and the like would be sold. A flower stand is much different than a place that sells sunglasses. He would like to see a list of the merchandise that would be sold there. It would help him as well as the people they represent to better understand. It appears that it is all concentrated on one spot. Would it make more sense to put it all in an area that is blocking the entrance or spreading it throughout the Center? Mr. Fleming responded that they went through a long and arduous process to select the areas. There were another dozen potential areas. They picked three areas of different sizes. Product Introduction that is next to Restoration Hardware and Z- gallery has the potential of doing fashion shows because it is a much larger area. The area next to Talbot's is an area where a small promotion could be done. They want to fit the area that they have selected. They did not select a number of areas because the common areas are just to small. The only thing between Neiman Marcus and Saks is the mobile food unit because the common area that was built in 1981 has a different feel. They have concentrated on two areas because they are the larger areas available. The type of promotion would be different than that put into a larger area. Suzanne Beres, the Marketing Manager at Oakbrook Center, said that she will be overseeing the retail merchandising units as well as the Product Introduction, events and entertainment. Addressing tourism, they have 30 -40% of their traffic that comes from Springfield, Iowa, Quad City areas, as well as St. Louis. They are very proud of that. They also work very closely with the hotels in Oak Brook and partnership in regards to advertising to the tourists as well as the DuPage Convention and Visors Bureau. They do promote the Center as a tourist destination. PLAN COMMISSION Minutes 9 PC -MTG 03 JANA= January 20, 2003 Their goal for the merchandising carts is very unique. She made the rounds to their competitors as well as downtown areas. Their goal and strategy is to take these units and give selected retailers from the community as well as downtown locations an opportunity to expand their market share. There are unique boutiques and retailers that may want to expand their market share. In Northbrook Court there was a vendor with beautifully hand painted stoneware from Poland. She is extremely interested. There was a feature story in the Chicago Magazine for a retailer providing unique pet items and they are also interested. It is going to take time to locate the type of retailers they are looking to occupy the Center. Ms. Houck said that to identify each of the categories selected would be tough to do. When there are only 10 -12 units that are controlled by the standards that they will have in place, there will not be jewelry cleaner or magic pens and massaging pillows. When you are able to create a program from the beginning with the quality and setting in this community, it is a totally different. Director of Community Development Kallien said that one of qualities of the Center is that it is always very well maintained and clean. Introduction of certain food items combined with children, summer, and ice cream will place an added burden on the Center to maintain the cleanliness, which could be a potential problem. Mr. Fleming responded that they intend to maintain the shopping center in the manner in which it is now. They will be out there throughout the entire day. Every aspect of the shopping center has always been treated in a first class manner. They do not intend to lose the distinction that identifies the Center. They are very proud of the Center and they have a commitment to continue to provide that type of service. Member Bulin asked if they had projected revenues. Mr. Fleming said that in terms of this whole program it is not being done necessarily for sales. It is an important aspect, but they want something unique and provide a service to their customers. They believe the food kiosks are going to be very successful. Based on the response that they have received from the customers and some of the tenants, they know it will succeed. Ms. Houck said that Rouse is committed to the Center. It would be easy for another developer to come in and say that they would not plant 150,000 bulbs next spring, but that is not who they are about. Rouse understands the quality of this project and the commitment it has to the community and that is who they are as a developer. This is about adding to the shopping experience for the customer. Renovations had already been started on the canopies, which have turned out incredibly. They are about what is best for their customer. You have to add to that total experience and continue to make it better. They do not want to lose customers, they want them to enjoy the retailers, art shows, flowers and be part of it. If a little extra money is made, then everyone will benefit, as long as it is managed, controlled and kept to the standards and quality of what is there now. Member Adrian asked if everything is implemented, what percentage of the total green space would be lost. Mr. Fleming said that there are three areas where they will lose a little grassy area. There is the area between Mark Shale and Brookstone. They are simply redoing the trees there around the structure, but the people will walk up using the existing sidewalks. The areas between Lord and Taylor and the Express store will not be touched. None of the flowerbeds will be touched. The carts are on existing pavement or sidewalk. The food pavilion will require that a fountain be removed. Trustee Savino said that finding washrooms at the Center are difficult and asked if they were looking at adding any. Mr. Fleming said that they are entertaining the potential of enlarging the common area on the concourse level of the Professional Building, but it is department stores have always accommodated customers in their restrooms PLAN COMMISSION Minutes 90 PC -MTG 03 JAN.doc restroom facilities in the not part of this plan. The . Having remote areas for January 20, 2003 washrooms creates various security issues. By having it in one centralized area, it is a lot safer, secure and easier to maintain. Member Bulin said that he thought that the Children Play Area should be part of Phase 1. The area is one of the least desirable parts of the Center so any improvement would be a positive. Mr. Fleming said that they agree, however, they are not exactly sure what they want to do yet. They recognize the need and believe it would generate a lot of excitement, but they want it done uniquely, safely and in a fun manner. They are not ready to do it yet. Phase 2 is actually only a year behind Phase 1. Member Wolin questioned whether anything would change physically in the music area and what the hours would be. Mr. Fleming said that it is part of Phase 1, but there would not be any changes to that area. The timing would be events oriented, in the summer and evenings and they do not envision it to be going on throughout the entire mall hours. The music would be random perhaps on a Friday evening or Saturday afternoon, or on a promotional basis. Ms. Houck said that it would be a spontaneous experience. There will not be a concert series where they would promote the entertainment. It would be ambient and background music only. Ms. Beres added that entertainment would be random and would be appropriate with what is going on at the center. They get many calls from community groups like the Bell Choir from Hinsdale, harpists, flutists, etc. Chairwoman Payovich noted to the petitioner that the Commission is looking for more details. The brochure refers to criteria for the carts and mobile units, but the Commission would like to see what those criteria are and would like to see more detail on the plans. They would like to see how the area around the Professional Building would be protected. Director of Community Development Kallien added that they would like to see the following: 1. Plans that enlarges the program with some dimensions so that they can see what, where and how much area would be used. 2. Would like to see the plans earlier to be able to review the plans more thoroughly. 3. Merchandise carts — identify the types of items that would be contained. 4. Merchandise carts — concept design drawing and materials to be used 5. Seating arrangements for tables, chairs and the entertainment area. In addition, the Commissioner's were urged to visit the Center to better visualize the planned improvements. Member Bulin moved, seconded by Member Braune that the matter be continued to the next regular Plan Commission meeting on February 17, 2003. VOICE VOTE: All in favor. Motion passed. IV. OTHER BUSINESS — TRAINING SESSION Village Attorney Martens offered the Commissioners the opportunity to have a training session on February 4, 2003, which is the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting regular meeting date. There are new members on both the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. There will be a review on the various types of zoning relief and subdivision approval process. PLAN COMMISSION Minutes PC -MTG 03 JAN.doc 11 -l�Lt January 20, 2003 V. ADJOURNMENT Member Braune moved, seconded by Member Adrian to adjourn. VOICE VOTE: All in favor. Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. PLAN COMMISSION Minutes 12 PC -MTG 03 JAN.doc Director of Comm)dhity pment Secretary j February 17 2003 Date Approved January 20, 2003