Background
The subject property is occupied by the two-story former Hagenbring building and two story addition, located in downtown Arlington Heights. The property is part of the Metropolis PUD, which was approved by the Village in 1999 and amended in 2005. The Metropolis Ballroom operates out of the 2nd floor of this building in an approximately 9,000 square foot space which includes an outdoor terrace. The applicant is proposing the addition of 1,671 square feet of floor space and 273 square feet of exterior terrace space, all of which would be on the second floor of the building. The addition would be constructed above the existing loading dock at the south of the site and a portion of the addition would also cantilever over the approximately 7’ wide public walkway in-between the loading dock and Vail Avenue garage to be 6 inches from the exterior of the garage. The extra floor area would allow for an expanded ballroom space. Also proposed is the replacement of the existing fabric canopy at the front entrance along Vail Avenue with a metal roofed canopy supported by concrete footings placed within the Village sidewalk. Finally, wall signage is proposed on the eastern face of the addition and several wall mounted banners are proposed along the second floor the building.
Current Request
1. Negotiation and approval of an Air Rights Agreement to cantilever over Village property.
2. License Agreement to construct the canopy entrance over the Vail Avenue public sidewalk.
3. PUD Amendment to:
- Amend Ordinance 05-040 to increase the capacity of the Metropolis Ballroom.
- Amend the approved site plan to allow for the proposed expansion.
- Additional Variations as may be determined.
4. Amend the Special Use to expand the ballroom.
5. Design Commission Review/Signage Variation.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Village Board evaluate the proposal and preliminary information available at this time and provide preliminary feedback regarding the proposed building expansion, specifically as it relates to the cantilevered section over the public walkway and the canopy over the Vail Avenue sidewalk.