'Rigid' Elmhurst Rule Hinders Store Project: Architect

ELMHURST, IL – An architect last month contended a "rigid" Elmhurst rule is delaying the redesign of a downtown building to make way for a new boutique.

Spark Scent Collective plans to open at 128 N. Addison Ave. It is in the same 1,200-square-foot spot as the former Dulles Cleaners, whose owner posted a sign in 2021 that some saw as anti-Asian.

A month ago, Elmhurst architect Erica Blawat took to social media to express her frustration with the city's handling of her request to redesign the building.

The city did not return Patch's message for comment shortly after Blawat's message appeared.

Blawat said the design embraced downtown's historic retail architecture. It includes fire-rated trim and paneling that would cover and protect damaged masonry, she said.

The project would also feature a highly visible side "courtyard" showcasing original brick, Blawat said.

"The new exterior would reflect the building's original era and use, while complementing the new retail aesthetic and meet(ing) current building codes (unlike the materials we removed!)," Blawat said on her firm's Facebook page.

The newest design, she said, was a big improvement over the original version, with more windows and enhanced curb appeal.

"Unfortunately, we were recently informed by the city that we may need to redesign this facade yet again – this time to meet a rigid interpretation of local 'amendments' that assign required percentages of exterior cladding materials for 'downtown consistency' without a defined reason or rationale," Blawat said.

She also posted her comments on Preserve Elmhurst's Facebook page.

Preserve Elmhurst was formed after the owners of a historic Arlington Avenue home planned to demolish it.