Macy's Construction Review Started Yesterday

The planning commission started the review of the construction of Macy’s that plans to open its doors in Spring 2012 in Southridge Mall.

The commission approved recommending the village board to approve a special use request by Macy’s on Wednesday night to alter the location where the former Younkers was and where the World Market is currently located.

Macy’s architect Bob Rich told the planning commission on Wednesday night that the exterior of Macy’s reflects the contemporary crisp look of its interior and is consistent with the type of merchandise the store sells.

Rich said that the store will use materials such as EIFS, white metal panel, silver smith finish, glass, and slight reflective tint to make it energy efficient. The outside will be mostly white.

“Macy’s has identified that attractors feel more comfortable with white and shopping in a well lit environment,” Rich said.

The planning commission expressed concern over using EIFS, a type of building exterior wall cladding system. In April the commission denied a request from Kohl’s Department Store to use EIFS for a new exterior sign.

Rich said that the store has learned over years that EIFS needs to be kept away from human contact and moisture.

Commissioner Sally Chadwick was not too fond of the idea of using EIFS.

Village President John Hermes and Commissioner Bernard Schroedl made sure to point out that the commission has denied other stores the use of EIFS because it has been proposed around entrances and near human contact making it deteriorate a lot faster.

The board accepted the use of EIFS as long as it was kept away from entrances and human contact.

Rich said the store would have three entrances with Macy’s signs that measure about eight feet. There will be benches around the green space in the eastside entrance for people to sit.  There will be no lights on the sidewalk, but there will be lights on the trees.