Case & News

Crystal Lake Panel Wants More Brick On Marriott

[published on Thu, Sep 8, 2005]
By KAREN LONG
klong@nwherald.com
CRYSTAL LAKE Brick added to parts of the planned facade for a Fairfield Inn by Marriott did not win over members of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The commission started discussion Wednesday of the 113-room, four-story hotel proposal for Cog Circle and Chalet Drive, just west of Routes 14 and 31.

Commissioner Jim Batastini found examples online of all-brick Fairfield Inns that he wanted the Crystal Lake building to mirror. Commissioner Brett Hopkins agreed that the group stresses quality materials no matter the development.

The building's design has mostly a stucco material called EIFS, or Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, with a brick band along the lower level, and brick to the roof at the entrance and halfway up the building in two other areas.

Commission Chairman Tom Hayden mentioned a discussion that the city council had Tuesday about problems with EIFS. He added that he wanted to see an all-brick building.

Rian Gamble, developer with Badger Midwest Holdings, said Fairfield Marriott was adamant about building its new product.

"I know I can't get an all-brick building. I even asked that question," Gamble said. "Brand identity is just absolutely critical to them."

Attorney Joseph Gottemoller said the project would improve the area, which now is home to an abandoned restaurant.

"I think you'd be pretty hard-pressed to say this would depreciate property values versus what's there now," he said.