Approval of signage proposal. Conditional approval of the canopy/awning proposal with the conditions that 1) the color of each valance section corresponds to that of its awning or canopy; and 2) that awning tiebacks are not more than 1-1/2" inches thick. If the engineering calculations indicate that a greater thickness is needed, then the awning and tiebacks will be required to be reviewed by staff for any mitigating measures.
Canopy
A low-slope matte-finish metal canopy is proposed on the building originally addressed as 14 Market Square. This canopy will have round tie-backs connecting to a new steel beam at the face of the building below the transoms.
A new sloped matte-finish metal awning is proposed on the building originally addressed 12 Market Square. This awning will slope to cover existing wood transom panels which will be painted.
A 2-inch reveal will be retained in the continuous metal valance at the junction of the awning at Building 12 and the canopy at Building 14. The valance be of continuous size, color, and material.
Signage
A new sign is proposed to attach to the low-slope canopy. The cut-metal letters are freestanding (not attached to a sign board) and the lower case letters are approximately 10.5" high with portions of the upper case letters extending to a maximum of 18" high.
12 Market Square. (c.1880). Vernacular Commercial. Two-story four-bay brick with corbelled cornice, rowlock arched windows with corbelled surrounds on second-story with six-light metal casement windows and arched casement. Altered c. 1970 storefront. Windows added on south facade in 2000. (Contributing)
14 Market Square. G. W. Albers Drug Store. (c.1880). Italianate Commercial. Two-story brick, elaborate pressed metal cornice with brackets and modillions and raised central arch, rowlock arched second story windows, storefront altered. Albers Drug store first occupied the building, which then housed a succession of drug stores until it became a part of Watson's in 1935. (Contributing)
1) The existing storefronts are late replacements and are therefore noncontributing.
2) The proposed modifications to the storefronts in this case will not destroy any historic fabric. The EIFS and brick fronts are not historic materials.
3) The proposed canopy, awning, and signage are appropriate for the buildings' styles and era.
4) The positioning of the proposed canopy sign is the same as that of a signboard, but it is not flush with the building at 14 Market Square. It is appropriately sized as it follows the guidelines for 18-inch max letter height on signboards. It is also within the size allowed for canopy signs according to the City sign code. The design guidelines do not otherwise address canopy signs, except to say that they may be sewn onto the valance.
5) The buildings and their bays on Market Square are taller than they are wide and are therefore vertical in their orientation.
6) The low-sloped canopy at 14 Market Square and the typically-sloped (~45 degree) awning at 12 Market Square help to distinguish the two buildings from each other.
7) The proposed 2-inch reveal in the valance creates somewhat of a visual break in the otherwise continuous horizontal metal strip spanning the two buildings (~45-48 feet) . However, a valance of one continuous color, size, and style will still emphasize horizontality. The horizontal band spanning the two buildings re-orients them from a vertical to horizontal appearance and alters the pedestrian perception of the building widths and their separateness. There are no valances in Market Square that span two building frontages.
8) Awning tiebacks that are greater than 1-1/2 inches thick are obtrusive in appearance. Awning tiebacks that are round rather than square in section appear less obtrusive. Tiebacks that are neutral in finish also appear less obtrusive.
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