Staff recommends postponement of the review to provide the applicant the opportunity to submit alternate designs which meet the City sign code and the Market Square design guidelines. Pending receipt of a revised sign proposal, the Commission may choose to review and approve a smaller-sized sign on the canopy; or an alternate design provided by the applicant in advance of the meeting.
Modified proposal, following the July 2021 HZC Meeting: 3' wide by 2' tall (6 sq. ft) neon illuminated sign, to hang from center of flat roof canopy, centered below middle second-story window . Bottom of sign will be 8'-4" above sidewalk level. Sign features a semi-circular top above a rectangular base, illuminated in selected areas with green and gold neon tubing, with all transformers and associated electrical equipment to be located within the sign box.
Two-story brick building with three-bays, arched second-story windows with corbelled arched window hoods with replacement sashes and a corbelled brick cornice. Altered c.1930s storefront.
1. 24 Market Square is a contributing resource to the Market Square National Register Historic District and the local overlay.
2. Signs which directly correspond with the design guidelines are often approved on a staff level in Historic overlays. The proposed sign is larger from the recommended size for a projecting sign (13 sq. ft. vs. the recommended 4-6 sq. ft.), and has a unique placement, centered on the flat-roof canopy. The application was postponed at the May 2021 HZC meeting to allow the applicant to submit a revised proposal which more clearly meets the design guidelines for placement and size of signs.
3. The applicant was not present at the May 2021 meeting. Staff has provided several suggestions for alternate sign placement, including a signboard, a projecting sign on the right-side brick pilaster, or window signs. The applicant has opted to resubmit the same sign in the same location and attend the meeting to further discuss the proposed sign.
4. City sign code (13.6.C.2) states that canopy signs cannot extend above the highest point of the canopy upon which it is attached or two feet, whichever is greater. The sign, as currently proposed, exceeds two feet above the canopy. The applicant has stated their willingness to reduce the sign's size but intends to maintain placement on the awning.
5. Neon is noted in the design guidelines as appropriate for sign boards and window signs. There are several larger-sized neon signs installed on Gay Street, on historic commercial buildings which contribute to the Gay Street Commercial National Register Historic District.
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