Design Review Board

Level 1: Sign

8-A-20-DT

Applicant Request

Installation of one non-illuminated projecting sign and one vinyl window sign on the leftmost Gay Street storefront of the Embassy Suites building.
Revised projecting sign will be 12 sq. ft. overall (4' wide by 3' tall), with a clearance of 8'-11" from the sidewalk to the bottom of the sign. Projecting sign will be mounted to the metal storefront with two 3" thick by 1' long metal mounting tubes, attached to the transom of the storefront system, similar to the adjacent K Brew sign. Projecting sign is non-illuminated, painted aluminum.

Window sign is 2'-1" wide (2'-4" wide at widest section of text) by 2'-3" tall, approximately 5.25 sq. ft. The window sign's vinyl lettering will be installed on the leftmost storefront door on the Embassy Suites elevation fronting Gay Street.

Site Info

At approximately 14 sq. ft., the projecting sign is larger than the 9 square feet recommended for projecting signs in the guidelines. The proposed Ham & Goodys sign will be the eighth projecting sign on the Embassy Suites building. As the business will fill the final vacant storefront space fronting Gay Street, the placement of the sign is appropriate. The overall size of the Ham & Goody's sign is larger than the other projecting signs on the Embassy Suites building. The adjacent K Brew sign is 13 sq. ft. total; however, the actual surface area of the sign includes a circle with an area of approximately 4.15 sq. feet, above a rectangular section with an area of approximately 4 sq. feet. The other hanging signs on the building measure 9 square feet or smaller. To avoid additional visual clutter, staff recommends the Ham & Goodys sign be revised to measure a maximum of 9 sq. feet.

The window sign will occupy less than 30% of the door and meets the design guidelines.

Applicable guidelines

SECTION 2.B.1. (RECOMMENDED SIGNS)
These recommendations for signs in the traditional grid district recognize that certain types of signs are more pedestrian-friendly and should be encouraged within the grid district.
GUIDELINES:
1a. Wall signs on sign boards that are above a transom or first story and mounted flush to the building façade.
2a. Projecting signs of modest size (9 square feet, maximum); a larger sign must be approved by the board.
1c. Window signs, less than 30 percent coverage, including neon signs.
1d. Building name sign and/or building directory