Historic Zoning Commission

Market Square H-1: Level II

8-L-08-HZ

Applicant Request

Level II. Replacement/repair

Install two signs. 1) hanging sign, sized 2'6" x 3'7", two sided, from simple bracket; 2) hanging blade sign on side wall, approximately 170.58" long x 32.63 wide (14'2" x 2'7" with a 6" projection from the building, internally light (using LED illumination) with outline of white light bulbs on perimeter and centered letters internally illuminated in white, and with blue outline on perimeter and flat edge on side and an arrow at bottom to resemble neon sign.

Site Info

Three story, four bay, brick with limestone trim and sills, altered cornice has replaced elaborate pressed metal cornice. Pilasters dividing bays of upper stories. C. 1970 storefront. Metal casement windows.

The proposed blade sign is located on the walkway, off the frontage of Market Square, and uses modern lighting to replicate a neon blade sign typical of the 1920s when the Vogue Building was constructed. Its coloration, shape and lighting will enhance the historic character of Market Square, and will not set a precedent for the remainder of the buildings on the Square since none of them has access to a location removed from the front elevation of the buildings. Neon is discussed as an appropriate lighting for Market Square signs (see Signs, D.5.) NOTE: The size of the blade sign has been reduced to a 2'7" width and a 14'2" height, approximately, to address concerns about the size of the proposed sign.