B.7 - Aldridge Place Historic District sign toppers - Hyde Park Topper Approval (2012) — original pdf

Backup

Hyde Park Topper Approval Minutes from November 26, 2012 Staff report HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION NOVEMBER 26, 2012 CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS LHD-2012-0034 Sign Toppers Hyde Park Local Historic District PROPOSAL Fabricate and install five "sign toppers" identifying the Hyde Park Local Historic District. PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS Proposal calls for the fabrication and installation of signs identifying the Hyde Park Local Historic District. The signs will be funded by the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association (HPNA) and will be installed by the City's Transportation Department on top of existing street signs at the following intersections: Southeast corner of W. 40th Street and Avenue B with the sign parallel to Avenue B. Northeast corner of e. 44th Street and Avenue G with the sign parallel to Avenue G. Northeast corner of E. 39th Street and Avenue G with the sign parallel to E. 39th St. Northeast corner of E. 43rd Street and Avenue F with the sign parallel to Avenue F Northeast corner of W. 44th Street and Avenue B with the sign parallel to Avenue B The approximately 9" x 24" signs will be fabricated of aluminum with black background with white/silver reflective graphics and text. The HPNA has requested that the design include the City of Austin seal, name of the district, the date Hyde Park neighborhood was established, and the date the Local Historic District was established. The intent is for the approved design to become the standard template for signage in all City of Austin local historic districts, and that sign toppers only be allowed for Local Historic Districts. Funding for additional signs in the Hyde Park Local Historic District and in other districts is not currently available. STANDARDS FOR REVIEW The Hyde Park Local Historic District Goals and Design Standards do not specifically provide guidance for this type of street sign, however the signs as proposed do not adversely impact the historic character or integrity of the district or streetscape. Additionally, by identifying the historic district, they provide important recognition of the efforts of residents to establish the LHD, as well as identify the zoning classification for residents and visitors. Historic Preservation Office staff met with representatives of the Harthan Street Local Historic District and Castle Hill Local Historic District, as well as residents from neighborhoods interested in pursuing LHD zoning, to obtain feedback on the proposed design. Most people expressed the opinion that including dates for both the establishment of the neighborhood and the local historic district was somewhat confusing and unnecessary, but did recommend that if the earlier date for establishment of a neighborhood was allowed, that the earliest plat date for the area be used. It was also suggested that a standard for which direction the signs face should be established (e.g. perpendicular or parallel to top street sign). Staff also communicated with the City's Public Information Office to obtain approval for use of the City of Austin logo in the design. OPERATIONS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION Signs should be consistent in all districts. Prefer design that is integrated into existing blade signs or that is parallel to the top blade sign. Suggest inclusion of interpretative signage at “gateways” as well. Staff should convene a meeting with representatives of other LHDs and neighborhoods pursuing LHDs to get feedback from those stakeholders. Research options for funding initial installation and maintenance or replacement as needed to determine if treatment can be applied at all intersections and be affordable for all districts. Staff should research parameters for use of City logo in design. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Approve design without the dates indicating the establishment of either the neighborhood or local historic district and install signs parallel to the top street sign blade May 25th, 2012 Ericka Nowicki, Division Manager COA Infrastructure Services Transportation Department Local Historic District Sign Topper Application Applicant: Hyde Park Neighborhood Association *** COA Transportation Dept. to apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness: Contact: Alyson McGee, Deputy Historic Preservation Officer, COA Historic Preservation Office, (512) 974-7801 alyson.mcgee@austintexas.gov Hyde Park Neighborhood Association Contact: Name: Mark L Fishman Title: HPNA Steering Committee Member Address: PO Box 49226 Austin, TX 78765-9226 Telephone: 512-656-5505 eMail: MLFISHMAN@GMAIL.COM Design & Installation Specifications Font: see image below Text/Image: COA Seal / EST 1891 / Hyde Park Local Historic District / EST 2010 Color: Red & White Size: 9 inches X 24 inches overall Sign Material & Bracket: .080” Aluminum Cost Design & Layout (no charge, neighborhood volunteer) Signs & Brackets: approx $75 each Installation (by COA) PAGE 1