7.0 - 1300 E 4th St - Texaco Depot — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS DECEMBER 14, 2022 HR-2022-169818 TEXACO DEPOT 1300 EAST 4TH STREET 7 – 1 PROPOSAL PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS Install 5 signs at the new portion of the building. Install one sign at the primary streetscape on the gate to the historic building. Restore existing historic-age signs. 1) Install a 10 ft2 face-lit sign at the top of each elevation on the new tower. 2) Install a 6 ft2 backlit steel sign at the rear entrance of the building, oriented toward the paseo. 3) Install a 9 ft2 indirectly lit steel sign on the front gate of the property. DESIGN STANDARDS Number of Signs: The Commission allows one sign per building, unless the building has multiple tenants; in this case, the Commission may allow one sign per façade module, if the façade modules correspond to tenant spaces. The Commission may also allow one sign for each street frontage if the building is at an intersection. A single directory sign is appropriate for a large building with multiple tenants. The proposed signage plan includes one sign at each entrance and four around the top of the new tower. Sign Types: The Commission may allow window signs, awning signs, projecting signs, and flush mounted signs for most commercial buildings. Freestanding signs are allowed for office and retail uses in historic residential buildings. City codes prohibit the Commission from approving the following sign types: (1) rotating, (2) off-premises, (3) roof signs, (4) portable, or (5) signs which flash or blink at intervals. City code also prohibits handbills, posters, or placards on a structure except inside a window or on a bulletin board. The proposed signage plan does not include prohibited sign types. Sign Size: The maximum size for signs depends on the sign type: 2. Flush-mounted signs: 7% of the overall façade area, with a maximum height of 2 feet and a maximum size of 20 square feet . Large commercial buildings (over 3 stories): Cumulative signage may not exceed 40 square feet per façade and must comply with a signage plan for the building. The proposed flush-mounted signs are each within the 20 ft2 limit; however, cumulative signage is approximately 55 ft2. Sign Design, Coloring and Materials: Use simple shapes, such as rectangular or oval signs. The Commission recommends painted wood or metal signs with matte finishes for all signs; plastic, reflective materials, and unfinished surfaces are not allowed. Limit the colors used in a sign to no more than three. For sites with multiple signs, all signs should have corresponding or matching designs, coloring and materials. Signs should match or complement the existing color scheme of the building to the maximum extent feasible. Lettering: No more than two typefaces are allowed. Avoid lettering which appears too contemporary in the sign. Proposed sign designs and lettering appear appropriate. Lighting: Lighting must be indirect and may be accomplished through shielded incandescent lights attached to the top of the sign, “halo” lighting, or recessed can lighting in awnings. Internally lit cabinet signs are not allowed for signs on historic buildings or within the historic districts. Neon Signs: Neon signs are prohibited on pre-1950 building facades; an exception may be made for existing pre-1950 neon signage, or with photographic proof of a historic (pre-1950) neon sign on the building, but only if the neon sign does not detract from the historic character of the building or area. The Commission may consider limited neon on a post-1950 façade but encourages backlit neon over exposed neon. Proposed signs at pedestrian level appear indirectly lit. Rooftop signage appears internally lit. Sign Placement: Flush-mounted and projecting (blade) signs should be positioned near the business entrance immediately above the principal entry to the business. Single-tenant signs are not allowed over doorways serving multiple tenants. As required by the city land development code, the bottom of the sign shall be a minimum of nine (9) feet above the sidewalk. When feasible, place signs to align with others in the block. Signs should not obscure or cover architectural elements, such as windows, decorative banding, or other ornamentation. Sign Mounting: New signs should utilize existing mounting apparatus whenever possible. If new bolt holes or brackets are necessary for sign installation, care should be taken to ensure that installation does not damage historic building materials in any way. Bolting through mortar joints avoids damage to historic stone or brick. Proposed signage appears appropriately sited and mounted. Exceptions: The City Historic Landmark Commission may consider exceptions to the foregoing provisions when warranted, and not prohibited by city ordinance. 7 – 2 Summary The project meets most of the applicable standards. COMMITTEE FEEDBACK Reduce number of signs. Amend designs and lighting to reduce visual prominence in relation to the historic signage already present. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Approve the application. The applicant has amended the design in response to Committee feedback. LOCATION MAP 7 – 3