14.0 - 15.0 - 312 Congress Ave — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PERMITS IN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICTS OCTOBER 2, 2204 SB-2024-086522 / SB-2024-086516 CONGRESS AVENUE HISTORIC DISTRICT 312 ½ CONGRESS AVENUE 14.0 – 15.0 – 1 PROPOSAL Install several types of signage on a contributing building. PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS Install signage on the Congress Avenue-facing elevation of a two-story commercial building that contributes to the district. The signage types and locations are the following: 1) Cabinet sign above the ground floor and between medallions, installed into masonry. Non-illuminated. 2) Blade sign at ground level, installed at transom height and projecting out towards Congress Avenue. Non-illuminated. 3) Vinyl signage attached to all second-floor windows, fit around muntins. 4) Vinyl signage attached to storefront and transom window on one bay of ground-floor. ARCHITECTURE The Downtown Austin historic resource survey calls the building at 310-312 Congress Avenue an Italianate commercial structure and part of a two-part commercial block. The design is simple and straightforward, with façade split into three bays. The middle bay serves as a recessed entry with large, glazed storefront windows on either side. Above, the second- floor features three large 4/4 windows that appear to be operable and likely either original or based heavily on an original design. The cornice line features modest dentils and brick patterns that very slightly project from the rest of the façade below. Between the two floors, metal medallions in the shape of lion’s heads are present that may have previously anchored an awning or sidewalk covering. DESIGN STANDARDS The City of Austin Signage Guidelines are used to evaluate projects within the historic district. The following standards apply to the proposed project: 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 Commission and HPO allow one sign per building unless there are multiple tenants. The two-story design of this building implies a two tenant, upstairs/downstairs type of use, so more than one sign may be approvable. However, all signage proposed is for one tenant. While two of the signage types are vinyl and attached to the windows, the cabinet and blade signs are proposed to be physically attached to the masonry and project out from the building. 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 premise, (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. Blade and cabinet signs are both allowable types of signage for a commercial district. Neither of the two proposed signs have functionality specifically called out by the guidelines, such as rotating or blinking capabilities. Sign Size: The maximum size for signs depends on the sign type: 1. Projecting (blade) signs: 6 square feet 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 3. Window signs: The lesser of 20% of the window or 8 square feet 4. Awning signs: The lesser of 20% of the awning panel or 8 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 cabinet sign, which is flush mounted to the front elevation, is limited in the design guidelines to 7% of the total facade, under 2 feet in height, and 20 square feet, for which it is compliance (proposed sign is 20 inches in height and about 8 ¾ 14.0 – 15.0 – 2 square feet.) The blade sign is limited by guideline to 6 square feet, for which it also complies (proposed is 2.2 square feet). Window signs are limited to the lesser of 20% of the window or 8 square feet. Proposed vinyl signage, across the entire façade, total 62 square feet and greatly exceeds 20% of all windows, with the second-floor windows being 100% covered by signage. 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. Proposed cabinet and blade signs are black and white in keeping with signage guidelines and are matching in design. The monochrome design generally matches the simple design of the historic façade. Material for both signs are aluminum. Vinyl windows signs are color photos. Lettering: No more than two typefaces are allowed. Avoid lettering which appears too contemporary in the sign. Lettering uses two fonts, which adheres to company branding and logo. Neither font is too contemporary to be inappropriate. 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. No lighting is proposed. 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. NOTE: Existing signs do not always meet these Guidelines or City of Austin ordinance requirements, and either predate the ordinance or are illegal. Illegal signs are subject to enforcement action by the City of Austin. Cabinet sign is above the main entry, and at least nine feet above ground, as recommended by the guidelines. Vinyl windows may be considered as obscuring windows, though the upper floor vinyl signs are proposed to be cut to fit around muntins. 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. Neither cabinet or blade sign appear to be utilizing any existing anchors or mounting apparatuses. Specification sheets make reference to checking conditions at the site before installation but should be recommended to avoid brick/stone. Summary The project meets some of the applicable standards. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Approve the cabinet and blade signs, though recommend eliminating one from the design. Discuss the proposed window signage as they relate to city signage guidelines for National Register Historic Districts.