05.0 - 920 Congress Ave - sign — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness September 2, 2026 SB-2026-102124 Larmour Block (H) 920 Congress Avenue 5 – 1 Proposal Install a neon-lit projecting sign. Design Standards 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 building does not have existing signage. One sign is proposed. Sign Types: The Commission may allow window signs, awning signs, projecting signs, and flush mounted signs for most commercial buildings. The proposed sign is a projecting (blade) sign. Sign Size: The maximum size for signs depends on the sign type: 1. Projecting (blade) signs: 6 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 sign is 6.25 feet in area. 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. The proposed sign is appropriately simple in design. Lettering: No more than two typefaces are allowed. Avoid lettering which appears too contemporary in the sign. Proposed lettering is compatible. 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 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. The proposed lighting is neon, incompatible with this 19th-century building. 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 5 – 2 cover architectural elements, such as windows, decorative banding, or other ornamentation. Proposed sign placement is appropriate. 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. The proposed mounting location is appropriate, provided that it does not anchor directly through historic-age stone behind the non-historic tile. Only mortar should pierced for anchor points. Exceptions: The City Historic Landmark Commission may consider exceptions to the foregoing provisions when warranted, and not prohibited by city ordinance. Summary The project mostly meets the applicable standards, aside from the proposed neon lighting. Committee Feedback Do not install neon on buildings whose periods of significance predate the period for which neon was a character- defining feature. Choose halo-lit signage instead. Staff Recommendation Approve the sign except for the neon lighting. Deny the request for neon. Concur with Architectural Review Committee feedback and request that the applicant resubmit the design with indirect lighting.