10.0 - 505 Neches St — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Permits in National Register Historic Districts September 2, 2026 SB-2026-097368 Sixth Street Historic District 505 Neches Street 10 – 1 Proposal Install signage at a contributing property. Project Specifications Install individually mounted letter signs to the primary elevation of a property contributing to the Sixth Street National Register district. Letters will be placed above the main entry and are proposed to each be reverse lit. 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: 1. Number of signs Standards allow for one sign per building. There is currently a projecting sign at the center of the main façade. If this is proposed to be removed by the applicant and replaced with the proposed letter signs, this application meets the standard. 2. Sign types While the letters do project from the façade, the proposed signage is flush mounted, which is an approvable signage type. 3. Sign size Flush mounted signage has a maximum allowable size of 20 square feet, according to the Historic Sign Guidelines. The proposed design has a footprint of 31 square feet and does not meet the requirements. 4. Sign design, coloring and materials Metal signs are a recommended material, and this proposal returns appear to meet that recommendation. However, the material used for the individual letters should be submitted to confirm that they are also composed of an approvable material and are not reflective or consist of an unfinished appearance, which are specifically called out as inappropriate in the sign guidelines. 5. Lettering A single typeface is proposed. While it is modern in its style, it is generally appropriate. 6. Lighting Reverse lit or “halo” lighting is proposed for illumination, which is an approvable method. 8. Sign placement Proposed sign is centered above the main entry. This meets the standards for a single tenant, and it appears to be above the sidewalk by the required 9 foot minimum. 9. Sign mounting Sign should be installed in existing penetrations where possible. The wall finish appears to be plaster or stucco. Summary The project meets some of the applicable standards. Property Evaluation The property contributes to the Sixth Street National Register district. Staff Recommendation Reduce sign size to conform to historic sign standards. Once conforming changes have been made to the proposal, they may be submitted directly to the Historic Preservation Office for administrative approval. 10 – 2 Property Information Photos 10 – 3 Google Streetview, 2024