The Historic and Design Review Commission approved a proposal to place a digital sign on the annex of the Southwestern Bell (AT&T) building at Auditorium Circle on Oct. 15, 2025, after the applicant reduced the sign’s size and changed its placement.

The approval was granted with staff stipulations after the applicant presented a reduced sign and said the panel had worked with city staff and the Design Review Committee (DRC). "We do think that it's appropriate at this location," said Ashley Fairmont, speaking for Capitol Outdoor during the presentation. City staff had recommended approval on the basis that the annex portion is not considered historic and is detached from the 1930 tower.

Why it matters: The property sits within a parcel zoned with a historic overlay, and the commission’s decision is an example of the panel weighing design mitigation against the preservation value of different portions of a building. Several callers and neighborhood representatives had urged restraint for digital signage downtown.

Commission discussion focused on whether the annex portion of the building should be treated as noncontributing to the historic character, and whether the sign’s reduced size and set‑back behind concrete panels sufficiently preserved the cornice and other features. Commissioner Cervantes noted community opposition but recognized the applicant’s willingness to revise the design. Vice Chair Jeffrey Fester said he remained opposed because the property is designated a historic landmark despite the 1983 annex.

The roll call showed seven votes in favor and three opposed: Mammon, Galloway, Guevara, Givada, Grupe, Holland and Chair J. Maurice Gibbs voted yes; Commissioners Garcia, Cervantes and Fester voted no. The motion to approve was moved by Commissioner Grupe and seconded (recorded as second). The commission also required the project to follow staff stipulations on materials and mounting details and to proceed with building permits and OHP review as usual.

The applicant added that AT&T had invested in renovating the 1930 portion of the building; JD Salinas, introduced as a representative for AT&T, noted the company’s restoration work on the property during his remarks.

The commission’s action does not substitute for required building permits; staff will prepare and email the certificate of appropriateness or action letter within 10 days.

Votes at a glance: Approved (7–3). Yes: Mammon, Galloway, Guevara, Givada, Grupe, Holland, Gibbs. No: Garcia, Cervantes, Fester.

Meeting provenance: Discussion began when the applicant introduced the AT&T annex presentation and concluded with the roll call and applicant remarks thanking the commission for consideration.