Board grants variance for third wall sign at 152 Endicott for new Home2 Suites hotel

The Board of Appeals granted a variance under Section 37 to allow a third building-mounted wall sign for a new hotel at 152 Endicott Street.

David Sherborne, vice president and lead architect at OPG Construction, told the board the hotel is a branded Hilton Home2 Suites and that the additional sign on the building's west elevation would aid wayfinding for first-time guests approaching via Chalet Court. Sherborne explained the two signs permitted as-of-right would face Endicott Street and the Yankee Division Highway; the requested third sign faces Chalet Court and is intended to direct traffic to the hotel entrance on the south side of the building. Ownership representative Craig Fancil said approaching drivers can arrive between the Fidelity building (left) and the hotel (right) and that the third sign clarifies which building is the hotel.

Sherborne provided the board with sign-size calculations: the three wall signs combined total about 245 square feet and, he said, remain within the town's permissible signage-area calculations when measured against wall linear footage. The board noted multiple existing signs on the property, including a recently installed pylon sign and directional signs. One board member said the proposed third wall sign was unnecessary because the pylon sign and directional signs already orient drivers; another member described the sign as appropriately sized and helpful for guests. The board voted to grant the variance.

Board members also asked about Chalet Court's public status; planning staff said the road is constructed but has not been formally accepted by the town and remains private pending formal acceptance procedures. The board recorded findings that granting the variance would not derogate from the intent of the zoning bylaw.