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Commission weighs precedent as applicant seeks approval for internally lit hanging sign at 722 Warren Street
Summary
A prolonged commission discussion about internally illuminated, hanging signs on Warren Street ended with the applicant for Flower Crown (722 Warren Street) present and commissioners signaling likely approval pending documentation; the commission will vote on a prepared certificate in two weeks.
The Historic Preservation Commission extensively debated whether to permit an internally illuminated, double-sided hanging sign for Flower Crown at 722 Warren Street, with commissioners weighing immediate context against longer-term precedent for Warren Street.
Applicant Amanda joined the meeting remotely and told commissioners she had walked the block and found multiple lit hanging signs; she said her proposed sign “isn't illuminated past 6” and that “it's actually probably less bright than having a sign that's lit from above.” Commissioners reviewed photographs of nearby signs — including Rivertown, Manor Rock and Grayson — and discussed whether allowing one hanging internally illuminated sign would encourage more such signs and change the street’s character.
Several commissioners said the block is eclectic and contains preexisting internally lit signs; one commissioner who had voted against the item at a previous meeting said, on reflection, “I think on reflection, we should approve it now.” Other commissioners urged caution, noting that a hard-line rule about materials (for example, a prohibition on acrylic combined with internal illumination) is easier to enforce than subjective evaluations of taste. The commission asked staff and the applicant to provide additional context and photographic examples and indicated staff will prepare a Certificate of Appropriateness (CNA) for adoption at the next meeting. A staff member told the applicant, “Craig will have a CNA prepared. We vote on it in 2 weeks. Stay in touch with Craig.”
Commissioners emphasized the need to consider the immediate neighborhood context — the building’s own history and adjacent signs — when ruling on signs. They also discussed limits on what the commission can enforce and the importance of objective criteria to avoid ad-hoc decisions.
The commission did not adopt a final vote at this meeting; it directed staff to prepare a CNA for consideration at the next regular meeting after confirming dimensions and material details.
