Commission approves reduced signage for Carousel Building after size compromise; staff conditions attached

The Historic Zoning Commission approved a modified wall sign for the Carousel Building at 230 Franklin Road after applicants reduced the scale to align with a previously approved mural location and zoning‑based square‑foot limits. Staff recommended denial because the applicants originally proposed two 85.5‑square‑foot wall signs to be placed about 17.5 feet above grade, exceeding the sign guidelines’ 9‑square‑foot recommendation and a 12‑foot recommended maximum mounting height. The applicants reworked the sign to a 57.5‑square‑foot design, matching the proportions of an already‑approved mural and the window widths below. Commission debate focused on whether the revised sign would remain compatible with the historic façade and how the modification of standards previously approved for a mural affected placement. Commissioners asked staff to clarify whether a condition should specify that the sign not exceed the window width; during discussion the commission clarified that the approved sign must not exceed 57.5 square feet and the group asked staff to add a condition limiting horizontal placement to the window width or “essentially match” window width. A motion to deny the original proposal failed to receive a second; a subsequent motion to approve the reduced sign with staff conditions passed unanimously. Staff will require final plans that conform to the square‑footage cap and recommended placement limits and will verify that the sign aligns with the previously approved modification of standards.