Commission approves storefront lighting changes at 128 North Third Street

The Historic Preservation Commission on July 28 approved a Certificate of Appropriateness application for lighting changes at 128 North Third Street, allowing concealed LED strip lighting behind a new fascia board and spotlighting for the storefront’s blade sign. Commission discussion centered on keeping fixtures discreet and consistent with downtown aesthetics; the proposed LED strips will be hidden behind a fascia board so only reflected light is visible, and the applicant proposed small “can” fixtures for sign illumination that staff said had been approved previously for downtown. Commissioners noted the storefront is not historic in itself, though the building behind it is historic, and raised practical concerns about a tree between the shop and an adjacent business that reduces existing illumination. The applicants said the LED lighting will be dimmable to control brightness and spread. Decision/direction: The Commission approved the COA by voice vote (recorded as “motion carries”). Staff and commissioners asked that the sign fixtures be proportionate and not oversized; staff will check sizes and proportions as part of permit review. No roll-call tally was provided in the transcript. Implementation: The applicant may proceed to the permitting stage subject to staff verification of fixture size and placement; the transcript includes no permit application number or installation schedule.