Historical Society sign variance approved for Elevate 18 28 event venue

The Canal Winchester Planning & Zoning Commission approved a variance July 14 allowing the Canal Winchester Historical Society to install a larger ground sign to identify a private event venue operating in the OP Cheney grain elevator at 10 West Oak Street. The variance (VA25‑003) permits a single‑sided ground sign approximately 9 feet wide by 2.5 feet tall set on a 1.5‑foot stone base; the applicant proposed individual illuminated aluminum standoff letters and site placement well back from the public right of way. Staff and the Landmark Commission recommended approval; the Landmark Commission asked that the stone base match a stone patio being constructed at the rear of the building. Planning staff noted the property contains multiple historic structures — the OP Cheney grain elevator, the Hocking Valley Railroad Depot and the Prentice Schoolhouse — and that identifying the private event venue "is critical for the operator and the clientele that will be visiting the facility." The Landmark Commission reviewed the sign design in May 2025 and recommended approval of the design and the variance. No members of the public spoke at the public hearing. The motion to close the public hearing was made by Deborah McDonald and seconded by Eileen Gooden. The motion to approve the variance was made by Steve Paulsgrove and seconded by Eileen Gooden. Joe Donahue and one commissioner abstained from the votes to close the hearing and the variance motion; the remaining commissioners — Deborah McDonald, Eileen Gooden, Steve Paulsgrove and Joe Waldenthaler — voted yes, and the variance was approved. The approved sign is single‑sided and located behind the parking stalls, set back from the right of way (staff noted the proposed setback exceeds the Old Town District standard of 5 feet). Staff found the requested size was proportional to the large site and would not confer a prohibited additional use. Next steps: the applicant will finalize materials so the stone base matches the patio, and staff will administratively review sign installation details for compliance with the Landmark Commission recommendation and the variance conditions.