Monona landmarks panel denies Friends of San Damiano sign for Frank Ellis House

The Monona Landmarks Commission voted June 26 to deny a certificate of appropriateness for exterior signage the Friends of San Damiano proposed for the Frank Ellis House (known as San Damiano) at 4123 Monona Drive.

The commission found the proposed 7.7-square-foot Uline message center, planned for the left side of the building's front entrance, would be visually obtrusive on a primary facade and could harm the landmark's historic character. Commissioners also raised practical concerns about accessibility because the sign location sits above a concrete pad reached by stairs; some members said visitors who cannot climb the steps would not be able to read the board.

Ashley (staff member) told the commission the Friends of San Damiano applied for a sign permit for a changeable-copy menu-board-style sign and that signs in the city's community design district are limited to 3 square feet, meaning an exception from the Plan Commission would be required if the Landmarks Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness. The Frank Ellis House was designated a local landmark in 1979 and reratified in 2016; staff advised the commission to consider the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation in evaluating whether the proposed work would adversely affect historic features.

Tony Gomez, a Monona resident who identified himself as a Friends of San Damiano board member and chair of its home and landscape committee, told commissioners the proposed message board would let volunteers and staff relay property hours, rules, event notices, volunteer and donation information and master-plan updates. Gomez said the group favored mounting the message board on the non-original addition near the front door because that is the main point of arrival for visitors and is already used for temporary banners and other information.

Commissioners questioned that choice. One commissioner said the city had previously placed information on that entry area without obtaining a certificate of appropriateness and suggested a freestanding sign off the building would be less intrusive. Another commissioner noted that the addition where the sign was proposed dates to the 1920s and is visible in historical photos, and said being an addition does not mean it lacks historic value.

Commission discussion included alternatives staff and the Friends could pursue: a freestanding, post-mounted sign (which could require Plan Commission review for a size exception), relocating existing park information to the proposed board, or coordinating with parks staff about sign placement. Staff noted the Friends prefer a building-mounted solution because a post-mounted sign would be more expensive. Commissioners asked staff to check earlier unpermitted signs on the property and to consult with parks staff and, if appropriate, the city attorney.

After discussion the commission voted to deny the application as submitted. The record shows the motion carried by voice vote.

Commissioners also received staff updates: the Frostwood Historic District National Register nomination is on track for state submission in late July (consultant Justin Miller is preparing the submission), and staff noted the Frank Ellis House is in deteriorating condition with reported water intrusion; the Friends' feasibility committee is studying restoration options and a master-plan decision about the house is expected later this year as part of an MOU process that the Friends and city staff are following. Staff said some grant sources discussed previously (tax incentives and Certified Local Government grants) are currently at risk or not in the city budget.