Commission approves Elevate 340 signage and landscaping changes, asks for two additional north‑side trees

Commissioners on June 24 approved an application for graphic signage and landscaping for the Elevate 340 affordable housing project at the northwest corner of Grant Avenue and Fulton Street, with an amendment to add two trees on the north perimeter.

City staff described two proposed illuminated wall signs: a larger, freeway‑facing sign approximately 4 feet tall and a smaller entrance sign about 3 feet high, both flush‑mounted and LED‑lit. David Blair of Shrimp Chalk Architects presented the sign and landscape packet and said awning checks shown in renderings would not be part of the installed work. The landscaping submission includes plant plans, vaulting for a transformer, a gravel service path and relocated site elements.

Commissioners asked for and received assurance that pedestrian‑level address markings would be provided at the entrance, and they discussed tree placement and gaps in the north perimeter planting. A motion to approve the full signage and landscape package was amended on the floor to require two additional trees along the north side; the motion as amended was passed by the commission.

Staff noted lighting and certain landscaping details will return for future review as the applicant finalizes exterior lighting and ground‑plane elements. The approval covers the submitted sign designs and landscaping as amended by the two‑tree condition.