Commission approves new marquee lettering and rooftop logo for Hotel Mississippi

The Davenport Historic Preservation Commission on Jan. 14 approved a certificate of appropriateness to replace the marquee lettering and to install a projecting, backlit logo atop the Hotel Mississippi (Mississippi Lofts) at 106 E. Third Street. The commission approved the application after staff recommended approval of the replacement dimensional letters but took no official position on the proposed projecting rooftop logo.

Why it matters: The Hotel Mississippi (built 1931) is a locally listed historic landmark in the Davenport Commercial Historic District. Signage changes on landmark buildings are weighed for their visual impact on historic fabric and the public streetscape; staff told the commission that the proposed logo had an art‑deco feel consistent with nearby historic buildings such as the Adler Theater but that the city’s ordinance provides limited guidance for signage review.

Project details: The applicant, Quad City Custom Signs, proposed to replace existing marquee text (“Mississippi Lofts”) with dimensional channel letters similar in font and style to the existing sign, and to add internally illuminated reverse-lit letters with white LED lighting to produce a halo effect. The second component of the application proposed a face-lit, projecting rooftop logo mounted on struts with backlighting. Staff materials showed historic photos indicating that signage atop the marquee had not been present historically, and staff therefore asked the commission for its determination on the rooftop logo.

Commission discussion and rationale: Several commissioners compared the proposal to historic theater signage in the region, noting that similar lit elements appear on nearby Adler Theater elevations. One commissioner said additions that can be removed without damaging the historic fabric are generally acceptable. Commissioners asked about materials and scale; the sign representative said the logo face would be polycolor print with a black backing intended to match other upgrades. The commission concluded the proposal was compatible with the building’s character and streetscape and moved to approve.

Vote and next steps: Roll call votes recorded at the meeting were McGivray — Yes; Eaton — Yes; Pastetti — Yes; Kretz — Yes; Adams — Yes; Gomez — Yes. The motion was moved, seconded, and approved; staff did not indicate further permits beyond standard building/electrical sign permits would be waived.

Details and clarifications: Staff said the city’s historic preservation ordinance lacks detailed signage standards; the commission relied on comparative examples and the principle that reversible, non‑damaging additions are preferable.