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Commission approves storefront, window and sign changes at 127 Second Avenue North with drawn storefront review added
Summary
The commission approved alterations and a sign package for 127 Second Avenue North (noncontributing mid-century commercial building) with staff conditions and an added requirement that the applicant submit final storefront drawings to staff for approval.
The Historic Zoning Commission on Jan. 13 approved a set of alterations and a sign package for 127 Second Avenue North, a noncontributing mid-20th-century commercial building, and added a requirement that final storefront drawings be provided to staff for review.
Staff described the building as a noncontributing circa-1960s Deco commercial structure. The proposal replaces the existing aluminum storefront with a new black-finish storefront and double doors, removes and infills several side windows, adds eight clerestory windows, installs an awning and posts for string lighting over a patio, and proposes three signs (a band sign, an awning sign and a projecting sign). Staff found many elements compatible but recommended removing the proposed horizontal grille members on the new storefront and noted the projecting sign as submitted exceeded guideline size and placement recommendations.
Applicant Eric McGinnis of Common Design Works told the commission the design team had presented at the Design Review Committee and revised the submission in response to DRC input: the front door was reduced from 9 feet to 7 feet, the awning will be revised to meet staff guidance and the applicant removed the butcher-knife door pulls from the street-facing entrance. McGinnis described the building as noncontributing and said the team considered that status in their design decisions.
During the vote, a commissioner moved to amend the approval so that a drawing of the front storefront would be submitted to staff for approval; that amendment passed by voice vote. The main motion — to approve with staff comments and the additional storefront-drawing requirement — passed by voice vote.
Why it matters: The approval allows alterations intended to enliven a noncontributing mid-century commercial building while ensuring staff review of final storefront details to confirm compatibility with downtown guidelines.
Next steps: Applicant to submit final storefront drawings to staff at the building-permit stage; staff will review and may request additional adjustments or return the application to the commission if necessary.
