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Commission grants conceptual approval for 59 Spruce rooftop marquee, subject to Historic Resources Commission review
Summary
The Downtown Commission gave conceptual approval for two large rooftop signs at 59 Spruce Street (approx. 53' x 26' faces), conditioned on concurrence by the Historic Resources Commission. The LED signs are designed to mimic neon and will be mounted to steel framing attached to the elevator overrun.
Representatives for COA2400574 presented conceptual plans for two large rooftop marquee signs on a tower at 59 Spruce Street. Daniel Ayers of MBBJ Architects and owner representative Julie Brownfield described the signs as approximately 53 feet wide by 26 feet tall on the north and south elevations, with letter heights ranging roughly 7–9 feet. The signs will be LED but designed to read like neon and will be mounted to steel frames attached to the elevator overrun above the roofline.
The design team explained that the LED technology will be modulated for night operation and largely off during daytime. Applicant representatives showed visual simulations from elevated viewpoints (including views from I‑670 and High Street) and described the back framing and dark metal panel overrun behind the sign; each sign is set back from the face of the tower by several inches for mounting tie‑in. The team said similar modern rooftop signage has been used elsewhere in the city at comparable scale.
Staff noted the proposal is within the New York Market historic district and that HRC review is concurrent. Commissioners voted to grant conceptual approval, contingent on HRC approval and subject to any HRC conditions that would affect the downtown commission’s permit.
