Torrington committee approves replacement sign, sets paint and trim rules for new downtown retailer

The Municipal Architecture Review Committee in Torrington voted to approve a replacement storefront sign for an incoming retail tenant and set specific paint and trim conditions for newly installed roll-down security doors.

The committee’s decision on October 30 clears a same-size, non-illuminated sign proposed by the applicant but left the broader site-plan and final use-change approval on hold. Speaker 4 told the committee the tenant installed the metal roll-down doors because of safety concerns around nighttime activity and valuable merchandise; the property owner provided a letter consenting to the changes.

Committee members emphasized the distinction between sign replacement and broader exterior alterations. Speaker 2 said the committee has authority under its architectural-review checklist to consider building scale, materials and harmony with the streetscape and reminded members that exterior work generally should not proceed before site-plan approval. "You're not really supposed to touch the building until the site plan is approved," Speaker 2 said, describing the committee’s normal review sequence.

Members flagged the silver roll-down doors as visually incongruous with other downtown storefronts and discussed less visually intrusive security alternatives such as alarms. Speaker 5 said the metal gates look out of place downtown and noted that alternative measures exist. The tenant’s proposed hours were reported by Speaker 4 as 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week; Speaker 4 also said the proprietor previously operated a business in Bridgeport.

After approving the sign as presented, the committee debated paint treatment for the roll-down doors and framing. Members agreed to a motion, moved by Speaker 2 and seconded by Speaker 5, that requires semi-gloss black paint for the roll-down doors, turquoise trim and a turquoise accent stripe across the bottom of the door skirting to visually break up large, solid panels. The committee also discussed using rustproof paint designed to adhere to metal and matching existing trim sheen so the finish can be maintained over time.

The committee noted the site-plan application to change the property’s use to retail remains on hold pending final approvals, and several members reminded the applicant that exterior work ordinarily must wait for the site-plan review. The meeting closed after committee members agreed there was no other business and voted to adjourn.