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Commission approves Ghirardelli Square exterior changes despite neighbors’ lighting concerns
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission approved exterior alterations at 920 North Pointe (Ghirardelli Square) — including a visible exhaust duct and an illuminated blade sign — with staff conditions; neighbors objected to sign illumination and asked for restricted hours.
The Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to approve exterior alterations at the Chocolate Building in Ghirardelli Square, permitting a visible exhaust duct on the north wall, a modified Polk Street vestibule with a new entrance and illuminated blade sign, and pendant globe lights along the Polk Street facade.
Planning staff told the commission the work conforms to Article 10 and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and will not remove character‑defining materials. Staff recommended approval with one condition: salvaged historic brick removed to accommodate new ducts must be stored on‑site for future repairs. Staff also reported receiving 13 letters of opposition, mainly objecting to the proposed illuminated blade sign’s size and brightness.
Claire Dowling, on‑site manager for Fontana East Department Corporation, told commissioners she objected specifically to the sign lighting because it could shine into nearby residential units and affect property values; she said she had no objection to vents, the vestibule, or the sign size. Dave Hardy, representing Jamestown (project sponsor), said the sign’s illumination would be comparable to local street lamps and said the owner would consider limiting illumination hours to satisfy neighbors; he noted the Square’s operating hours extend to about 2 a.m. and proposed turning the sign off after 2 a.m.
Commissioners asked staff about sign‑lighting curfews and relevant code restrictions; staff said planning code limits for signs address flashing or changing displays but do not set hours for illumination. Commissioners discussed possible conditions. Ultimately the commission approved the project with the staff‑recommended conditions and recorded a unanimous 6–0 vote. The approval was limited to the Certificate of Appropriateness and the preservation conditions in the staff motion; any enforcement or operational disputes would need to be addressed through the department or subsequent permits.
