The Town of Concord Historic Districts Commission on Oct. 30 approved a flush-mounted replacement sign for a tenant at 45 Walden Street.

Harris Footer, office manager for the new tenant representing Andre Burkert's Design, described a black sign with white lettering and a red graphic fabricated by a Southborough vendor. Footer said the proposed sign matches the size and placement of three existing signs on that storefront and that the fabricator uses a molded material with vinyl lettering rather than wood or PVC. “This looks very crisp from the street,” Footer said, adding the material requires less maintenance than wood.

Chair Tim Whitney and staff noted the commission’s preference for carved or relieved wood when feasible, but Anne (staff) confirmed prior approvals on the building show a mix of materials and that the proposed sign sits in proportion to neighboring signage. Commissioner Walter Clay asked whether wood had been considered; Footer said the vendor did not make wood signs and that the proposed material would be more durable.

Commissioner Walter Clay made the motion to approve the application; Luis Baldarela seconded. The vote was unanimous in favor.

The commission’s approval covers the sign as shown in the submitted drawings and photographs. The applicant said the sign will be mounted flush to the facade with Z-bars and vinyl letters adhered to the surface. The commission encouraged the applicant and staff to continue recommending wood where appropriate in future projects, while recognizing maintenance and vendor availability can affect material choice.