Albemarle ARB approves revised Riverside Center sign plan with one recusal

Margaret, a county staff member, told the Architecture Review Board that the Riverside Center applicant is seeking to update the development's 1999 comprehensive sign plan to allow panel signs in addition to channel letters, permit up to three letter colors per sign, and use anodized or brushed-aluminum panel backgrounds to maintain coordination along the entrance corridor.

The board cited changes to building materials and visibility since the center's original approval and moved to adopt staff's recommended criteria. "An approved comprehensive sign plan for this development would include both Buildings 2325 and 2335," Margaret said, summarizing staff's position that channel letters remain appropriate in brick sign bands while panel signs are acceptable on entrance features and the southern wing of Building 2325.

Board members generally supported the staff recommendations. Tara asked for confirmation that any approved changes would apply to future users under the comprehensive plan; Margaret confirmed they would. Several members said limiting panel background finishes to anodized or brushed aluminum, and restricting letter colors to the three shown in the submittal (white, blue and orange) would help keep the center visually coordinated.

Dave moved to approve the revised comprehensive sign plan as outlined in the staff report; the motion was seconded. The board recorded votes with Mister Stoner, Mister Matsuno, Mister Henningsen and Mister Vanderworth voting Aye and Mister Hancock recusing. The motion passed.

The board did not place additional conditions on the plan and staff said they would include the adopted criteria in detailed minutes and the next submittal package.