Tenants told to work with building owner and staff to meet Franklin signage guidelines at 432/434 Main Street

Tenants representing Awaken Apothecary (432) and Sanctuary (434) told the Design Review Committee they had installed window decals and sought retroactive approval for two window logos and sandwich-board signs. Ian Bristow, speaking for the tenants, said the vinyl graphics are currently applied to the exterior of the glass and that they have been negotiating with the building owner to remove awnings.

Staff advised the committee the design guidelines allow three signs per tenant space and that, because the building currently has awning signs, the applicants may exceed that number only with committee approval. Staff also told applicants to supply exact glass-sheet dimensions because window-sign coverage is measured as a single bounding box around all applied graphics; the acknowledged guideline limit is 15% of the glass surface.

Commissioners and staff raised material concerns about a metal frame and a sandwich-board colorway that appear outside the materials/color guidance and encouraged the tenants to work with the building owner to remove or cover awnings so their signage package could meet the guidelines and be administratively approved. If awnings remain, staff warned the applicants they should provide precise sizes and a strong case if they seek a fourth sign.

Next steps: tenants will provide window dimensions and materials, discuss awning removal with the building owner, and work with staff on administrative approval or prepare to return with clarified dimensions and justification.