Planning commission approves six sign variances to restore Capitol Theater marquee at 718 South Main
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Summary
The Springfield Planning Commission approved six sign variances allowing an approximately 184‑square‑foot marquee and related projecting sign details at the historic Capitol Theater, citing historic preservation and downtown revitalization goals; the approval is subject to final sign‑permit review.
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Planning Commission voted to approve six variances to permit a reconstructed marquee and projecting sign for the Capitol Theater at 718 South Main, concluding staff had met the variance standards based on the building's historic character and downtown revitalization goals.
Michael Crowley, the applicant, said he bought the theater last year and proposed reconstructing an original‑style marquee installed circa 1939 with neon lighting and historic ornamentation. "We feel like this would be a great addition to, drive traffic locally and, be a good postcard, so to speak, for The City of St. George," Crowley told the commission. (Transcript note: applicant self‑identified as Michael Crowley.)
Planning staff detailed the six requested variances: approximately 275 square feet of total signage (where the permitted wall signage area is 75 square feet); a marquee sign of roughly 184 square feet (versus a 75‑square‑foot limit); a projecting sign of about 91 square feet (versus a 16‑square‑foot limit); allowances for internal illumination and external LED perimeter lighting that exceed current illumination limits; permission for the marquee and projecting sign to overhang the sidewalk/right‑of‑way (staff emphasized it would not impact the roadway); and allowance for permanently mounted LED marquee‑style bulbs to replicate historic lighting rather than temporary string lights.
Staff said the Capitol Theater is a unique historic entertainment resource in the community, that reconstruction of an accurate marquee is more expensive than installing code‑compliant alternatives, and that the proposal aligns with the City Of Springfield 2044 comprehensive plan's downtown revitalization priorities. Staff recommended approval of variances 1–6, subject to final sign‑permit review and compliance with building, electrical and safety codes.
A board member confirmed with the applicant that the proposed signage would be static LED‑lit elements rather than a digital display; the applicant replied the sign would be "static, I guess, would be the correct word." At least one commissioner emphasized the importance of explicitly articulating the property's uniqueness in the record if the variances were approved.
A motion to approve the six variances, made and seconded by commissioners, was adopted on roll call with affirmative votes recorded by members present. The approval was recorded with votes read in the affirmative and the motion carried. The approval is conditioned on final permit review and compliance with applicable construction and safety standards.
