Design Review Board approves second illuminated monument sign for Pointer School

The Florence City Design Review Board on Feb. 1 approved a certificate of appropriateness for a second internally illuminated monument sign and additional identification and directional signage at Pointer School, in the Arts & Culture Overlay District.

Staff told the board the request includes a second internally illuminated monument sign matching an existing sign at the corner of Palmetto and South Dargan, two non-illuminated wall identification signs and eight directional signs to mark parking lot entrances. Staff noted the school property is owned by Florence District 1 School District and is zoned Central Business District.

Kyle Jones, deputy superintendent for Florence 1 Schools, framed the request around the school’s reopening and community use: “If you were able to come out to [the] grand opening in December, it was a great event. Hundreds of people showed up and we now have students in the building,” Jones said, arguing an additional monument sign would enhance the downtown corridor.

Board members voiced support for a matching monument sign and the scale of the proposed package given the property’s size. One board member said the existing monument sign “looks fantastic” and moved to reapprove the certificate. The motion passed and staff was directed to issue the COA.

The approval allows the monument sign to be installed at the Pine Street corner in the same style as the existing sign and permits the non-illuminated wall signs and directional signs described in staff’s presentation. Any required administrative permits for channel letters or other façade work will follow the board’s action.