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Planning commission approves six sign variances to restore historic marquee at 718 South Main
Summary
The Springfield Planning Commission approved six variances for the Capitol Theatre at 718 South Main to reconstruct a historic marquee and project a period-style sign, allowing increased signage area, illumination features and partial sidewalk overhangs to support downtown revitalization.
The Springfield Planning Commission voted to approve six sign variances for the redevelopment of the historic Capitol Theatre at 718 South Main Street, permitting a reconstructed marquee and a projecting sign designed to replicate the theater’s original historic features.
Planning staff described the package of variances requested to restore the building’s historic signage: about 275 square feet of total signage (exceeding the 75-square-foot limit), a marquee of approximately 184 square feet (vs. permitted 75), a projecting sign of roughly 91 square feet (vs. permitted 16), allowances for internal illumination and external LED perimeter lighting, permission for the signs to extend into the sidewalk right-of-way (without roadway impact), and permanently mounted LED marquee-style bulbs that mirror historic lighting. "Based on the findings in the staff report, staff recommends approval of variances 1 through 6, subject to final sign permit review, and compliance with all applicable construction and safety standards," staff said.
Applicant Michael Crawler told the commission he and partners purchased the theater and want to "bring back, what we believe from pictures to be the original version of the Marquee that was installed back in, I think it was 1939," arguing the restored marquee would support downtown revitalization, draw local traffic and act as a visual landmark for Main Street.
Commissioners discussed the justification for granting variances, with one member urging clear articulation of the building’s unique historic qualities before approving dimensional relief. Staff said the original marquee had been condemned and removed prior to current ownership, that reconstruction is costlier than installing code-compliant alternatives, and that the proposed design is historically appropriate and engineered to meet building and safety codes.
A motion to approve all six variances carried on a 4–0 roll call after a commissioner moved and a second was recorded. The approvals are subject to final sign-permit review and compliance with building and electrical codes; the staff presentation noted the project aligns with the City Of Springfield 2044 comprehensive plan’s downtown revitalization priorities.
The commission did not take additional action on other business at the meeting and adjourned.
