Landmarks panel approves Register Building updates — large mural, signs and accessibility changes cleared

The Sandusky Landmark Commission on March 19 approved a multi‑part exterior change for the Register Building at 314 West Market that includes a large mural, two halo‑lit signs, a replacement entry door and an ADA ramp.

Planner Erin presented the application and staff recommendation to grant a certificate of appropriateness for the West Market Street elevation only. Erin said the mural would cover three modern warehouse walls, total about 2,700 square feet and rise roughly 20 feet. The mural is proposed on a secondary, non‑historic elevation; staff said local guidelines encourage murals on secondary facades with minimal architectural detailing. The public arts and culture commission approved a $5,000 artist grant contingent on the landmarks commission approval, Erin said.

Erin described two halo‑lit signs — a blade/marquee at the corner to increase visibility from Columbus Avenue and a wall sign above the double doors for the tenant calling itself the 'emporium.' Staff said the sign design, illumination and proportions are appropriate to the historic architecture but flagged that, because the mural faces Market Street, the Board of Zoning Appeals must consider a size variance under the sign code. Erin noted the blade sign’s bottom aligns with the top of the ground‑floor arches and its top aligns near third‑floor window sills; the building’s historic register lettering will remain in place.

Other work in the package included a metal‑framed glass entry door the staff described as an appropriate replacement and a concrete ADA ramp with a simple black railing. Erin recommended approval of all four components with standard conditions that required all applicable permits be obtained and that the applicant maintain the mural (cleaning, touch‑ups and graffiti removal) and secure any needed variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Applicant Mimi Chikotel spoke during public comment and described plans for an "emporium" marketplace inside the Register Building with artist tables, a tattoo studio, a small winter farmers’ market and space for up to four food trucks; she said table fees would be approximately $15–$20 per day to encourage low‑cost vendor access and downtown activity.

A commissioner moved to accept staff’s recommendation, the motion was seconded, a roll call was conducted by Quinn and the chair announced the certificate of appropriateness was approved. The applicant and staff were advised that final permits are still required and that the Board of Zoning Appeals will consider any variance for sign/mural size.

The Board of Zoning Appeals hearing on the size variance was noted on the staff slide as March 27 at 3 p.m.; that variance remains a separate approval step.