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Commission signs off on Story Brew replacement sign and conditionally accepts Dr. Green’s mosaic proposal pending measurements
Summary
The commission approved a replacement storefront sign for Story Brew Coffee Cafe and conditionally accepted Dr. David Green’s tile/mosaic sign application for 550 Front Street, directing staff to confirm frontage measurements and noting that any mural or ordinance changes require city council approval.
The Natchitoches Historic District Commission approved a replacement sign for Story Brew Coffee Cafe and conditionally accepted a proposed tile/mosaic sign for a downtown storefront while directing staff to verify exact dimensions and to coordinate any ordinance changes with the city council.
Amber Martin, owner of Story Brew Coffee Cafe (780 Front Street, suite 104), presented a black-and-white sign with gold trim and confirmed the replacement uses the same dimensions as the existing sign. “It’s black and white with some gold trim,” Martin told commissioners; Mrs. Robinson moved to approve, Dr. Horton seconded, and the commission approved the replacement.
The meeting then turned to a longer presentation by Dr. David Green, who described plans to restore tile at 550 Front Street and offered two design options: a traditional/period style and a more elaborate mosaic. Dr. Green said crews removed damaged material and intend to reinstall tile to match historic character. Commissioners questioned whether a painted mural or an attached mosaic should be regulated as a sign or as a mural, how to calculate allowable square footage (lettering vs. full frontage) and whether two side‑oriented features would count together toward the allotment.
Staff (Shantrell) and the applicant agreed to measure the building frontage and provide exact side measurements so administrators can confirm whether the proposed mosaic and the hanging sign together fit the signage allotment. Mrs. Robinson moved to accept Dr. Green’s application as presented, with the condition that the printed wording and proportions be verified administratively; Dr. Horton seconded and the motion passed with one voiced opposition.
Commissioners also noted that changes to the mural or signage rules would require an ordinance and would need to go before the city council, a process the chair said could take a month or two before implementation. The commission asked staff to follow up with measured dimensions and to work with the signmaker on final proportions.
