Prescott Preservation Commission approves signage for AC Hotel after debate over projection and lighting

On May 8, 2026, the Prescott Preservation Commission voted 6-1 to approve HP26-004, a signage package for the new AC Hotel at 2011 South Cortez Street that includes two channel-letter signs, a projecting blade sign and an entrance plaque.

Community planner Jacob Lun summarized the proposal for the commission, saying the package includes two channel-letter signs of roughly 19.5 square feet each, a double-faced illuminated blade sign of about 56.5 square feet and a non-illuminated entrance plaque of about 3.88 square feet, for a total of roughly 99.42 square feet of signage. Lun said that per the land development code the building’s total allowable signage is about 204 square feet and that 3000K white LED fixtures are proposed for illumination to meet dark-sky guidance. "The proposed signs are minimalist in design, complement the modern building and do not distract from the historic architecture of the district," Lun said, citing a third-party review by Broadbent.

Commissioners raised two primary concerns. Several members questioned the blade sign’s projection from the building. The applicant described the blade as projecting about 3.5 feet and said it falls under the LDC’s four-foot projection allowance and will require a right-of-way permit. Commissioner Jim Macarver cited language in the preservation master plan that he understood to limit perpendicular signs to a 30-inch projection and asked whether the master-plan guidance or the LDC controls. Staff advised that where the ordinance incorporates master-plan elements those provisions can control, but that some older signs remain legal nonconforming; staff said the applicant’s analysis relied on the LDC and the third-party review when recommending approval.

Commissioners also asked about illumination intensity and glare separate from color temperature. Lun noted the LDC does not explicitly ban LEDs but staff enforces dark-sky compliance by requiring LED fixtures of 3000K or less and limiting glare and light trespass at permitting and inspection. The applicant said the LED approach was chosen for durability and lower maintenance compared with neon-style lighting.

After discussion, a motion to approve HP26-004 passed on a 6-1 vote. The transcript does not record the motion’s mover or seconder by name. Staff said the approval advances the design-review step; the applicant must still obtain appropriate permits, including any right-of-way encroachment permit, at which time staff will review intensity, shielding and compliance with glare and trespass standards.

Authorities and next steps cited during the review included Prescott ordinance 3744 (adopted April 14, 1998) and its amendment by ordinance 4119 (June 26, 2001), the city land development code provisions for downtown business signage, and guidance from the Secretary of the Interior Standards that staff uses when local guidelines lack specificity.

The commission’s approval means the applicant may proceed to the permitting stage where staff will confirm compliance with lighting, projection and right-of-way rules. The commission adjourned after staff announcements about upcoming trainings.