Historic Lancaster Commission approves six downtown storefront and signage applications

The Historic Lancaster Commission unanimously approved six storefront and signage applications at its Feb. 19 meeting, clearing changes for downtown business façades while noting some items that will require separate zoning approvals.

The commission approved applications for 302 N. Columbus St., 110 E. Main St., 117 S. Columbus St., 136 W. Mulberry St., 207 S. Broad St. and 314 N. Columbus St. during the meeting at City Hall, 104 E. Main St. Chair Bryan Everitt opened the meeting at 2:00 p.m.; the session adjourned at 2:31 p.m.

Why it matters: The approvals allow new and remodeled storefronts that affect the historic district’s street appearance and business identity. Commissioners emphasized adherence to the commission’s guidelines and noted that some features — notably an internally illuminated sign and a barber pole — may trigger review by the Board of Zoning Appeals or require a separate application.

What the commission approved

- 302 N. Columbus St. (CA-00516): Applicant Cassie Draper, who said she recently moved her business, requested a window‑cling sign and a painted front door in purple. Commission member Jason Annecy moved to approve the application as submitted; Commission member Joyce Harvey seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

- 110 E. Main St. (CA-00518): The applicant was not present. Chair Bryan Everitt explained the commission may approve an application when an applicant is absent if sufficient information is provided. Amanda Everitt confirmed work had already been completed and tenants were informed to submit an application. The commission approved the proposed blade sign and flush‑mounted sign as submitted.

- 117 S. Columbus St. (CA-00519): Applicant Rebecca Axe said she is opening a sweets and coffee shop called Sweet Betty and requested a window cling with the shop name and logo. The commission approved the application unanimously.

- 136 W. Mulberry St. (CA-00520): The applicant was not present; staff member Andrew Lundell presented a new rendering showing a blade sign on a front column and a flat mount sign at the rear. Lundell noted a free‑standing sign would require a Board of Zoning Appeals application. The commission approved the proposed blade and flat‑mount signs.

- 207 S. Broad St. (CA-00521): Applicant Charlie Mansfield said the project will install windows on the first and second floors, use chestnut bronze window frames and install Hardie board siding around the windows to match the frames; the brick will not be painted. The commission approved the application as submitted.

- 314 N. Columbus St. (CA-00522): Applicants identified at the meeting as Michael, Kenneth Burcham and Justin Bowman said they plan to open a barbershop and requested approval for signage, color and lighting. They said the sign will use floating, internally illuminated individual letters; the applicants plan to seek a Board of Zoning Appeals variance for logo size. Chair Bryan Everitt noted the commission’s guidelines prohibit internally illuminated signage; Mitch Harden pointed out the commission has approved backlit signs in the past (for example, the Glass Museum). The applicants also said they would like to add a barber pole but acknowledged the pole was not on the submitted application and would require a separate application. The commission approved the signage as submitted, allowing either a sign that reads "Sycamore Barbershop" if the BZA variance is granted or simply "Sycamore" if it is not.

Process and next steps: All motions were moved and seconded by commission members and carried unanimously. Where applicants were absent, staff or other attendees confirmed details and the commission proceeded with approval based on submitted materials and staff review. For items that may require additional approvals (BZA variances or separate applications for elements such as a barber pole), applicants were instructed to pursue those processes separately.

Administrative notes: There were no communications, no residents addressed the commission at this meeting, and no administrative approvals or old business were recorded. Staff reported the owner of 131 N. High St. plans to apply in March to resolve fencing and shed compliance issues. The commission announced its next regular meeting for March 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

The meeting minutes were submitted by Shannon Seesholtz.