Commission approves plan sign program amendment to add upper‑level and canopy signs at Bridge Street Market

The Planning Commission approved an amendment to the plan sign program for 614 First Street on May 28, allowing an illuminated upper‑level wall sign and an additional canopy sign for a new financial tenant as part of the Bridge Street Market redevelopment.

Staff said the plan sign program was originally created when the PRD was established and that surrounding zone changes mean the requested signs now line up with current TCC standards. Mike Morrage, owner and managing partner, said the tenant—Makatawa Bank, under the WinTrust ownership—plans a mix of first‑floor community space and second‑floor office operations and that visibility on both levels matters. "The lease is contingent on an approved signage," Morrage told the commission.

Ally of Valley City Sign said the canopy signs proposed are non‑illuminated plate letters and the upper‑level sign will be illuminated; she said dimensions align with zone district allowances and with the style of adjacent building signage.

Commissioners supported the request as consistent with the building scale and wayfinding needs for a mixed‑use downtown block and approved the amendment with a condition requiring temporary occupancy permits for any sidewalk/street use during sign installation.

What's next

Applicant may proceed with sign fabrication and will obtain any required temporary occupancy permits for installation activity. Staff noted that standard sign permitting and inspections will follow the plan‑program approval.