Board approves modified window and exterior paint for downtown restaurant after signage debate

The Winchester City Board of Architectural Review on Dec. 18 approved a modified certificate of appropriateness that permits a single‑pane picture window and repainting of the stucco at 229 South Loudoun Street, a downtown commercial building, after discussion about signage and façade consistency.

The board and staff debated whether the building—whose façade was altered in the 1990s and is treated as a non‑contributing structure—should be held to the same window standards as older, contributing buildings. Planning staff told the board the applicant proposed removing a 16‑light muntined window and installing a single picture pane "without the muntins in that location," and showed images of the existing façade.

Matthew Loco, the business owner who identified himself as representing Tiny Touch Winchester, said he bought the restaurant in 2024 and wants clearer street‑visible signage to attract more dine‑in customers. "I just really wanna get some signage that could be seen from the street," Loco said, explaining he chose the circled window because it sits in a foyer area that would not block existing booths.

Board members and staff emphasized the difference between interior‑mounted signage (which zoning typically regulates) and externally mounted or structural lit signage (which would fall under historic‑district rules). Staff advised that an internally mounted, backlit sign behind glass is generally acceptable to zoning but a mounted exterior lit sign would be subject to historic‑district restrictions.

To preserve the building’s visual balance, members proposed compromises: making the lower half clear while retaining upper muntins, or matching the left window to the right window to maintain paired bays along the front. The applicant said replacing all windows would be costly but agreed matching the adjacent window was acceptable.

A committee member moved for a modified approval to paint the stucco the presented red and to allow the discussed window modification; the motion was seconded and the board voted in the affirmative. The modified certificate permits the repainting and the window change as negotiated.

The board’s decision leaves enforcement of signage size and placement to zoning rules when signage fills a window; staff said the city will clarify whether proposed lit signage would be an interior‑mounted sign or a structural element requiring separate approval. The applicant indicated he will work with staff on a compliant signage approach.