Historic District Commission approves SensCommons building and window signage, refers ground sign to appeals board

The Historic District Commission on Dec. 3 approved new façade and window graphics for SensCommons at 32652 Franklin Road, but commissioners said the property’s proposed 24-by-60 ground sign will need sign-board approval because it likely violates setback rules.

Lisa McDonald, the property owner and applicant, told the commission the project is a rebrand under the SensCommons name encompassing a studio, a cafe and community events "the assembly." "So that is our vision for the naming and the rebranding and the signage," McDonald said, describing hours and a plan for light fare by day and wine service on Thursday through Saturday evenings.

Staff raised a separate, technical setback issue for the proposed ground sign. "I haven't written you your letter of denial, but I just got the setback information today," the staff member present said, noting the sign as proposed would be within the required front-right-of-way setback and would need a variance before installation. Commissioners distinguished the aesthetic review of the building and window signs from the regulatory setback question and carried two related motions: one approving the building-mounted sign, projected sign and window vinyl as submitted and subject to the Secretary of the Interior Standard No. 9 for alterations; and a second motion approving the ground sign as presented while recommending that the sign board of appeals approve the proposed location.

Commissioner Alex Stakeen moved to approve the building and window components; Jennifer Cook Ragan seconded. The motions carried. The commission’s approval of the ground sign is conditioned on the sign board of appeals’ determination about setbacks and any necessary variance.

McDonald said utility upgrades completed in mid-November cleared a major hurdle for the project and that exterior work such as painting will wait until spring. The commission noted applicants should expect to present to the sign board of appeals for the ground sign and encouraged coordination to minimize loss of parking and to preserve visibility and pedestrian access.

Next steps: the applicant will pursue sign-board approval for the ground sign and may return with revised siting or a variance request; building and window signage may proceed under the commission’s approval and the Secretary of the Interior Standard No. 9 condition.