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Historic District Commission approves Sens Commons storefront graphics, refers ground sign to appeals board
Summary
The commission approved new building and window signage for Sens Commons at 32652 Franklin Road but referred siting and setback approval for a proposed 24-by-60 ground sign to the sign board of appeals because of right-of-way concerns.
The Historic District Commission voted to approve new building and window signage for Sens Commons at 32652 Franklin Road during its Dec. 3 meeting, while deferring the proposed ground sign’s siting to the sign board of appeals.
Lisa McDonald, who identified herself as the property owner, told the commission she has consolidated branding across three addresses under the name “Sens Commons,” housing a studio, a cafe and event space she called the assembly. “We finally… pinned down our full new, concept to name of Sens Commons because we want it to be an overarching brand,” McDonald said, explaining that the application covers a new logo on the existing brick sign, vinyl window graphics for the cafe and a proposed ground sign at the entrance.
Commissioners discussed material choices and window coverage, with staff noting the ordinance allows up to 20% window graphics and that the proposed graphics reduce coverage compared with previous fitness-related signage. The commission voted to approve the building-mounted sign and the window vinyls subject to compliance with the Secretary of the Interior standard No. 9 for alterations; the motion was moved by a committee member and seconded by Jennifer Cook Riggin.
On the ground sign, staff raised a setback issue: the proposed sign would be near the right of way and may require a variance. Staff (addressed in the meeting as Mr. Dennon) told the commission that location and setback must be decided by the sign board of appeals, and the commission voted to approve the design with a formal recommendation that the board of appeals review and approve the exact siting and any required variance. Commissioners emphasized they did not want the project to remove parking to accommodate the sign.
McDonald also described recent utility upgrades necessary for exterior work, saying new service and a new meter were completed Nov. 15 and that some exterior painting would wait until spring.
The commission’s approval covers the building and window graphics; the 24-by-60 ground sign’s final placement and any variance requests will be considered by the sign board of appeals. The next procedural step is for McDonald to present the ground-sign siting and any variance request to that appeals board.
