Plan Commission backs signage changes, wayfinding improvements for Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center

The Carmel Plan Commission recommended approval of location-and-design changes and variances to the signage program for Ascension Saint Vincent Heart Center at 10580 North Meridian Street.

Erin Marr of BSA Design said the project proposes roughly 10 new signs and replacements for 9 existing signs, including three monument/ground signs and additional wall and directional signage to improve wayfinding for patients and emergency responders. Marr said better signage is intended to guide patients and families to the main entry or emergency department, and requested variances where some signs would exceed the standard height and square-foot allowances.

Alexia Lopez from the Planning and Zoning Office told the commission staff supports the shorter ground sign option (6 feet, 1 inch tall rather than the taller option), recommended that wall signs be face-lit channel letters rather than cabinet-style signs, and asked the petitioner to refresh on-site landscaping to match the approved plan. A committee member moved to approve the signage subject to final project documents, staff comments, and obtaining the required variances; the motion was seconded and the chair called the vote and announced the motion passed. Commissioners noted that most roundabout and ground signs are on private property, not city right-of-way, and that a subset of directional signs as proposed will be lit to assist wayfinding.

Quote: Erin Marr said, "Right now, guests have a difficult time wayfinding once they're on the site, either to the main entry or to the emergency department." The commission conditioned approval on final project documentation and the petitioner obtaining the variances.