January 2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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RECOMMENDATION The owner is proposing to install two sets of reverse, channel "shadow image" opaque lettered signs on the north or Washington Street facade and the west or Lafayette Street fagade to be located at the top most level. The signs will contain 7" deep, back -lit, fabricated channel letters spelling Old Kent. The signs will be illuminated by 12mm Ruby Red neon tubing powered by a France Transformer to be housed behind the wall. The letters will be mounted to the wall with 2" standoffs. The entire sign would be 324.00" wide and 38.70" tall. The proposed signs would not only detract from the historical fabric of the building they would also hide or possibly destroy significant architectural detail located along the top level of the Washington Street fagade. The guidelines clearly state that neon signs are not permissible and that each landmarked business is only allowed to have one, appropriate, business sign. The Commission Staff has already surpassed this regulation by approving the replacement of three pre-existing first story, square Standard Federal Signs with Old Kent signs, thus, exceeding the businesses sign limit. The Staff finds the proposed signs be in violation of the guidelines and an attack on the buildings historical character and integrity and thus recommends denial of this application.