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RECOMMENDATION The applicant is proposing once again to install a channel "shadow image" opaque lettered sign on the east elevation, top floor. The sign will be exactly the same as those proposed in an earlier application. It will contain 7" deep, back -lit, fabricated channel letters, spelling Old Kent. The sign 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 Commission originally tabled this issue for a month to allow the applicant time to design a more suitable sign or a better way of attaching the proposed sign. When this application came before the Commission a month later the applicant no longer wished to pursue a sign on the upper East elevation. The Commission denied the application. The staff received a new application from Old Kent again requesting the exact same sign they previously withdrew for the east elevation. Although the application is new the applicant has made no effort to alter the sign in any way nor have they found a better method of mounting the sign to the building. The Staff is recommending denial of application 2000-0414 for the following reasons: 1. It clearly violates the guidelines which specifically states that neon signs and super graphics are not allowed. 2. A landmark is not allowed to have more then one sign, unless original to the structure. 3. The proposed sign would be located on a highly decorated fagade of the structure and would block as well as possibly damage significant detail. 4. Installing a sign of this size would necessitate the boring of 28 holes, each 3/8" wide, in the side of the building. damaging and weakening the Indiana Limestone. 5. A sign at this location would detract from the buildings unique and outstanding gothic architecture. 2