Standards and Guidelines 2023-0607

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City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Guidelines 42 Commercial Standards: Awnings, Canopies, Marquees and Lighting Add a new awning, canopy or marquee to a façade that has not had one in the past • A new awning, canopy or marquee proposed for a building where no photographic or physical evidence exists should be designed based on others found in the District or on historic images of the District . • The new awning, canopy or marquee should match to the extent possible the design, shape and coverings evidenced in the historic image(s). • New designs should not cover up elements of the building that give it its architectural character . • The new awning, canopy or marquee’s installation should be specified in such a way as not to require removal or damage to original materials . Remove and not replace an historic awning, canopy, or marquee (See also Signage section if new sign is proposed in place of the existing awning, canopy, or marquee). • Original historic awnings, canopies and marquees should remain . • If a historic element is deteriorated beyond repair and must be removed with no plans for replacement, the original hardware should be stored on site for future reference or use . • If storage is infeasible due to space limitations, photographs and measurements should be taken to document the element and provided for the Commission’s file. Adding new or upgrading marquee lights • Marquees with traditional chaser lights can be re-lamped with new LED lights of a similar candle power as original . • Backlighting for marquee sign boards should be no more than 750 nits. Add exterior façade lighting to the building • Utilize LED Lighting on primary facades to accentuate historic features . • Exterior lights should be LED and 3000 KV or less. • Mount lighting in a manner that does not require removal or damage to original materials that give the building its character . • Utilize the smallest light head available mounted in the most inconspicuous manner possible . The following is not recommended and generally not approved by the Commission: • Portable back lit sign boards—converted for permanent installation • Back lit vinyl traditional design or barrel vault awnings • Sodium vapor lighting • Covering over the decorative transom glass above a storefront • High wattage electronic message boards or signs Return to the Table of Contents Administratively Approvable Repair of historic exterior lighting and removal of non-historic lighting. Administratively Approvable Re-lamping existing marquees’ chaser lights and sign board back-lights with similar candle LEDs. Repair or restoration of damaged marquee elements with the same or similar material. Heads Up It is likely that other permits or variances are required from the City for projects in this section . For more information go here .