Design Review Board

Level 1: Sign

4-A-20-DT

This proposal is to add neon illumination to the existing Kilwin's projecting sign which was approved by the Board in 2017 (12-A-20-DT). The neon will outline the burgundy, diamond-shaped sign background and the ice cream cone. The total area of the sign, including the outside edge of the neon and the grey background, is approximately 15.5 sqft. The existing lamps for the external illumination will be removed. Except for the addition of the neon illumination, the sign will not be modified.


Location
408 S. Gay St.

Applicant Request
This proposal is to add neon illumination to the existing Kilwin's projecting sign which was approved by the Board in 2017 (12-A-20-DT). The neon will outline the burgundy, diamond-shaped sign background and the ice cream cone. The total area of the sign, including the outside edge of the neon and the grey background, is approximately 15.5 sqft. The existing lamps for the external illumination will be removed. Except for the addition of the neon illumination, the sign will not be modified.

Staff Comments
This building is located within the Gay Street Commercial (National Register) Historic District so the Historic Resources section of the guidelines is applicable. The guidelines recommend that signs not be internally illuminated, however, the board has approved limited internal illumination and neon illumination on a case-by-case basis. The 400 block of Gay Street where this business is located has several signs illuminated with neon that are larger.

Applicable guidelines:

SECTION 1.C.7. (RECOMMENDED SIGNS)
Commercial establishments need to advertise. However, advertising signs should be effective and appropriate to historic areas without contributing to visual clutter. Primary concerns are a sign's location, size, material, and illumination.
GUIDELINES
7c. Do not light signs internally.

Case History