HomeMy WebLinkAboutJ_ ProjectJustificationVariance Request Justification
Current rules for signage do not allow property owner to re-establish the historical blade sign location.
A variance is required so as not adversely affect the properties ability to restore the historical sign
location allowing the building to identify itself.
The variance will not be materially detrimental to the welfare of the public and will not create the
potential for the injury as it sits high above the pedestrian right away. The new sign will be located in
the same location as the former sign but still smaller in scale (See attached drawings) . A original sign
picture has also been included for reference.
Repurposing buildings are necessary as former uses do not meet the needs of its residents such as this
JC Penney which sat vacant and underutilized for many years as big box stores left Downtown Markets
and went to large shopping centers and malls. The name of the building provides a gesture or
significance and a reminder of heritage and history that serves as a reminder to its past, a “historical
nod” one could say. The variance is not a special privilege to this building but rather honoring its
historical significance. To not allow the variance is too take away a privilege the building already once
had. Historical preservation benefits the community.
The new design of the blade sign gives a modern but historically retro sign at the former location it once
resided. The aesthetics are designed to be artful and contemporary and pleasing to the community. The
variance should serve as an example of what can be done in Historical Preservation.