HomeMy WebLinkAbout621 E capitol HDC17-024 sign staff report with minutesPage 1 of 7
DATE: December 11, 2017
APPLICANT: Karen A. Fetzer, Rotary Club of Little Rock
ADDRESS: 621 E Capitol Avenue
COA REQUEST: Sign
PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION:
The subject property is located at 621 E Capitol Avenue.
The property’s legal description is “Lot E100' OF Lots 11
& 12 and the N15’ of the E100’ of Lot 10, STEVENSONS
Block, Original City of Little Rock, Pulaski County,
Arkansas."
This building was built c 1978. The 2006 survey form
states: “brick veneer installed after original construction.
Iron bars on windows.” It is considered a "Non-
Contributing Structure" to the MacArthur Park Historic
District.
This application is for a modification to the Sign. The
current sign will have a printed metal plate affixed to both
sides of the sign.
PREVIOUS ACTIONS ON THIS SITE:
On October 10, 1986, a COA was approved and issued to
Howard Williams, Contracting and Licensing Board for the expansion of the existing structure for
office space and storage.
PROPOSAL AND WRITTEN ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION BASED OFF OF INTENT
AND GUIDELINES:
This application is to cover the existing text and graphics on both sides of the sign with a printed
metal sheet. The existing frame, logo, and lettering is raised about one-half inch. The metal
sheet will cover the entirety of the stucco finished area, including the frame. It will be a matte
finish 3mm thick sheet of metal. The “stucco” finish will be visible on the top of the sign and the
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334
Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax:(501) 399-3435
www.littlerock.gov
STAFF REPORT
ITEM NO. One.
Location of Project
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edge of the sign that faces Capitol Avenue. No changes are proposed to the brick or lighting of
the sign.
On page 63 of the Guidelines, it states that freestanding signs should be low, small, and
constructed of wood or a non-shiny finish. This matte finish on the metal would be in
conformance with the Guidelines. Nothing else on the sign will change. See excerpts of
Guidelines at the end of this report.
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there were no
comments regarding this application.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval with the following conditions:
1. Obtaining a sign permit.
COMMISSION ACTION: December 11, 2017
Brian Minyard, Staff, made a presentation to the Commission. It was noted that the QQA
advocacy group had asked for a copy of the application.
Karen Fetzer, Executive Director of Rotary Club of Little Rock, noted that with their 400
members, they are the largest and oldest civic institution in the city. They have started leasing
Existing sign looking west
Existing raised letters and frame on sign
Proposed sign graphics Contributing and Non-contributing map graphics
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space at 621 E Capitol Avenue and are the only occupants of the building.
Commissioner Jeremiah Russell asked how the new sign will be attached. Ms. Fetzer stated
she was not sure, but it would be permanent and not reversible. Chair Dick Kelley commented
on the raised border and a discussion followed on what size and where the sign was to be
attached. Mr. Minyard stated that he has spoken with the sign company and discussed the
raised letters on the existing sign. The quote does not say whether the sign will be glued,
screwed, or how it will be attached. The sign will be a sheet of metal that will cover the raised
border and the current lettering. Commissioner Russell asked that if it is permanent, why not
make something more permanent. Ms. Fetzer responded it was for cost reasons.
Patricia Blick, Executive Director of the Quapaw Quarter Association, stated that the QQA
managed Curran Hall and they are located next door. This plan was shared with the advocacy
committee and there was no objection and they would endorse it as submitted.
Vice Chair Ted Holder made a motion to approve as submitted and Commissioner Amber Jones
seconded. The motion passed with a vote of 4 ayes, 1 no (Russell), and 2 absent (Frederick
and Hodge).
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Application
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Cover Letter
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Excerpt of Guidelines
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Excerpt of Guidelines continued