HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC2011-0032 From River Market Design Review Committee For Request a Proposal 07/12/2011River Frank Porbeck, Chairman
Market Larry Jacimore, Vice -Chairman
Design Terry Burruss, Member
Review Presley Melton, Member
Jim Rice, Member
Committee
Planning and Development ■ 723 W. Markham • Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 • 501-371-4790 • fax 501-399-3435
July 12, 2011
ITEM NO.: 2
Name: 4Square Cafe & Gifts
Location: 405 President Clinton Avenue
Request: Signage
Source: Sanjeev Jain, 4Square Cafe & Gifts
PROPOSAL 1 REQUEST:
The proposal is for Signage at the 4Square Cafe & Gifts. This application is the result of an
enforcement action. The signage is a s follows: one large sign with text "4Square Caf6 & Gifts"
at 17.5 square feet in the western large window; one small sign of 1 square feet with the text
"4Square" with logo on the door; and a sandwich board. The four signs in the eastern most
window are informational signs as well as the banner information signs that is at the top of the
eastern and the western large windows.
Sec.36-353. Signs.
(a) Signs in general.
(1) Location.
a. Signs shall not hide significant architectural detail or features of a building.
b. Signs shall not visually clutter nor interfere with views of the building.
c. Wall signs shall be confined to the flat surface of the building and shall not
project more than five (5) inches from the building facade.
d. Signs shall not be painted directly on the face of a building.
e. Awning valences are appropriate locations for signage.
f. Freestanding signage is prohibited.
g. Signs shall be adequately spaced from other signs.
h. All signs must face public street right-of-way except those permitted on
facades facing the Arkansas River.
(2) Appearance.
a. Signs shall be compatible with the architecture of the building on which it is
located.
b. Design of signs shall capitalize on the special character of the District.
c. Window signs shall not cover more than twenty-five (25) percent of each
glass panel.
d. Awning signs shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet per awning.
e. Neon illumination is permitted.
f. Internally illuminated signs are prohibited.
g. In accordance with federal law, businesses with registered trademarks are
allowed to display the mark in signage which otherwise complies with City sign
regulations.
h. Advertising copy on signs is prohibited.
provisions regulating the development of land. In case of conflicting standards between
this division and other city ordinances, the overlay requirements shall control.
Therefore, if the RM DOD does not address it specifically, it reverts to the base zoning of the
area. The River Market DOD does not specifically address incidental signage and the
committee has not regulated those in the past.
The River Market is zoned UU, Urban Use. Section 36-342.1(c) (11) Signs. states that "Off
premises, pole and monument signs are not allowed: otherwise, permitted signs shall be as in
section 36-553, signs permitted in institutional and office zoned, of this chapter. "
Section 36-557 Special Provisions for on -premise signs and other sale promotion devices (e)
states: "Within the institutional and office, commercial and industrial districts, each premises
may utilize incidental signs not to exceed twenty (20) square feet in aggregate sign area per
occupancy. "
This means that in addition to the three signs that advertise the name of the business (Joe's
BBQ), there can be a total of twenty square feet of incidental (informational) signs that advertise
products to sell (Sandwiches, Plate lunches, To Go menu, Beer). This can become a visual
clutter issue as referenced in Section 36-351, something that the RM DOD strives to prevent.
The River Market Design Review Committee cannot grant variances to the municipal code.
Those variances are granted by the Board of Adjustment. The RM DRC does approve artwork
of signs that conform to the code and make recommendations to the Board of Adjustment on
those that do require a variance.
The easternmost large window has a coverage of 17 square feet of incidental signage. The
western large window has 7.5 square feet of incidental signage. The sidelights at the front door
are covered with flyers and has a second "sandwich board" sign posted by the door with
measurements of XXXX x XXX. This is a minimum of 24.5 square feet of incidental signs on
the two large windows and an additional XXX with the second sandwich board sign.
Section 36-557 states that there can be a maximum of 20 square feet of incidental signage per
occupancy. Removing the second "sandwich board sign" and 5 square feet of incidental sign
would put the applicant in conformance.
Electronic signage that has motion and is internally illuminated is prohibited in the district. At
one time, an electronic message board sign was being used in the western large window. That
has been removed.
Applicant will be responsible for obtaining a sign permit for each sign and a franchise for the
sandwich board.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the large sign with text "4Square Cafe & Gifts" in the western
large window and the one small sign of 1 square feet on the door. Staff also supports a
maximum of 20 square feet of incidental signs.
Staff does not recommend approval of the either sandwich board. Modifications could be made
to the sandwich board in the paver strip to make it in conformance with the ordinance.
� r
Large sign
The sandwich board is roughly 26 x 42
including handle. It is wholly made of
plastic with paper that has been taped on
the sides of the sandwich board. It does
not have a wooden or simulated wooden
frame that encases and supports the
message area. Molded plastic or metal
construction is prohibited unless encased
in wood or simulated wood trim. It is not in
a tidy and clean condition as required in
the ordinance. Signs shall be stable and
weighted to resist overturning due to wind
or accidental pedestrian contact. All
individually changeable letters, tacking of
flyers or loose leaf pages, and poster
boards on signs are prohibited.
This sandwich board complies only with the
size requirements of the ordinance and the
location. All other aspects of the sign
would require a variance of the ordinance.
Sign on door with second "sandwich board sign" to
right of door.
Visual Clutter:
Part of the duties of the River Market Design Overlay District (RM DOD) is to regulates signs in
the district, particularly, those signs that advertise the name of the particular business - for
example: "Joe's BBQ". The RM DOD has not previously regulated incidental signage,
sometimes referred to as informational signage. For example, signs at Joe's BBQ that would
advertise "Sandwiches, Plate Lunches, To Go Menu, Beer".
The RM DOD states that Sec. 36-352. Application of district regulations.
(a) The regulations of this chapter shall be in addition to and shall overlay all other
zoning districts and other requirements regulating the development of land so that any
parcel of land lying in the overlay district shall also lie within one or more of the other
underlying zoning districts. Therefore, all property within this overlay district shall have
requirements of both the underlying and overlay zoning districts in addition to any other
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13
November 21, 2011
Department of Planning and Development
Little Rock Historic District Commission
- 723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
RE — Rainwater Building Renovation- Proposed changes amended
Little Rock Historic District Commission:
The cover letter submitted November 14`h outlined the proposed changes to the exterior
of the building, after further review we ask that the commission accept the following as
clarification and an amendment on the proposed changes to the exterior of the building:
1. Windows
The outline dated November 14`h discussed the proposed changes to the windows and
the potential replacement of certain windows believed to be beyond repair. It is our
determination that these windows can be rebuilt to retain almost all of the existing
window parts and avoid replacing the window. Approximately five windows on the
south and east facades have deteriorated rails, stiles or sills. The deterioration is
mainly at the horizontal surfaces and joints where water collected, however they are
structurally sound. Only the deteriorated parts will be replaced with new matching
pieces and joined to the existing members.
2. Guardrails
To meet code requirements the earlier outline discussed providing a new wide
opening metal mesh added along the main body of the rails and guardrail added above
the existing top rail. The metal mesh will consist of small horizontal and vertical wire
mesh mounted in a thin metal frame with the new guardrail as part of the metal frame.
The mesh and frame with the added guardrail will be an independent panel and be
attached from the back side of the existing rail with mechanical fasteners and can be
removed in the future. The finish will match that of the existing railing.
If Code officials do NOT require modification then rails will be cleaned and painted
as required.
Downspouts
The existing gutters and downspouts are in a various state of deterioration with some
areas of water damage to the eaves and fascia. The Existing gutters are a 6" box style
commercial gutter with 40 residential downspouts. The gutters and downspout will
be replaced with style gutters and 4" round prefinished metal downspouts
with a dark bronze metallic finish. The gutter location with be installed at the same
location on the roof fascia. The Downspout locations will match the existing
downspout locations.
4. Awning at South Entry
The awning will be an aluminum frame with a solid color exterior grade fabric
material. The shape will be a shed roof style awning with closed sides and 6" straight
valance, no scallops. The awning size will be 5' wide by 3' in depth and 2'-6" height.
5. Mechanical Condenser Units
The outline dated November 14`h proposed the exterior condenser units be located on
the roof of the addition on the rear of building. Understanding the sight concerns, we
propose to locate the condenser units at the ground level where the existing units
where located and has an existing concrete pad. The existing pad is not large enough
for all twelve units so the pad will be added onto to fit all condenser units. The
existing shrubs used for screening will be relocated west closer to the parking lot to
make room for the additional condenser units and will continue to provide screening.
6. Satelite Dishes
No satellite dishes will be installed.
7. Si�nage
An existing wood sign is located to the east of the vehicular gate and is not an
historical feature. A new wood sign will be installed at the same location as the
existing and will measure approximately 3' by 2' and mounted on a treated 4" post
with a height not to exceed the existing sign. All wood will be painted.
8. Security bars
The ground level security bars will be removed.
9. Li htin
All exterior lighting on the front fagade will remain. A new outdoor wall mounted
fixture will be installed at the south entry adjacent to the door. Made by Progress
Lighting, Arts and Crafts style, model P5633-46STR, weathered bronze finish, 6-5/8"
width by 10-1/2" height.
We look forward to discussing this exciting project with you in the near future.
Regards,
Daniel K. Fowler, AIA
Chief Operating Officer
CC: Chris Moses, Applicant
3I,