A revised sign package has been submitted by the applicant that shows an overall reduction in the square footage of signage. The proposed signs (listed in the following

2 chart) exceed the allowable size permitted by the Sign Regulations and will require approval of a sign modification. The wall signs are constructed of silver/nickel channel letters and are halo- illuminated.

Location/ Facade Type Permitted signage Size (5/2) Difference (5/2) Size (6/6) Difference (6/6) Carondelet Ave.-Front Wall & Front Entrance Stone Plinths Wall Sign, Wall Plaques (2) 25 sf (total for façade) 77.3 sf (wall sign), 4 sf (wall plaques) +56.3 sf (225%) 32.5 sf (wall sign), 4 sf (wall plaques) +11.4 sf (46%) Front door- Carondelet Ave. Decal 3 sf 4.59 sf +1.59 sf (53%) 4.59 sf +1.59 sf (53%) Front Wall- Hanley Rd. Wall Sign 25 sf 98 sf +73 sf (292%) 44.88 sf +19.88 sf (79%) Parking Structure- Hanley Rd. Wall Sign 25 sf 51.52 sf +26.52 sf (106%) 27.84 sf +2.84 sf (11%)

The front wall signs for the previous tenant measure 45 square feet combined.

The proposed signs feature high quality design and materials. With the exception of the tenant panel on the existing monument sign, the signs exceed the allowable size permitted and the regulations state that modifications should only be granted due to unusual conditions of the building or site. The applicant has provided their justification for the requested sign modifications in writing and is included with the packet. The following are points paraphrased from the applicant’s submittal:

• “The Capital Grille” brand name is comprised of three words which makes adhering to a small allotment of square footage difficult. • The signage size is calculated using a single rectangle around the entire sign which is deceiving because the signs are comprised of capital and lower case letters. Dead-space (non-signage area) is included in the total sign size. • The wall sign facing Carondelet Avenue does not exceed 5% of the front wall area. • The east elevation facing Hanley Road is unique due to its separation from the corner as well as changes in grade. • The parking structure wall is currently void of identification and the sign is intended to aesthetically dress the wall and assist motorists in locating the parking. • The site overall is unique due to the grade change along Hanley Road.

The following are points paraphrased from the applicant’s submittal:

• “The Capital Grille” brand name is comprised of three words which makes adhering to a small allotment of square footage difficult. • The signage size is calculated using a single rectangle around the entire sign which is deceiving because the signs are comprised of capital and lower case letters. Dead-space (non-signage area) is included in the total sign size. • The wall sign facing Carondelet Avenue does not exceed 5% of the front wall area. • The east elevation facing Hanley Road is unique due to its separation from the corner as well as changes in grade. • The parking structure wall is currently void of identification and the sign is intended to aesthetically dress the wall and assist motorists in locating the parking. • The site overall is unique due to the grade change along Hanley Road.

3

In staff’s opinion, the applicant has identified unusual conditions primarily with the design of the signs themselves, not with the building or site. The building is highly visible from Hanley Road and Carondelet Avenue, and staff is of the opinion that the number and size of the proposed signs is not compatible with the character of the surrounding area and therefore, recommends denial of the requested sign modifications.

Mr. Smith stated that they are back again with modified plans; noting that they have considerably reduced the signage they are requesting. He stated that Sign E has been relocated to the parking structure entry along South Hanley and is now only 2.84 square feet over the allowable size of 25 square feet; (Signs A-D face Carondelet Avenue)-Sign A has been reduced to be comparable in size to Sign D (24” channel letters each); Sign C (vinyl door decal) and Sign B they consider ancillary signs [Sign F (tenant panel sign} is a non-issue. He stated that they are 56 square feet over what’s allowed by Code; however, if the ancillary signs are excluded for that calculation, that overage would be reduced by 11.4 square feet. He advised the members that this amount of signage is less than used for this market and that their locations in Kansas City & Chicago have far more signage. He added that if this were a stand-alone building, he feels this new proposal is a good compromise and respectfully asked for approval.

Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that he believes that Sign E is still in the wrong place; it is not where the restaurant’s customers will park.

Mr. Smith agreed, noting however that this sign gives people advance notice to get into the left turn lane.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked where their customers will enter the parking area.

Mr. Smith replied “ideally off Hanley”; noting that valet will take place on Carondelet.

Chairman Lichtenfeld questioned if the building owner is okay with entering off Hanley.

Mr. McIntosh asked if Chairman Lichtenfeld is proposing moving Sign E further south.

Chairman Lichtenfeld replied “no”; adding that he does not believe it belongs on Hanley Road at all.

Mr. McIntosh asked if he thinks it belongs along Bonhomme Avenue.

Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that it should be where patrons enter.

Mr. Smith agreed that if Hanley is not the entrance, then he agrees it should be moved.

Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that he believes this to be over-signed; there are too many signs.