Susan Istenes explained that this one story commercial building was previously occupied by Psychological Associates and that permits have been secured for interior remodeling to accommodate two new tenants; one being First Bank. First Bank is requesting approval to install a new ground sign in the southeast corner of the property to replace the existing

2 ground/monument sign. The proposed First Bank sign is double-sided measuring 23-square-feet per face. The sign will consist of an aluminum base with a vinyl die-cut face and lettering in blue, red, dark bronze and white. The face and lettering will be illuminated by LED modules mounted inside the cabinet. The Sign Regulations allow for a ground sign, a maximum area of 25-square- feet in area, subject to ARB review and approval of the size, location, design and construction materials. The regulations state that the sign may depict the name of the building or names of up to five major tenants. It is also required that ground signs are part of a landscaped area or plaza. Interior renovations of the building are creating space for two tenants; First Bank and a second retail tenant that has not been named. It should be noted that the proposed monument sign does not include a second tenant name. The visual impacts of the proposed sign are somewhat lowered since there is an existing ground sign in the approximate location of the proposed sign; however, the existing sign features less color, is made of a higher quality material and is not internally illuminated. The proposed sign is also not located within a landscaped area, as required by the code. Existing monument signs located along Maryland Avenue near this property are made of stone, include multiple tenant panels and are illuminated by ground mounted lights. In 2014, an internally illuminated monument sign was approved further west at 8455 Maryland Avenue; however, this sign included multiple tenant panels, was located within a landscape bed, constructed of materials that complemented the building and light could only pass through the sign letters, not the entire sign face. Staff is of the opinion that a colored, internally illuminated sign of the proposed materials does not fit the character of the area and recommends denial as submitted.

Mr. Beherns informed the members and staff that a landscape architect has prepared a landscape plan (copy distributed) and their willingness to use routed aluminum for the sign face.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if the sign will be lit at night.

Mr. Beherns stated that only the white characters will be lit. He indicated First Bank’s desire to keep base aluminum as the existing sign has an aluminum base as well.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if the sign can accommodate multiple tenant names.

Mr. Beherns stated that the sign is only for First Bank; the other tenant won’t be included.

Joanne Boulton stated that she likes the landscape plan; however, she is not sure of the difference in landscaping and would like the City’s landscape architect to review the plan. She asked about signage for the second tenant.

Susan Istenes stated that the other tenant could have building/window signage.

Josh Corson asked if staff is comfortable with the new proposal.

Anna Krane stated that it is still not consistent with other ground signs in the area and that the red and blue colors will still have the same visual impact.

Josh Corson asked if staff is comfortable with the new proposal. Anna Krane stated that it is still not consistent with other ground signs in the area and that the red and blue colors will still have the same visual impact.

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Scott Wilson asked if staff wanted a brick or stone sign.

Anna Krane replied “yes”.

Joanne Boulton reiterated that she would like the City’s landscape architect to review the proposal.

Chairman Lichtenfeld agreed.

Me. Behrens agreed to incorporate a brick base. He stated that they would like to receive approval tonight.

Scott Wilson asked if incorporating a brick base would satisfy staff’s concerns.

Susan Istenes stated that a brick base would help, but the sign is still less aesthetically pleasing than other ground signs. She reminded the members that the decision is theirs to make; however, staff likes to see higher quality materials.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if brick [on the base] could match the brick on the building.

Mr. Behrens replied “yes”.

Hearing no further questions or comments, Ron Reim made a motion to approve with the conditions that the sign face be constructed of routed aluminum; that the base of the sign be brick to match the building and that staff approve the landscape plan prior to issuance of a sign permit. The motion was seconded by Scott Wilson and received the following vote: Yay: Chairman Lichtenfeld, Craig Owens, Ron Reim, Josh Corson, Scott Wilson. Nays: Joanne Boulton. Motion carries.

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – EXTERIOR ALTERATIONS – 12 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE (THE DIAMOND SHOP)

Steve Anton, project architect, and Jeff Pernikoff, contractor, were in attendance at the meeting.

Susan Istenes explained that for the first story, the applicant proposes painting the existing brick pilasters black and replacing the existing wood paneling with ebony stained, oak-hardwood paneling. The project also includes the addition of black stacked-stone below the display windows. For the upper story, the applicant plans to paint the existing brick a light grey color and paint the existing window trim white. A new wood and glass door is proposed for the main store entrance (southern door) and the existing northern door will be painted. No changes are proposed to the sizes or locations of the existing windows and doors. The project also includes replacing the five existing black awnings on the first floor with three red-canvas awnings. The applicant plans to