Federal Building Monumental SignTHE CITY OF ~^~,~
DUB E
~Masterpieee on the ~Vtiss~issippi
MEMORANDUM
July 11, 2007
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Federal Building Renovation Project -Exterior Monumental Sign
CIP 1001841
City Engineer Gus Psihoyos is recommending approval of the design for a monumental
sign with an LCD screen as the exterior signage for the Historic Federal Building
Project.
Monumental signs and LCD screens are not normally permitted in the downtown. An
exception is recommended in this case to identify this public municipal building and to
disseminate public information through the LCD screen.
This item has not been reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission.
The Powers and Duties of the Commission are partially described as:
"To develop and adopt specific standards for review and design
guidelines, in addition to those set forth in subsection 25-10(a) of this
chapter, for the alteration of landmarks, landmark sites, individually
designated historic properties and property and structures within historic
districts."
And
"To serve as an advisory design review body to the city council for review
of public works projects which have historic preservation implications in
historic districts, individually designated historic properties, or for alteration
of landmarks, landmark sites or structures, that would result in a material
change in appearance or be visible from the public way."
While the City would normally seek Historic Preservation Commission input prior to a
public improvement in an historic district coming to the City Council, it is the intent to
have this sign erected by the September dedication of the renovated building. If the
City Council is not concerned with meeting this schedule, this could be referred first to
the Commission.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
~~~ ,~~~'
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer
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DLTB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
MEMORANDUM
July 11, 2007
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer~~
SUBJECT: Federal Building Renovation Project -Exterior Monumental Sign
CIP 1001841
INTRODUCTION
This memorandum is to seek City Council direction and approval of the preliminary
design and related cost for the monumental sign to be located outside the Historic
Federal Building.
DISCUSSION
In keeping with the historic nature and character of the Federal Building, the primary
consultant, The Durrant Group, Inc. (Durrant) has developed a schematic design for the
monumental signage. The basic elements of the design which will be located at the
corner of West Sixth Street and Bluff Street include:
- Exterior surface: Indiana limestone to match the existing structure.
- Fluting (top and sides): Similar in style to that used in the City Council chambers.
- Interior of sign: Concrete open hole in the front for the screen and a hole in the back
with an access panel to allow for easy maintenance.
- Lettering and light base color scheme: Dark bronze or black to compliment the
window framing.
- Monument wording: Line 1 -Historic Federal Building; Line 2 -City Council
Meetings -Second Floor; Line 3 - 350 West Sixth Street.
- LCD screen: 72"x36" with animation capabilities.
- Lighting: Aluminum frame with frosted glass.
- Bench seating: Located on each side of monumental sign.
A free-standing monument sign with an LCD screen provides the best means of
disseminating information to the public in a highly visible manner. While City projects
do not require Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) Review or Zoning Board of
Adjustment (ZBA) approval, the Engineering Department has worked closely with the
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) staff. The HPC staff has found that all design
. M . 1
1 1
components with the exception of the LCD screen are consistent with HPC Guidelines.
Additionally, the sign is in compliance with all requirements of Section 4-3.11 of the
Zoning Ordinance with the exception that free standing signs are not allowed.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve the preliminary design and related cost
for the monumental sign to identify the Federal Building.
BUDGET IMPACT
The preliminary cost of $55,000 falls within the line item allowance that has been
provided for the sign.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN
recommend that the City Council approve the schematic design and related cost of the
monumental signage to identify the Federal Building.
cc: Jenny Larson, Budget Director
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HISTORIC FEDERAL BUILDING 1-
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FRONT AND REAR ELEVATION $IDE ELEVATION
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