I am a member of the Sebastopol Design Review Board (DRB). We've recently reviewed a signage proposal for The Barlow. The proposed signs are fairly large, so will have a lasting impact the character of town. As your representative on matters of design, I would appreciate input as we prepare to make a decision on this matter.
Background - What is proposed are two large, hand painted signs; one on the East and one on the West sides of the Guayaki building.
The lettering and the "B" in the circle are proposed to be painted directly on the wall, not unlike the the way original "The Barlow Company" sign was applied to the old building.
My thoughts are as follows:
1. History - Large signs on buildings have history here. The old Barlow building (above) and Frizelle Enos (below) are two examples of buildings that have or had large graphics on them, and this way of making a building into a sign is (or was) common in the area. In general, like these types of signs, especially when they work with the building shape like Frizelle does.
2. Disclosure - I am educated as an architect, but practice graphic design and I specialize in signage and graphics in the built environment. I'm a bit biased ... I tend to like well done graphics, even huge ones, but I am also keenly aware of how graphics can affect the character of a place.
3. Nature of The Barlow - I tend to think of The Barlow as a part of Sebastopol rather than a "development" or "project", so I admit to bristling a little at the thought of large Barlow logos in the center of town. We don't have large "Downtown" or "Sebastopol" signs, so I am not sure I like the idea of large scale project or business names. That said, I'm not sure how to reconcile this with my affection for Frizelle Enos. Maybe the Barlow signs will, in time, become something we all feel connected to in a similar way.
4. The Barlow Needs More Visitors (?) - I don't have any hard data, but It's my understanding that some of the tenants in The Barlow are struggling and need more traffic. While I am very sympathetic to this, a development this large always takes time to fill up, establish itself and find it's groove. I'm not sure large scale graphics are going to speed up that natural process, and may have undesirable impacts to the larger community.
5. Sign Exceptions- We have a provision in our code that grants the DRB the authority to allow signs that are outside the limits of the sign code. I take the responsibility of approving the sign exception very seriously. Granting one can be very valuable to a business, so the community should expect a high value visual benefit in return.
Code allows sign exceptions for the following reasons:
1. The exception shall allow a unique sign of exceptional design or style that
will enhance the area or building, or that will be a visible landmark; or
2. The exception will allow a sign that is more consistent with the architecture
and development of the site; or site context; or is appropriate given
the nature of the business; or
3. The granting of the exception will not constitute the granting of special
privilege inconsistent with the sign limitations upon other properties in the
same vicinity and Zone District.
My thoughts on Sign Exception Items Above:
1. I am not convinced that this is an exceptional design. It might be said to enhance an otherwise plain, industrial building. It will definitely create a visible landmark for better or worse.
2. I might considered the design consistent with the architecture and the development of the site.
3. Allowing these signs would definitely give The Barlow a "special privilege".
6. Concern about precedence - I worry that, by allowing theses signs, we might open ourselves to liability when we try to regulate other sign exception applications. Would we be able to deny giant "Rite Aid" or "Citibank" signs?
7. Conclusion - I believe sign exceptions should only be granted when a proposed design is exceptional. Really fantastic. Something I can glance at and immediately say, "YES"!. It has to be something I think the majority of the community will be excited about. I have mixed feelings about this, which makes me want to say "No", so I would like to hear from you.
Please let me know your thoughts, and keep your eye on the DRB agenda for upcoming meetings if you would like to share your views with the board. It is not on the agenda yet, but I expect it to be soon.
Feel free to email me at the address below.
Thank you,
Ted Luthin
[email protected]