HomeMy WebLinkAboutARB202100104 Staff Report 2022-02-02ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD STAFF REPORT
Project #/Name
ARB-2021-104: 490 Westfield Road Comprehensive Sign Plan and Hookaholic Lounge Wall Sign
Review Type
Comprehensive Sign Plan and Certificate of Appropriateness for a Wall Sign
Parcel Identification
061WO-01-OC-00400
Location
490 Westfield Road at the intersection with Seminole Trail (Fig. 1)
Zoned
Commercial (CI) / Entrance Corridor (EC) / Airport Impact Area (AIA)
Owner/Applicant
TIE 29 GROUP LLC / Hookaholic Lounge (Chadi Nassif) / American Made Signs (Brion Draper)
Magisterial District
Rio
Proposal
To establish a Comprehensive Sign Plan (CSP) for a multi -tenant building (Fig. 2) and to install a cloud -style wall sign (Fig. 3).
Context
This building, which formerly housed the Nature Conservancy, has been divided into a multi -tenant building. Two tenants have applied for signs, Sigora Solar and Hookaholic Lounge,
on the south and east elevations, respectively.
Visibility
The east and south sides of the building are clearly visible from the EC (Rt. 29).
ARB Meeting Date
February 7, 2022
Staff Contact
Khris Taggart
PROJECT HISTORY
In 2020 a Certificate of Appropriateness was issued for a post and panel sign for Hookaholic Lounge in one of the planting islands along Westfield Rd. Also in 2020, Sigora Solar submitted an application (Fig. 4)
for a wall sign and a refacing of the existing pylon sign at the comer of Westfield and Rt. 29. That application is pending revisions. Hookaholic Lounge submitted a wall sign application in 2021 that generated the
need for a Comprehensive Sign Plan.
Figure 1: County GIS image showing property along the Entrance Corridor.
ARB COMPREHENSIVE SIGN REVIEW PROPOSED CRITERIA
PROJECT #/NAME: 490 Westfield Rd Building TAX MAP/PARCEL#: 061WO-01-OC-00400
SIGN FEATURE
DESIGN CRITERIA
SIGN TYPE
Channel letters on Raceway & Cloud Cabinets
LETTER FACE COLOR
Orange (PMS 021 C) Black, White, Green (PMS
368 C ,Yellow PMS 3965 C
TRIM CAP
Black, White
COLOR/RETURN COLOR
RACEWAY COLOR
19-1543 TPG Brick Red
SIZE LIMITATIONS
Channel Letter Max Height: 24"
Channel Letter Max Depth: 5" 40 Sq.
Ft. Max
Cloud Cabinet Max Height: 36" Cloud
Cabinet Max De the 5"
LOCATION(S)
South side, sign to be positioned centered
between windows.
East Side, sign to be centered in middle above
arches and below extruded brick roof line.
MOUNTING DETAILS
Attachment methods allowed by state code is
Thread alls though the wall with blocking or
La shields and la s into brick wall.
LOGO/GRAPHICS
1 Logo and Company Name allowed per side of
DETAILS
building.
ILLUMINATION
LED Front -lit channel letters and cloud cabinet
DETAILS
only. Single stroke and 1.2 Watt per Module
maximum per channel letter.
Figure 2: 490 Westfield Road Proposed Comprehensive Sign Plan Criteria and Proposed Sign Locations
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LED Cloud Sign, Front -Lit
Extruded Polycarbonate Face
LED Illumination
120V Input / 12V Output (Low Voltage)
Mounted over Extruded Brick with 2" Stand Offs
1/2" X 2.5" Lags with Lead Lag Shields
Conduit will be External, Liquid Tight down wall
and run into the tenant space._
Meets or Exceeds VA State Code
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Figure 3: Drawings from ARB2021-104: Hookaholic Lounge Wall Sign Application
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ANALYSIS
REF GUIDELINES
ISSUE
RECOMMENDATION
H GENERAL SIGN GUIDELINES
1
Create a consistent and unified design approach along the Entrance
The proposed Comprehensive Sign Plan (CSP) was not designed
See recommendations below.
Corridors. The placement, size, illumination and colors of signs can create
with the purpose of providing a framework for coordinated signage
unity along the corridor, or they can create a disjointed, visually competitive
for the entire building but rather to allow the signage proposed by
environment. Consistent and unified sign design allows the businesses
the current tenants.
located along the Corridor to have equal standing in visibility. It also
provides a pattern of sign placement that makes the business locations and
entrances more easily recognizable to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
2
Establish simplicity and reserve as preferred characteristics for sign
design in these areas. This reflects the historic character of the area and
enhances the aesthetic qualities of the Corridor. To this end, the overall
design of a sign will be evaluated concurrently with that of the building on
which it will be installed. The design of a building's walls, window
locations, parapets and other architectural features will influence the
Board's evaluation of appropriate signage. Likewise, a freestanding sign is
evaluated in the context of the overall development in which it will be
placed. Because each site is composed of a variety of elements that work
together to create a unique character and appearance, ARB review of each
sign proposal is guided by these sign guidelines within the context of the
specific site for which the proposal is made.
3
Encourage creative design. The County encourages imaginative and
innovative signs consistent with the purposes expressed above and in
conformance with the regulations of the Albemarle County Code.
2,48
FREESTANDING SIGNS
There is an existing pylon sign near the southeast corner of the
None.
site. The sign face is currently blank and there is a pending
proposal to reface it for Sigora Solar. Criteria for the freestanding
sign can be reviewed if/when future applications include multiple
tenants.
4, 9, 10
WALL SIGNS, WALL SIGNS FOR MULTIPLE BUSINESS CENTERS
4a
Placement: The design of a building's walls, window locations, parapets
A complete sign package has been submitted for review. The
Revise the CSP to allow signs in the
and other architectural features shall influence the Board's evaluation of
proposal allows for channel letters and `cloud' cabinets to be
following locations:
appropriate signage. Wall signs can help establish rhythm, scale and
attached to the brick walls in two locations: 1) in the center of the
ro ortion across the fa ade of a building.
south elevation above the first story and centered between the two
middle second -story windows, and 2) centered over the central
South elevation:
. Top of Building: Centered between the
9a
Wall signs shall be integrated with the architecture of the building and the
placement of such signs should not obscure architectural features or details,
arch on the east elevation. The location shown on the south
two decorative brick courses, centered
including but not limited to cornices, windows, columns, pilasters and
elevation (Fig. 2 and 3) does not conflict with any architectural
paneling.
detailing, but the single location shown does not provide a
complete framework for possible future signage. The location
above the second -story windows;
. Above the first -story stone facing and
9d
The size of a wall sign shall be coordinated with the size of the architectural
element on which it is placed. The sign should not overcrowd the
shown on the east elevation (Fig. 2) hides one of the arches and is
below the second -story windows:
architectural element, the wall, or the sign area. Buildings and building
inconsistent with the Sigom Solar proposal (Fig. 4). A unified
Centered above the first -floor entrances
elements should not be used as a billboard. For example, an appropriate
appearance and flexibility for current and future tenants would be
height for channel letters in a 30" high sign band is 18". This allows 6"
supported by limiting sign locations on the south elevation to the
East Elevation:
of unoccupied space above and below the letters. Generally, 4" of clear
wall area between the two decorative brick courses at the top of the
. Centered between the two decorative
space above, below, and to the sides of a channel letter sign is considered a
wall, centered above the second -story windows, or the wall area
brick courses at the top of the building,
minimum, with larger clearances required for larger sign bands. The ARB
below the second -story windows and above the stone facing,
and centered within the building bays.
will consider the degree of visibility, the distance from the Entrance
centered above the first -floor entrances. On the east elevation, a
Corridor, and the architectural design of the building and the sign area in its
unified appearance would be supported by limiting sign locations
determination of appropriate sizes and placement.
to the wall area between the two decorative brick courses at the top
of the wall, centered within the building bays. (See Fig. 5.)
Revise the CSP to reduce the maximum
allowed height for channel letters to 22" and
10a
A complete sign package shall be provided as part of the submittal materials
for the review of any new multiple business center. The proposal should
to require 6" of clear space above and below
address how compatibility among signs will be achieved, and how new
The proposed CSP allows 24" high channel letters, leaving only
signs located on the south elevation between
signs will be coordinated with the architecture of the building(s); the first
1%" of clear space above and below a sign in the band at the top of
the first and second stories.
approved sign installed in a multiple business center will establish the
the building. (The band is 27" tall.) Based on the Sigora Solar
Revise the CSP to limit the sign type to
standard for all future signs for that center. The future review of proposals
proposal of 22"-high letters (which do not appear over -crowded), a
individual channel letters.
for new signs in existing multiple business centers will take into
minimum of 2%" of clear space is appropriate. In the
consideration the character and appearance of the existing building(s) and
recommended sign area on the south elevation between the first -
with existing sign(s).
story stone facing and the second -story windows, there appears to
be more space to accommodate increased sign heights. 6" of clear
space is recommended there.
Two wall sign types are proposed, channel letters and `cloud'
10b
b. Multiple business centers shall use a single sign type for all wall signs.
10d
Signs must be placed on the building in a manner that establishes a unified
appearance.
cabinets. The "cloud" cabinet sign type does not have the
appearance of individual letters that will allow the structure of the
9b
Channel lettering (mounted on a raceway or individual letters) is preferred
to cabinet signs because cabinet signs tend to appear less integrated with the
building to read through. Individual channel letters mounted on a
building. Channel letters overlay the wall material and allow the structure of
raceway or directly to the building would be appropriate.
the building to "read through" with less interruption. This results in a more
coordinated overall appearance.
FIT I
Example of "cloud" sign
4d
Lettering and Typeface: Lettering should be in proportion to the sign and
The sign proposal does not specify a limit on the number of
See recommendations on sign color and
the building for visual clarity and overall balance. Proportion of lettering
typefaces. Consistency in color and alignment can allow for
alignment.
includes font (size) and typeface (style). The use of three typefaces or fewer
greater variety in typefaces.
is more appropriate for signs in the Entrance Corridor. Additional typefaces
may be approved only if they contribute to a balanced, legible, unified sign
design.
4e
Color: Colors must be harmonious with each other. Colors must not clash
The proposed tent colors are orange (Pantone 021), black, white,
Revise the CSP to eliminate black and white
with other elements on the site, both when viewed in daylight and at night,
green (Pantone 368), and yellow (Pantone 3965). Limiting the
from the list of face colors and to limit the
whether the signs are externally or internally lit. Overly intense color, such
allowed sign type to channel letters would remove the colors black
return color to bronze.
as but not limited to dayglo or fluorescent colors, are prohibited.
and white from the proposal, reducing the number of colors to
The use of three colors or fewer is more appropriate for signs in the
three, and maintaining consistency with the color quantity
Revise the CSP to replace the reference to
Entrance Corridor. Black and white are counted as colors. Additional
guideline.
19-1543 TPG Brick Red with a note reading:
colors may be approved if they contribute to a balanced and unified sign
Black and white are the colors proposed for the channel letter
"Raceways will match the color of the wall
to which they are attached."
design.
returns. Bronze is the color used for many signs in the ECs and
For raceway -mounted channel letters, raceways shall match the wall color.
limiting the choice to a single color would increase coordination
l Oc
c. Compatibility among signs must be maintained through color or font and
among the signs on the building.
typeface selection.
The proposal specifies that raceways are to match 19-1543 TPG
Brick Red. EC standard practice is to include a general note that
9c
For raceway -mounted channel letters, the raceway shall match the wall
color.
raceways will match the color of the wall to which they are
attached.
4f
Trademarks, corporate logos and graphics: The ARB may require that
The proposed sign criteria notes that one graphic would be allowed
Revise the criteria for wall signs to indicate
the color and scale of standard templates for trademarks, service marks,
per elevation. However, no specific details on graphics have been
that graphics must be fully incorporated as
corporate logos and graphics be modified. When used, trademarks, service
provided. Graphics that are fully integrated with the text and that
an integral part of the overall sign, and
marks, corporate logos and/or graphics should be incorporated as an integral
are balanced in size and proportion without overwhelming the text
graphics must be balanced in size and
part of the overall sign.
would be appropriate.
proportion without overwhelming the text.
5, 9e, l0e
Li hdn , Lighdngfor Wall Signs, Lighdngfor Multiple Business Centers
5
Lighting: The purpose of ARB review is to ensure that new development in
The sign proposal limits illumination to a single type (internal
Revise the CSP to limit the sign type to
the Entrance Corridors is compatible with the historic architecture of the
face -lit) for the channel letters and the `cloud' cabinets signs.
internally illuminated channel letters.
County and to promote orderly and attractive development. There is no
However, face -lit illumination on a cloud sign could emphasize its
historical precedent for internally illuminated signs. However, the ARB
appearance as a cabinet sign. Limiting the sign type to internally
recognizes the need to identify businesses to help the traveling public find
illuminated channel letters would be consistent with other
their destination and exit the highway safely.
approvals along this section of the corridor.
5a
When illumination is required, the preferred solution is to externally
illuminate the sign — in other words, to shine a light on the sign. External
illumination is preferred because it allows consistency with the daytime
image of the sign. External lighting appears to the viewer as reflected light
and allows the focus of the sign to be the original overall shape, color and
complete design of the sign. Internal lighting produces a fragmented, rather
than unified, sign image at night compared to external lighting and may
project light that is distracting to the viewer. Similarly, exposed light
sources that form the body of a sign (such as, but not limited to, exposed or
bare neon) are not appropriate for the Entrance Corridors. They can produce
glare and, generally, do not achieve the subtle character and compatibility
that is the goal for the Entrance Corridors.
5b
Since external illumination does not fit every case, individual channel letters
— a type of internally illuminated sign that has less visual clutter impact on
the Entrance Corridors — may also be approved. Channel letters are
generally the preferred type of internally illuminated wall sign because they
project the total sign and are identifiable with the daytime image of the sign.
When channel letters cannot be adequately accommodated, internally
illuminated cabinet signs may be considered. If cabinet signs are utilized,
the backgrounds of such signs must be made opaque (zero light
transmission).
5c
External illumination is also preferred for approved graphics/logos; internal
illumination may be considered for approval on a case -by -case basis. The
Board will evaluate the specific design for size (adjusted in proportion to the
accompanying lettering), balance, complexity, and distance from and
relationship to the Entrance Corridor. These factors will determine the
extent of internal illumination that can be approved.
5d
These solutions are intended to reduce glare, visual clutter and distraction
along the streetscape, to provide for coordinated appearances along the
Entrance Corridors, to increase visual continuity, to achieve a balance of
business identification with order and continuity, and to limit negative
impacts along the County's Entrance Corridors.
5e
External Illumination: Lighting should be shielded and not create glare. All
external light sources shall be white.
Lighting should be aimed so as not to project illumination beyond the sign.
5f
Internal Illumination: Any internal illumination is considered to contribute
to visual clutter and will be limited.
5g
All Illumination shall be non -blinking.
There is no blinking illumination proposed.
None.
5h
Exposed Light Sources: An exposed light source that forms the body of a
There are no exposed light sources proposed.
None.
sign, such as but not limited to signs formed of exposed neon, as opposed to
a light shining on a sign, shall not be used in the Entrance Corridors.
9e, l0e
i. External illumination is preferred for wall signs / signs in multiple
Internal illumination (face -lit) is proposed and, if limited to
See lighting recommendation above.
business centers.
channel letters, would be consistent with other approvals along this
section of the corridor.
ii. External illumination: Lighting directed toward a sign should be designed
and shielded so that it illuminates the face of the sign and does not shine
be and the ed e of the sign.
The cloud sign appears to be constructed like a cabinet sign. If
allowed, the backgrounds of "cloud" signs should be opaque and
in. Internal illumination: Channel letters with translucent faces shall be
constructed such that no light spills outward from the top, bottom, sides or
constructed so that no light spills outward from the sides or back.
back. Faces and returns of channel letters shall be opaque when back -lit
(halo -lit).
iv. Cabinet signs shall have a non -illuminated background, or an opaque
(zero light transmission) background. Cabinet signs shall be constructed
such that no light spills outward from the top, bottom, sides or back. If
outlines of letters are proposed, the width of the outline must be in
proportion to the width of the letter. An outline width of 1/8" has been
found to be an a ro riate dimension for signs in the Entrance Corridors.
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'DEgCAlEOE lM LCONNE000NMUSTEEENSTINGANDWITHIN3'OFSIGNLOWM.
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Figure 4: Images from ARB2021-55: Sigora Solar Wall Sign Application
10
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the following as the primary points of discussion:
1. Multiple sign types
2. Quantity of text and graphics colors
3. Sign locations/alignment
Regarding the Hookaholic cloud sign:
Staff recommends that the sign type be revised to individual letters and that the design be revised to follow the recommended CSP criteria outlined below.
Regarding the Comprehensive Sign Plan:
Staff recommends approval with the following revisions to the criteria and sign locations:
COMPREHENSIVE SIGN REVIEW CRITERIA
SIGN FEATURE
DESIGN CRITERIA
SIGN TYPE
Channel letters
LETTER FACE COLOR
orange (PMS 021 C), green (PMS 368 C), yellow (PMS 3965 C)
TRIM CAP COLOR/RETURN COLOR
Bronze
Black, White
RACEWAY COLOR
To match the color of the wall to which it is attached.
19 154 2 TPG Brisk nea
Channel Letter Max Height: 22" Channel Letter Max Depth: 5"
SIZE LIMITATIONS
South Elevation:
• Top of Building: Centered between the two decorative brick courses, centered above the second -story windows,
LOCATION(S)
• Above the first -story stone facing and below the second -story windows: Centered above the first -floor entrances
East Elevation: Centered between the two decorative brick courses at the top of the building, and centered within the building bays.
South side. sign to be positioned eenterea hetyOep , ..,:«daylxs
East Side i sign to be eenteFtd inn; id d' eabove. nrehoq and hol
MOUNTING DETAILS
Raceways or mounted directly to the wall.
_444aehmont mpthods allowed by state eede is Thrpadalls though the �Aell v4th bleeking of Lag shields and lags into briek vm4.
LOGO/GRAPHICS DETAILS
Graphics must be fully incorporated as an integral part of the overall sign. Graphics must be balanced in size and proportion without overwhelming the text.
ILLUMINATION DETAILS
LED Front -lit channel letters.
--oud eabinet opily. Single stfoke and 1.2 Watt per Module maximum pef ehannel leaer.
0
Figure 5: ARB2021-104: 490 Westfield Road Comprehensive Sign Plan Recommended Sign Locations, South and East Elevations
12