Signs of the Times on Main Street?

Downtown signage is once again a focus for discussion by the City Council--this time, in connection with the Main Street Facade Program.

Members of the Civic Progress Committee have recommended that signage be included as one of the eligible uses for matching grants. Aldermen, building upon an earlier discussion about bringing more consistency and greater historic appeal to Main Street, want to exclude signage until a new graphics code can be adopted.

City economic development staff has begun researching models how other communities address signage in their business districts. Barracks Row Main Street in Washington, D.C. requires Historic Preservation review of signage but also provides pro bono design assistance, information on signage grants and low interest loans; the district also provides design guidelines that include "dos and don'ts" illustrated with photographs of examples. Ripon Main Street in Wisconsin also provides an extensive list of examples of appropriate signage illustrated with photographs; along with design guidelines and other preservation resources, this information is part of a renovation assistance program.

The Algoma Main Street program goes one step further--it awards grants for signage that is "appropriate and effective for the respective business, while at the same time adding to the character of the downtown as a whole."