Title
HLC#23-003: Public hearing to consider a request for exterior improvements, including new paint colors and signage, to the McKnight Building at 125, 127 and 129 N. Main Street; Shawn Pratt, owner
Description/History
The owner is seeking exterior improvements to the building to accommodate a new tenant, Sunshine Yoga Shack, which will occupy the 125 and 127 N. Main Street storefronts. As part of the remodeling, the applicant is planning to repaint the front façade and add new signage.
Architectural Review
The front façade wall of the building features brick corbelling on the upper wall and cast-iron columns and thresholds. Below the faux transom windows, the doors, display windows and bulkheads on the storefronts are not original to the building.
The work is described in the sections below with the applicable standards from the Design Guidelines for Historic Mansfield. The Commission should consider the standards when reviewing changes or alterations to landmark buildings.
Paint Colors and Finishes
The applicant proposes the following paint scheme for the front façade:
• Building Base Color: Rookwood Red (SW 2802)
• Window and door trim color: Black (HC-190)
• Front doors color: Colonial Revival Yellow (SW 2830)
• Decorative columns color: Charcoal Slate (HC-178)
Color Guidelines
3.43: Select colors and a paint scheme that complement the building and maintain its historic character.
• A major trim color that complements the base color can be used to highlight the decorative elements of the façade. Major trim elements include the cornice; window frames, sills and hoods; and the storefront frame, columns and bulkheads.
• A minor trim color can be used to enhance the color scheme established by the base and major trim. Often a darker tone of the major trim can be used to accentuate the window sashes, doors and selective details on the cornice and bulkhead
• Do not over decorate the façade. One or two other colors are sufficient to highlight any façade.
• Do not paint unpainted masonry. Painting should only be allowed on masonry if previously painted, in a color that mimics the color of the original masonry.
The applicant has selected colors from the approved Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore palettes:
Base Color
The original colors of the original storefront are not known, but the building was constructed of red brick. The applicant selected Rookwood Red from the Sherwin Williams palette for the wall, a color that mimics the original masonry.
Major Trim Color
The applicant selected Black for the major trim around the transom window, display window and door frames. This color appears on the Benjamin Moore palette and has been used as a trim color on several of the historic buildings downtown, including the Masonic Lodge, the Nugent Building, the State Bank building and the Big Daylight Store.
The applicant proposes to paint the cast-iron columns Charcoal Slate, a shade of gray on the Benjamin Moore palette, to accent the columns.
Doors
The applicant proposes Colonial Revival Yellow for the two front doors. This color is similar to the yellow in Sunshine Yoga Shack’s logo.
Signage
The applicant is proposing one wall sign for the Sunshine Yoga Shack storefront, as well as signage on the display windows and doors. In addition to the design guidelines, all signage must comply with the requirements of Section 155.090 of the Code of Ordinances.
Signs Guidelines:
6.4 Design the sign to be subordinate to the building.
• Design a sign to be simple in character.
• Locate a sign to emphasize design elements of the façade itself.
• Mount a sign to fit within existing architectural features, such as the sign frame or sign band, using the shape of the sign to help reinforce the horizontal lines of the building.
• All sign types should be subordinate to the building and to the street.
6.7 Use colors that contribute to legibility and design integrity.
• Limit the number of colors used on a sign. In general, no more than three colors should be used, although accent colors may also be appropriate.
• Design signs with a dark background and light-colored lettering, or a light background with dark lettering, to achieve maximum visibility.
• Sign colors should complement the colors of the building.
6.8 Use a simple typeface design.
• Avoid hard-to-read or overly intricate typefaces.
• Use a typeface that is similar to traditional typefaces in the area when possible.
• Do not use more than two or three distinct typefaces on a sign.
Wall Sign
The applicant proposes one painted wall sign in place of the existing “Mortgages” sign on the building. The sign consists of white lettering outlined in black with the business’s yellow logo. The sign will be located on the upper wall in the sign band.
Window and Door Signs
The applicant proposes signage in both display windows. These signs have text at the top and bottom of the window with graphics. By ordinance, window signage cannot exceed 25% of the window area. This will ensure that the majority of the windows will continue to have transparency from the sidewalk. There will also be signs in the windows on the doors, consisting of a logo and a QR code in each window.
Recommendation
The proposed color scheme is intended to highlight the storefront, with darker colors for the display window and door frames, and a lighter color for the columns. The colors are limited to three for the body and trim, with a fourth color introduced for the doors in Colonial Revival Yellow.
Although the yellow color ties into the business logo, it is not in the same color scheme as the rest of the building. However, paint, as a material finish, is considered temporary and may reflect trends and preferences of the current owner or the area. Because the storefront contains some modern elements and does not fully reflect the historic character of the building, some leeway in colors may be considered.
The proposed signage appears to meet the applicable design guidelines and is properly located on the building and windows.
Staff recommends approval of the signage, the wall and trim colors, with the condition that the columns and the coping at the top of the front wall be painted Black. Staff defers to the Commission regarding the door color.
Attachments
Maps and Supporting Information
Applicant’s Project Description
Current Photograph
Proposed Paint Colors