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Home My WebLink About03-02-20 City Commission Packet Materials - A2. Cert of Approp and Deviation for Ellen Theatre Sign App 19418Commission Memorandum REPORT TO: Mayor and City Commission FROM: Danielle Garber, Associate Planner Martin Matsen, Director of Community Development SUBJECT: Certificate of Appropriateness application to allow for a zoning deviation for exterior signage, specifically cited from the following Sections of the Bozeman Municipal Code (BMC): Section 38.560.060.A to allow a projecting sign to be greater than 12 square feet in size. Application 19418. STRATEGIC PLAN: 4. a Well-Planned City. We consistently improve our community's quality of life as it grows and changes, honoring our sense of place and the "Bozeman feel" as we plan for a livable, affordable, more connected city. 4.4 Vibrant Downtown, Districts & Centers. Promote a healthy, vibrant Downtown, Midtown, and other commercial districts and neighborhood centers – including higher densities and intensification of uses in these key areas. MEETING DATE: March 3, 2020 AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Action RECOMMENDATION: The application does not conform to standards and is insufficient for approval. BACKGROUND: On September 18, 2019 a zoning deviation from Section 38.560.060.A was requested by the applicant, Montana Theatreworks Inc., to allow a projecting sign larger than the maximum 12 square feet be placed on the Ellen Theater building. The requested sign measures 9.8 feet x 2.5 feet and in total is 24.5 square feet in area – more than double the maximum allowable square footage for this type of sign. Per BMC Sec. 38.200.010.A.1.k, the City Commission has the right to review more than two deviations or where a deviation is for more than 20% of the standard. UNRESOLVED ISSUES: None identified. ALTERNATIVES: 69 1. Deny the deviation request from Section 38.560.060.A of Bozeman Municipal code to allow for a projecting sign to be greater than 12 square feet in size, as shown within the application materials. 2. Approve the application with the following motion: “Having reviewed and considered the application materials, public comment, and all the information presented, I hereby find that application 19418 meets the criteria required for approval and move to approve the Ellen Theater Signage application for a deviation request from Section 38.560.060.A of Bozeman Municipal code to allow for a projecting sign to be greater than 12 square feet in size, as shown within the application materials.” 3. Open and continue the public hearing on the application, with specific direction to staff or the applicant to supply additional information or to address specific items. FISCAL EFFECTS: Fiscal impacts are undetermined at this time. Report compiled on: February 20, 2020 Attachments: Staff Report Application Documents Application Narrative Application Plans 70 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Signage Certificate of Appropriateness Deviation Request Application Date: City Commission Public Hearing, March 2, 2020, 6:00pm Project Description: Certificate of Appropriateness application to allow for a zoning deviation for exterior signage, specifically cited from the following Sections of the Bozeman Municipal Code (BMC): Section 38.560.060.A to allow a projecting sign to be greater than 12 square feet in size. Project Location: 17 W. Main St., Tracy’s 1st Add, S07, T02 S, R06 E, Block A, Lot 5 - 7, Acres 0.18, & W24 1/2'lot 6 & E1' Lot 8, City of Bozeman, Gallatin County, Montana. Recommendation: The application does not conform to standards and is insufficient for approval. Recommended Motion for Deviation: “Having reviewed and considered the application materials, public comment, and all the information presented, I hereby adopt the staff findings as presented in the staff report for application 19418 that the application does not meet the criteria required for approval and move to deny the deviation request from Section 38.560.060.A of Bozeman Municipal code to allow for a projecting sign to be greater than 12 square feet in size, as shown within the application materials.” Report Date: Friday, February 21, 2020 Staff Contacts: Danielle Garber, Associate Planner Agenda Item Type: Action (Quasi-judicial) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Unresolved Issues None identified at this time. Project Summary A zoning deviation from Section 38.560.060.A was requested on September 18, 2019 by the applicant, Montana Theatreworks Inc., to allow a projecting sign larger than the maximum 12 square feet be placed on the building. The requested sign measures 9.8 feet x 2.5 feet and is 24.5 square feet in area. In 2017, an exterior remodel of the marquee canopy, windows, doors, and signage, including a 12 square foot projecting sign, was reviewed by staff and approved by the Director of community development on November 30, 2017 under COA application #17407. This 71 19418 Staff Report for The Ellen Theater Signage CCOA/Deviation Page 2 of 29 application seeks to replace that originally approved 12 square foot projecting sign with this proposed 24.5 square foot projecting sign, also known as a blade sign. The property is located in the B-3, Downtown Business Zoning District and is within the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD), and the Main Street Historic District. Pursuant to 38.340.040.A.1., “no building, demolition, conditional use, sign or moving permit may be issued within the conservation district until a certificate of appropriateness has been issued by the appropriate review authority, and until final action on the proposal has been taken.” The allowable sign area for this building per Section 38.560.060.A BMC, based on the building frontage of 53.5 feet, is 92.75 square feet. The property currently has four signs, three signs integrated into the marquee totaling 18 square feet and a reader board wall sign above the marquee totaling 40 square feet. The approved blade sign depicted in Fig. 6 below was approved with the marquee and reader board signs, but remains to be constructed. With the approved blade sign of 12 square feet, the total utilized sign area for the building is 70 square feet, well under the maximum sign area available. With the proposed projecting sign of 24.5 square feet, the total utilized sign area for the building would be 82.5 square feet, still under the maximum of 92.75 square feet. Pursuant to Section 38.200.010.1.k BMC, the City Commission retains to itself under all circumstances the review of any deviation request where the deviation is for more than 20% of the standard. The projecting sign of 24.5 square feet, more than doubles the allowable projecting sign size and requires a deviation greater than 20% of the standard, and therefore requires review and decision by the City Commission. Section 38.340.050.A. BMC, Standards for certificates of appropriateness, states that “all work performed in completion of an approved certificate of appropriateness must be in conformance with the most recent edition of the Secretary of the Interior's (SOI) Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring and Reconstructing Historic Buildings, published by U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Cultural Resource Stewardship and Partnerships, Heritage Preservation Services, Washington, D.C.” This application falls under the SOI standards for restoration, defined as “the act or process of accurately depicting the form, features, and character of a property as it appeared at a particular period of time by means of the removal of features from other periods in its history and reconstruction of missing features from the restoration period. The COA application #17407 approved November 30, 2017 established the restoration period for this building as 1919. The restored marquee, wood doors, and windows were all based off the original drawings by Fred Wilson dating to 1919 when the theater was constructed. For this application, staff evaluation of the SOI standards, found in Section 5 of this report, concludes that the restoration of the historic 1920’s blade sign in a different size, and mounted in a 72 19418 Staff Report for The Ellen Theater Signage CCOA/Deviation Page 3 of 29 different location on the building, in combination with additional signage that never existed together historically, will create a sense of false history and is not supported. See historic photos in Figures 8-10 for depictions of the original Ellen Theatre sign and the applicant’s drawings of the proposed sign in Figures 2-5 and 7. Section 38.340.050.B BMC lists the “architectural appearance design guidelines used to consider the appropriateness and compatibility of proposed alterations with original design features of subject structures or properties, and with neighboring structures or properties.” The review authority must also be guided by the design guidelines for the neighborhood conservation overlay district to determine whether the proposal is compatible with any existing or surrounding structures. See section 38.340.050.D. BMC. A description of the NCOD Guidelines review criteria and staff evaluation is in Section 5 of this report. Staff finds that only three of the architectural appearance criteria in this section including scale, directional expression, and materials are applicable, and the proposed sign is meeting all three criteria. Additional criteria from Section 38.340.050 BMC including C, D, E, and F are detailed below in Section 5. The application must also meet the standards for granting deviations in Section 38.340.070, BMC. A description and staff evaluation of these standards is in Section 5 of this report. Staff concludes that the restoration of the historic blade sign does not meet the first criteria for granting a deviation, which requires that the modifications “be more historically appropriate for the building and site in question and the adjacent properties, as determined by the standards in section 38.340.050 BMC, than would be achieved under a literal enforcement of this chapter.” The proposal fails to meet the first standard for certificate of appropriateness in Section 38.340.050.A BMC, by not conforming with the most recent edition of the SOI Standards as summarized above and detailed in Section 5. The application is also not meeting the other two criteria for granting a deviation as detailed in Section 5. No public comment has been received as of writing this staff report. Conditions of Approval 1. None Alternatives 1. Approve the application with the following motion: “Having reviewed and considered the application materials, public comment, and all the information presented, I hereby find that application 19418 meets the criteria required for approval and move to approve the Ellen Theater Signage application for a deviation request from Section 38.560.060.A of Bozeman Municipal code to allow for a projecting sign to be greater than 12 square feet in size, as shown within the application materials.” 73 19418 Staff Report for The Ellen Theater Signage CCOA/Deviation Page 4 of 29 2. Open and continue the public hearing on the application, with specific direction to Staff or the applicant to supply additional information or to address specific items. TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................................. 1 Unresolved Issues ............................................................................................................... 1 Project Summary ................................................................................................................. 1 Conditions of Approval ....................................................................................................... 3 Alternatives ......................................................................................................................... 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................................................................. 4 SECTION 1 - MAP AND PLAN SERIES ......................................................................................... 5 SECTION 2 – PROPOSED DESIGN ............................................................................................... 6 SECTION 3 - REQUESTED DEVIATION(S) .................................................................................. 15 SECTION 4 - RECOMMENDATION AND FUTURE ACTIONS ...................................................... 16 SECTION 5 - STAFF ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS ......................................................................... 17 Applicable Plan Review Criteria ........................................................................................ 17 APPENDIX A – PROJECT SITE ZONING AND GROWTH POLICY ................................................ 25 APPENDIX B – DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND ................................... 27 APPENDIX C – NOTICING AND PUBLIC COMMENT ................................................................. 28 APPENDIX D – OWNER INFORMATION AND REVIEWING STAFF ............................................ 28 FISCAL EFFECTS ....................................................................................................................... 29 ATTACHMENTS ........................................................................................................................ 29 74 19418 Staff Report for The Ellen Theater Signage CCOA/Deviation Page 5 of 29 SECTION 1 - MAP AND PLAN SERIES Fig. 1 CURRENT ZONING MAP 75 Page 6 of 29 SECTION 2 – PROPOSED DESIGN Fig. 2 PROPOSED SIGN SPECIFICATIONS 76 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 7 of 29 77 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 8 of 29 Fig. 3-5 PROPOSED SIGN PERSPECTIVES 78 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 9 of 29 Fig. 6 APPROVED DESIGN WITH SIGNS FROM APPLICATION #17407 79 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 10 of 29 Fig. 7 PROPOSED SIGN WITH APPROVED SIGNS 80 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 11 of 29 Fig. 8 HISTORICAL PHOTO DATED 1920 81 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 12 of 29 Fig. 9 HISTORICAL PHOTO DATED 1923 82 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 13 of 29 Fig. 10 HISTORICAL PHOTO DATED 1931 83 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 14 of 29 Fig. 11 HISTORICAL PHOTO DATED 1938 Fig. 12 CONDITION PRIOR TO THE 2017 REMODEL 84 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 15 of 29 SECTION 3 - REQUESTED DEVIATION(S) The applicant has submitted a zoning deviation request from Section 38.560.060.A BMC to allow for the installation of a projecting sign greater than the allowed maximum area of 12 square feet. Section 38.560.060.A includes the following table used to determine non-residential sign standards with projecting sign area capped at 12 square feet in B-3 zoning: Zoning District B-1 B-2, B-2M B-3 UMU M-1 M-2 Maximum sq. ft. area 80 per building 400 per lot 250 per lot 250 per lot 250 per lot 250 per lot Allowed sq. ft. sign area per linear foot of building frontage first 25 feet 1.5 or 2 1 2 or 3 1 2 2 or 3 1 2 or 3 1 2 or 3 1 Allowed sq. ft. sign area per linear foot of building frontage > 25 feet 1 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 Monument max. size sq. ft. 32 32 32 32 32 32 Monument max. height 5' 5' 5' 5' 5' 5' Monument setback 5' 5' 5' 5' 5' 5' Pole style max. height Prohibited 13' 13' 13' 13' 13' Pole style setback Prohibited 15' 15' 15' 15' 15' 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 16 of 29 Projecting sign max. area sq. ft. 8' 8' 12' 8' 8' 8' Projecting sign max. distance 4' 4' 6' 4' 4' 4' Rotating sign max area 2.5 sq. ft. 2.5 sq. ft. 2.5 sq. ft. 2.5 sq. ft. Prohi bited Prohi bited The applicant argues that the larger projecting sign is more historically appropriate than a 12 square foot sign because it is closer in size and design to the historic sign installed in the 1920’s. Figures 8-10 above are photos demonstrating the original size and location of the original Ellen projecting sign. The size of the sign based on figure 8 is approximately 68 square feet. The applicant argues that a 68 square foot projecting sign would be inappropriate today and would not be in scale with the building and surrounding structures. The applicant argues that the scaled down version that is proposed at 24.5 square feet is more closely matching the original sign than an approved 12 square foot version, and is therefore more historically appropriate. In terms of placement, the applicant points out that when “the theater first started operation, the business utilized the east half of the storefront, sharing the space with a candy store, which operated out of the west half of the storefront. The 1919 Ellen blade sign was placed directly at the middle of the east half of the business.” The applicant’s narrative, design details, and historical research and photos are attached to this report. SECTION 4 - RECOMMENDATION AND FUTURE ACTIONS The proposed application and associated deviation request requires the review and decision of the City Commission. The City Commission retains to itself under all circumstances the review of any deviation request where the deviation is for more than 20% of the standard. Staff’s position is that the application does not conform to standards and is insufficient for approval. Staff is not able to make positive findings for all deviation criteria as the applicant has not demonstrated that the proposed sign size, design, and location is more historically appropriate for the site. An analysis of the findings is detailed below. The City Commission will consider the proposal on March 2, 2020. The City Commission public hearing will occur at 121 North Rouse Avenue, Bozeman MT, in the City Commission room at 6 p.m. 86 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 17 of 29 SECTION 5 - STAFF ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS Staff’s analysis and resulting recommendations are based on the entirety of the application materials, municipal codes, standards, and plans, public comment, and all other materials available during the review period. Collectively this information is the record of the review. The analysis in this report is a summary of the completed review. Applicable Plan Review Criteria The applicant is advised that unmet code provisions, or code provisions that are not specifically listed as conditions of approval, does not, in any way, create a waiver or other relaxation of the lawful requirements of the Bozeman Municipal Code or State law. In considering applications for plan approval, the review authority and advisory bodies evaluate the following criteria. This application must be reviewed for compliance with all applicable requirements of this BMC chapter including overlay district requirements. The staff findings are analyzed under the following sections below: Code Standard Meeting Code Standard? Secretary of Interior’s (SOI) Standards for Restoration of Historic Properties under Section 38.340.050.A No BMC 38.340.050 Standards for Certificate of Appropriateness No BMC 38.340.070 Criteria for Granting Deviations No Secretary of Interior’s Standards for The Treatment of Historic Properties – Guidelines for Restoration The National Park Service guidelines for restoring historic buildings provides standards for restoration as a treatment that should be followed when the expressed goal of the project is to make the building appear as it did at a particular – and at its most significant – time in history. During review for the exterior remodel of the building and marquee canopy in 2017, the applicant established a restoration period of 1919 that was followed during design and construction, providing copies of the original drawings by Fred Willson from that time. The SOI standards state, “Missing features from the restoration period should be replaced, based on physical or historic documentation, with either the same or compatible substitute materials. Only those designs that can be documented as having been built should be recreated in a restoration project.” The guidelines list 10 standards for restoration; these are evaluated individually by staff below: 87 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 18 of 29 1. A property will be used as it was historically or be given a new use that interprets the property and its restoration period. Not Applicable, the use has not changed. 2. Materials and features from the restoration period will be retained and preserved. The removal of materials or alteration of features, spaces and spatial relationships that characterize the period will not be undertaken. The original sign as documented in photographs from the period was removed long before the remodel in 2017. According to photographic evidence provided by the applicant, the sign did not last long past the early to mid-1930’s. A photo from 1938 obtained from the Gallatin History Museum (Fig. 11) shows the original 1919 marquee and sign removed and replaced with a more contemporary marquee and reader board sign in the streamline moderne style. The marquee reader boards were updated a second time in the 1950’s or 60’s, a design which remained until the restoration remodel in 2017 (Fig. 12). The original blade sign was never replaced, and no blade sign appears to have existed on the building after 1938. When considering the spatial relationship between the original 1919 sign and the Ellen building and surrounding buildings during that time, photographs suggest that the sign was the largest projecting sign of any visible signage on that side of Main Street, and it appears to project further from the building than any other sign photographed around it. At 16-17 feet tall and about 4 feet wide, the sign dominated the front façade above the historic marquee and could be seen from at least one to two blocks away. This sign was placed between the second and third windows from the easternmost edge of the building (See Fig. 10). The applicant argues that the proposed sign cannot be placed in this location today due to the presence of the approved reader board signs, and chains above the marquee. Placing this sign in an alternate location and at a smaller size would alter the spatial relationships that characterized features on the building façade during the restoration period of 1919. 3. Each property will be recognized as a physical record of its time, place and use. Work needed to stabilize, consolidate and conserve materials and features from the restoration period will be physically and visually compatible, identifiable upon close inspection and properly documented for future research. Not applicable, no restoration work to the sign is possible as it was removed prior to the façade restoration conducted in 2017. The proposed sign package approved in 2017 was not reviewed as part of the historic character period of 1919. The applicant did not apply to restore historic signage at that time, apart from the integration of the word Ellen into the marquis. 4. Materials, features, spaces and finishes that characterize other historical periods will be documented prior to their alteration or removal. The proposed sign will not disturb any historic features on the building or cause the alteration or removal of any historic features. The applicant proposes to mount the sign 1” away from the historic quoining block detail at the east edge of the building. The installation of any signage is required to be conducted without resulting in damage to the historic façade. 88 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 19 of 29 5. Distinctive materials, features, finishes and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize the restoration period will be preserved. See above. The proposed sign will not disturb any distinctive historic features, materials, or finishes. 6. Deteriorated features from the restoration period will be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature will match the old in design, color, texture and, where possible, materials. No restoration of deteriorated features is proposed in the application to install the sign. Based on the available historic documentation of the old sign, the proposed new sign will not match the historic sign as documented in size, lighting, and mounting location. In terms of design, based on the historic photographs, the proposed sign is inconsistent with their intended restoration period. Staff is unable to verify the type of lighting used to illuminate the sign historically, so a comparison cannot be made to the proposed LED lighting. 7. Replacement of missing features from the restoration period will be substantiated by documentary and physical evidence. A false sense of history will not be created by adding conjectural features, features from other properties, or by combining features that never existed together historically. Based on the photographic evidence provided by the applicant ranging from 1920 to 2017, the design and placement of the proposed sign will create a false sense of history for the following reasons: a. The mounting location on the building will be changed from its historic location directly above the canopy (see Fig. 10), to easternmost edge of the building adjacent to the quoining block detail (see Fig. 3-5). b. The size of the proposed sign is approximately 1/3 the size of the original sign. c. The presence of the reader board sign (first documented in 1938) in combination with the proposed blade sign (restored from 1919) combines features that never existed together historically. 8. Chemical or physical treatments, if appropriate, will be undertaken using the gentlest means possible. Treatments that cause damage to historic materials will not be used. Not applicable, chemical or physical treatments are not necessary for the installation of the proposed sign. The installation of any signage is required to be conducted without resulting in damage to the historic façade. 9. Archeological resources affected by a project will be protected and preserved in place. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures will be undertaken. Not applicable, underground archaeological resources do not apply to this project. In summary, staff finds that while visually similar to the original sign from 1919, the proposed sign does not does not match the historic documentation in size and mounting location on the building effecting the spatial relationships of features on the façade from the documented 1919 restoration period. Furthermore, the presence of the reader board signs, not documented until 1938, provides a false sense of history by combining features that never existed together historically. 89 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 20 of 29 Restoration of signs is not specifically listed or mentioned in the SOI content; however, the National Park Service (NPS) did publish a preservation brief in 1991 on the preservation of historic signs. While a majority of the content is dedicated to preserving and restoring existing historic signs, a section titled New Signs and Historic Buildings provides principles for the design of new signs, stating “Determining what new signs are appropriate for historic buildings, however, involves a major paradox: Historic sign practices were not always ‘sympathetic’ to buildings. They were often unsympathetic to the building, or frankly contemptuous of it. Repeating some historic practices, therefore, would definitely not be recommended.” The following principles are recommended:  Signs should be viewed as part of an overall graphics system for the building. They do not have to do all the "work" by themselves. The building's form, name and outstanding features, both decorative and functional, also support the advertising function of a sign. Signs should work with the building, rather than against it.  New signs should respect the size, scale and design of the historic building. Often features or details of the building will suggest a motif for new signs.  Sign placement is important: new signs should not obscure significant features of the historic building. (Signs above a storefront should fit within the historic signboard, for example.)  New signs should also respect neighboring buildings. They should not shadow or overpower adjacent structures.  Sign materials should be compatible with those of the historic building. Materials characteristic of the building's period and style, used in contemporary designs, can form effective new signs.  New signs should be attached to the building carefully, both to prevent damage to historic fabric, and to ensure the safety of pedestrians. Fittings should penetrate mortar joints rather than brick, for example, and signloads should be properly calculated and distributed. Staff found the 12 square foot blade sign (see Fig. 6) approved in 2017 employs these principles. Specifically that the sign respects the size, scale and design of the historic building and the neighboring buildings. The previously approved sign employs modern graphics and branding that work with the historic design of the building and marquee, but does not attempt to replicate the historic sign. The proposed 24.5 square foot sign when analyzed against these same criteria fails to meet the last two, that historic materials be used in a contemporary design, and that fittings should penetrate mortar joints rather than bricks. Standards for Certificate of Appropriateness When considering this application for a deviation from projecting sign size requirements, staff has individually evaluated the criteria found in Section 38.340.050 BMC – Standards for certificates of appropriateness - below: 90 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 21 of 29 A. All work performed in completion of an approved certificate of appropriateness must be in conformance with the most recent edition of the Secretary of the Interior's (SOI) Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring and Reconstructing Historic Buildings, published by U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Cultural Resource Stewardship and Partnerships, Heritage Preservation Services, Washington, D.C. (available for review at the community development department). The proposed sign does not meet the SOI standards for restoration as detailed above due to the size, mounting location on the building façade, and mixture of signs from different eras creating a false sense of history. B. Architectural appearance design guidelines used to consider the appropriateness and compatibility of proposed alterations with original design features of subject structures or properties, and with neighboring structures and properties, must focus upon the following: 1. Height; NA, application for sign only. 2. Proportions of doors and windows; NA, application for sign only. 3. Relationship of building masses and spaces; NA, application for sign only. 4. Roof shape; NA, application for sign only. 5. Scale; the scale of the sign in relation to the front façade of the Ellen theater is not equal to the documented historic sign, however staff agrees with the applicant that the proposed sign area of 24.5 square feet is in scale with existing building and surrounding structures. The documented size of the Rialto Theater sign across the street from historic photos is 45.6 square feet. 6. Directional expression, with regard to the dominant horizontal or vertical expression of surrounding structures; the historic Ellen blade sign exhibited a vertical directional expression. The proposed sign, while smaller in size, continues the theme of horizontal blade or fin lettering. 7. Architectural details; NA, application for sign only. 8. Concealment of non-period appurtenances, such as mechanical equipment; and NA, application for sign only. 9. Materials and color schemes (any requirements or conditions imposed regarding color schemes must be limited to the prevention of nuisances upon abutting properties and prevention of degradation of features on the property in question. Color schemes may be considered as primary design elements if a deviation from the underlying zoning is requested). Like the historic sign, the proposed sign is to be made of metal. The NCOD Design guidelines do not detail preferred materials for signs. The NPS Preservation Brief suggests that materials for new signs should “be compatible with those of the historic building. Materials 91 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 22 of 29 characteristic of the building’s period and style, used in contemporary designs, can form effective new signs.” The proposed sign is to be made of iron and aluminum with LED lighting. Staff finds that with the use of similar metallic materials to that of the historic sign, this criterion is met with the proposed sign. C. Contemporary, non-period and innovative design of new structures and additions to existing structures is encouraged when such new construction or additions do not destroy significant historical, cultural or architectural structures or their components and when such design is compatible with the foregoing elements of the structure and surrounding structures. The applicant has proposed a contemporary sign based on a historic design from the 1920’s. Since that sign was removed in the 1930’s no significant historical, cultural or architectural elements will be destroyed. While contemporary designs are encouraged on existing historic structures, this deviation application requests a sign larger than what is allowed by the BMC, asserting that it will be more historically appropriate than the 12 square foot sign allowed by code. Staff finds that this criterion is not met because the larger sign in a similar design style to the 1920’s sign will create a false sense of history on the building façade and will not portray a contemporary, non-period design. D. When applying the standards of subsections A through C of this section, the review authority must be guided by the design guidelines for the neighborhood conservation overlay district (NCOD). Application of the design guidelines may vary by property as explained in the introduction to the design guidelines. When reviewing a contemporary, non-period, or innovative design for new structures or additions to existing structures, the review authority must be guided by the design guidelines for the neighborhood conservation overlay district to determine whether the proposal is compatible with any existing or surrounding structures. Chapter 4 of the NCOD design guidelines applies to structures within the commercial character area and signs are discussed on page 74, Chapter 4, Section I. The policy states, “All signs should be developed within the overall context of the building and the area in mind. The placement or location of a sign is perhaps the most critical factor in maintaining the order and integrity of a commercial building. Consistent placement of signs according to building type, size, location and even building materials creates a visual pattern that the driver, or pedestrian, can easily interpret and utilize to the mutual benefit of merchants, tourists and customers.” The proposed sign continues a visual pattern seen historically and one that is reflected with the Rialto Theater across the street, with a larger blade or fin sign in a horizontal orientation announcing the presence of a theater. The proposed signs meets this criteria. 92 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 23 of 29 E. Conformance with other applicable development standards of this chapter. Development in the NCOD must comply with all other applicable development standards of this chapter. The proposed sign does not comply with Section 38.560.060.A BMC, and has requested this deviation from the projecting sign size cap of 12 square feet. F. Tax abatement certificate of appropriateness applications are also reviewed with the procedures and standards established in chapter 2, article 6, division 2. Not applicable because tax abatement was not requested in the application. In summary, staff finds that based on the above criteria, the proposed blade sign meets some, but not all standards for Certificate of Appropriateness. Criteria for Granting Deviations Pursuant to Section 38.340.070 BMC, there are three criteria for granting deviations from the underlying zoning requirement, all three criteria must be met in order to receive approval 1. Modifications must be more historically appropriate for the building and site in question and the adjacent properties, as determined by the standards in Section 38.340.050, than would be achieved under a literal enforcement of this chapter. As detailed above, this application is using a documented sign from the 1920’s that was removed in the 1930’s as reference for the design of a new sign of a similar style. In order to achieve the desired size of 24.5 square feet this deviation has been requested from the permitted size of 12 square feet. In reviewing the SOI preservation standards, City code, and the NCOD Design Guidelines for Historic Preservation, staff does not support the applicant’s argument that the larger sign is more historically appropriate due to the following criteria that have been outlined in this report and are summarized below:  Secretary of Interior’s (SOI) Standards for Restoration of Historic Properties: While much of these guidelines are focused on repairing, stabilizing, and preserving historic architecture, this section does provide important guidance when conducting new construction of features that are based off documentation from a specific restoration period. The restoration period established with the previously reviewed COA application #17407 is the year 1919. The applicant has demonstrated with photographic evidence that during this period the theater’s front façade featured a galvanized iron and glass marquee with a larger “bulb studded” blade sign above the east entrance. As detailed above, in order to accommodate the presence of reader boards and chains above the marquee the applicant has proposed moving the sign from its documented location above the east entrance, to a new location on the east end of the building. The applicant has also proposed scaling down the size of the sign from approximately 68 square feet (as estimated from a photo) to 24.5 square feet, roughly 1/3 the size. These changes, combined with the fact that there were no 93 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 24 of 29 documented reader boards in 1919, will create a false sense of history that runs contradictory to the stated goals of the NCOD including, but not limited to, “providing examples of physical surroundings in which past generations lived,” and preserve “reminders of past eras, events or persons important in local, state or national history.” It is important to note that three significant local historical figures are associated with this building, the architect, Fred Willson, and T. Byron and Nelson Story, two of the theater’s initial investors. It is unclear how much involvement these three men had with the design and placement of the original Ellen blade sign. Based on the photographic evidence provided by the applicant ranging from 1920 to 2017, the design and placement of the proposed sign will create a false sense of history for the following reasons: o The mounting location on the building will be changed from its historic location directly above the canopy (see Fig. 10), to easternmost edge of the building adjacent to the quoining block detail (see Fig. 3-5). o The size of the proposed sign is approximately 1/3 the size of the original sign. o The presence of the reader board sign (first documented in 1938) in combination with the proposed blade sign (restored from 1919) combines features that never existed together historically.  Criteria for Certificate of Appropriateness: When reviewing against standards A-F staff found that all criteria except F were applicable to this application. Criteria A in reference to the SOI Standards is summarized above, is not met with this project. Criteria B contains the architectural appearance guidelines, staff found that the design meets all three of the standards that are applicable to the proposed sign. Criteria C is not met because a distinction between the historic and the contemporary is not being maintained. Criteria D which applies the NCOD design guidelines is being met. Criteria E requires the proposed sign to be in conformance with all other development standards and is not being met, and criteria F is not applicable. 2. Modifications will have minimal adverse effects on abutting properties or the permitted uses thereof. The NPS Preservation Brief on historic signs states that “Historic signs give continuity to public spaces, becoming part of the community memory. They sometimes become landmarks in themselves, almost without regard for the building to which they are attached, or the property on which they stand. Furthermore, in an age of uniform franchise signs and generic plastic ‘box’ signs, historic signs often attract by their individuality.” Downtown signs serve as community landmarks, but staff does not conclude that allowing a sign to be larger than the agreed upon standard of 12 square feet would bring substantially more benefit to abutting properties. 94 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 25 of 29 In terms of light trespass, placing an internally illuminated sign at the edge of a building and property line has potential for adverse effects on the abutting property. Without knowing the proposed illumination intensity, this standard is not met. 3. Modifications must assure the protection of the public health, safety and general welfare. Approvals may be conditioned to assure such protection, and such conditions may include a time period within which alterations will be completed; landscaping and maintenance thereof; architectural, site plan and landscape design modifications, or any other conditions in conformity with the intent and purpose set forth in this part 1. The purpose of the City’s sign code in Section 38.560 BMC is to promote the health, safety and welfare of the residents and visitors of the city by regulating and controlling the size, location, type, quality of materials, height, maintenance and construction of all signs and sign structures not located within a building, or within a building and visible from the exterior for the following reasons: 1. To ensure that pedestrians and motorists are protected from damage or injury caused by or partly attributable to the distractions and obstructions which are caused by improperly situated or dangerously distracting signs; 2. To preserve the Bozeman area's natural scenic beauty and character as expressed in adopted city plans and policies; 3. To contribute to inviting entrances into the city by eliminating clutter associated, in part, with the unrestricted proliferation of signs, lights and stringed devices; 4. To encourage area beautification through creative, interrelated design of signage, landscaping, buildings, access and parking that enhances the community's built and natural environment; 5. To give all persons, organizations and businesses an equal opportunity to have a sign that will help people find the goods and services they need; and 6. To encourage economic development. This section of the code is intended to provide a balance between the needs of business owners and the needs of the general public. Staff finds that regulating sign size has a positive impact on the safety and appearance of the community. In recognition of the unique character of downtown the City has chosen to allow greater area for blade signs in the B-3 districts as an adopted standard, the proposed sign exceeds that amount by 104%. The proposed modification does not meet this criteria. In summary, of the three criteria from Section 38.340.070 BMC used to evaluate if a deviation should be granted from the underlying zoning requirements this application does not meet any of the three. Staff concludes that a literal enforcement of the code, in the case of this proposed sign, is more historically appropriate for the building. Below is a matrix of the criteria and their evaluation: 95 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 26 of 29 Section 38.340.070.A BMC Meeting Criteria? 1. Modifications must be more historically appropriate for the building and site in question and the adjacent properties, as determined by the standards in section 38.340.050, than would be achieved under a literal enforcement of this chapter. No Comments: By using the standards for certificates of appropriateness in Section 38.340.050 staff finds the proposed sign does not meet criteria A, C, and E. The proposed sign meets criteria B and D, and criteria F is not applicable. 2. Modifications will have minimal adverse effects on abutting properties or the permitted uses thereof No Comments: There is no added benefit to abutting properties by allowing the sign to be constructed larger than the allowable 12 square feet. Placing an internally lit sign on the edge of the property may negatively affect the adjacent building to the east, but it is unknown without further details on the light output intensity. 3. Modifications must assure the protection of the public health, safety and general welfare. Approvals may be conditioned to assure such protection, and such conditions may include a time period within which alterations will be completed; landscaping and maintenance thereof; architectural, site plan and landscape design modifications, or any other conditions in conformity with the intent and purpose set forth in this part 1. No Comments: Staff finds that regulating sign size has a positive impact on the safety and appearance of the community. In recognition of the unique character of downtown, the City has chosen to allow greater area for blade signs in the B-3 districts as an adopted standard. The proposed sign exceeds that amount by 104%. The proposed modification does not meet this criteria. APPENDIX A – PROJECT SITE ZONING AND GROWTH POLICY Zoning Designation and Land Uses: The subject property is zoned B-3 (Downtown Business District). The intent of the downtown B-3 business district is to provide a central area for the community's business, government service and cultural activities with urban residential development as an essential supporting use. The downtown B-3 district should be the area of greatest density of development, intensity of use, and appropriate infill. Design standards reinforcing the area's historical pedestrian-oriented context are very important. 96 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 27 of 29 This district encourages high volume, pedestrian-oriented uses in ground floor space in the "core area" of the city's central business district, i.e., along Main Street from Grand to Rouse and to the alleys one-half block north and south from Main Street. Lower volume pedestrian uses such as professional offices may locate on ground floor space in the downtown B-3 area outside the above-defined core. Adopted Growth Policy Designation: The property is designated as “Community Core” in the Bozeman Community Plan. The Plan indicates that, “The traditional core of Bozeman is the historic downtown. This area has an extensive mutually supportive diversity of uses, a strong pedestrian and multi-modal transportation network, and a rich architectural character. Essential government services, places of public assembly, and open spaces provide the civic and social core of town. Residential development on upper floors is well established. New residential uses should be high density. The area along Main Street should be preserved as a place for high pedestrian activity uses, with strong pedestrian connectivity to other uses on nearby streets. Users are drawn from the entire planning area and beyond. The intensity of development is high with a Floor Area Ratio well over 1. Future development should continue to be intense while providing areas of transition to adjacent areas and preserving the historic character of Main Street.” APPENDIX B – DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND The property is located in the B-3, Downtown Business Zoning District and is within the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD), and the Main Street Historic District. The Ellen Theatre was financed by 5 investors including T. Byron Story, Nelson Story Jr., H.R. Greene, E.H. Kleinschmidt and Otto Schmidt who pulled together $100,000 to construct one of Bozeman’s most architecturally elegant and culturally significant performance theaters. The Classical Revival design was executed by local architect Fred Willson and built by local builder H.J. Hamill. The theatre contained a ballroom on the second floor and a candy shop along the store front. The theatre was opened April 29, 1919 and was named the Ellen after Ellen Trent Story, T. Byron Story’s wife. The theater continuously operated as a performance space and movie theatre for decades under various ownerships including the Gallatin Theatre Company and Theatre Operators Inc. continuously modernizing the interior and storefront. The main façade above the storefront has been modified very little since its construction. A zoning deviation from Section 38.560.060.A was requested on September 18, 2019 by the applicant, Montana Theatreworks Inc., to allow a projecting sign larger than the maximum 12 square feet be placed on the building. The requested sign measures 9.8 feet x 2.5 feet and is 24.5 square feet in area. In 2017, an exterior remodel of the marquee canopy, windows, doors, and signage, including a 12 square foot projecting sign, was reviewed by staff and approved by the Director of 97 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 28 of 29 community development on November 30, 2017 under COA application #17407, this application approval continues in force unless explicitly modified. This application (#19418) seeks to replace that originally approved 12 square foot projecting sign with this proposed 24.5 square foot projecting sign. Staff provided comments on the application on October 23, 2019 and December 12, 2019. In both letters, staff recommended the following paths: a) Utilize the approved 12 sq. ft. sign design b) Create a new 12 sq. ft. blade sign that is a nod to the historic blade sign but incorporates modern design elements c) Remove the reader boards and place the recreated blade sign in its original size and location. d) Move forward with a staff recommendation of denial.” While staff was able to make positive findings on the proposed sign in terms of design and architectural appearance guidelines as detailed in the above staff analysis, it is not possible to support a deviation for additional sign area with a standard that the modifications must be more historically appropriate for the building and site in question when the modifications do not meet that standard. Additionally, staff did not make positive findings for the other two deviation criteria, the sign may in fact adversely affect the abutting properties, and that signs larger than the adopted standards do in fact harm public health, safety, and general welfare as outlined in the intent of the sign code. Pursuant to Section 38.200.010 of the Bozeman Municipal Code, the City Commission retains itself under all circumstances the review of any deviation request where the deviation is for more than 20% of the standard. APPENDIX C – NOTICE AND PUBLIC COMMENT Notice was provided pursuant to Section 38.40.030, BMC. Notice was sent to property owners within 200 feet of the exterior boundaries of the property via USPS first class mail on February 14, 2020 which was at least 15 and not more than 45 days prior to the expected decision by the City Commission. Notice was published in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle on February 16 and February 23. A 24” x 36” notice sign was posted on site on February 16, 2020. No public comment has been received as of writing this staff report. APPENDIX D – OWNER INFORMATION AND REVIEWING STAFF Owner/Applicant: Montana Theatreworks Inc., PO Box 28, Bozeman, MT 59717-0028 Representative: Media Station Design Works Inc., 627 E. Peach Street, Bozeman, MT 59715 Report By: Danielle Garber, Associate Planner 98 19418 Staff Report for the Ellen Theater Sign Deviation Page 29 of 29 FISCAL EFFECTS No unusual fiscal effects have been identified. No presently budgeted funds will be changed by this application. ATTACHMENTS The full application and file of record (#19418) can be viewed at the Bozeman Community Development Department at 20 E. Olive Street, Bozeman, MT 59715. Application Documents Application Narrative Application Plans 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 , ^.^ITANA HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL INVENTORY t" Site ^ Legal Description: Trai;v's Lots Portion 6, 7, 8/Blk A Address:_17 West Main Ownership: name: E- & Donald Russell and Joyce R. Vovell '^im-^ [jpub^ address: 2200 2 Street, SW, Rochester, MI} 55901 Roll <<82 Frame V9 '^•.. ^ '^! ^'! :^L- \W}^£^^L^- M ^V^if'Vft^V-- T 9 TT^ I I I At ft/^ • /w/^ r r---r- LU 3 D z.. z i ; Lu < >1 J —t - - •A±±^. < M&cow T 1 ^ Me^oc/^ Historic Nams: Ellen Theatre Common Name' I In kn nun Date of Construction:_1919 Architect-_Fred F. Uillson Builder:. D estimated C? documented H. J. Ramill * Original Owner. Original Use:. Present Use:. Gallatin Theatre Company Theatre Theatre 1927 C city dlreclories CXseweriwater permits C obituaries a biographies Research Sources: C abstract of title 0 ptat records/maps r<iSTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Justify how the persons, important events, and/or historical patterns associated with the structure/site and surrounding area lend the property significance, This property is significant because it is associated with a person important to Bozeman history, Fred F. Willson. Son of General Lester S. Willson, an early Bozeman pioneer, Willson was born in 1877 in Bozeman. He attended Montana State College for two years and graduated from Columbia University in archi- tecture in 1902. He studied two years abroad and upon his return, Willson practiced with C. S. Haire In Helena and Butte. In his long practice from 1910-1956, he designed many public, commercial and residential buildings. Investors in the Ellen Theater T. B. Story, Nelson Story, Jr., H. R. Greene, E. H. Kleinschmidt and Otto Schmldt put up $100,000 in order to build the theatre. The group known as the Gal1.at.in Theatre. Company also owned and operated another Theatre, the Ellen. The Ellen is named for T. B. and Nelson Story, Jr., s mother, Ellen Trent Story, wife of Nelson Story, millionare Bozeman pioneer. « This structure Is potentially eligible for the National Register because of Its historical significance and because of its architectural significance. INTEGRITY: Assess the degree to which the structure/site, and surrounding area accurately convey the historical associations of the property. The historic Integrity of this property has been retained due to the survival of original design and materials and continuity of use, setting and location. INFORMATION VALUE: Explain how the extant structure/site may demonstrate or yield information about its historic use orconstruc- tion. None. FORM PREPARED BY: N^e ^.r.? R. 1-CCOriALD ARCHITECTS P.C, Address:. -£. [^ , 81G3 ^.|^Q'JLA._MONTANA,5980L GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Acreage:. USGS Quad:. UTM's:.. •71 u TWPT REVISED Matthcv/ A. Cohen B"^""inn, Montann |II(V i-T^rii^nrO innc- 110 17 W. Main 1985 revision Matt Cohen, surveyor A typical example of elaborate, early 20th century motion picture theatre design, the Ellen Theatre is equally significant for its c.1965 marquee, which features the large yellow neon word: "Ellen" in script lettering, flickering red neon stars on either side, and rounded, chrome-stnped corners. Though several theatres preceded the Ellen In Bozeman, none could compare in size or pretention. Five investors, T. Byron Story (who built the pretentious house in the city, 811 S. Millson Jr., H.R. Greene, E.H. K1e1nschm-i dt, and Otto Gallatin Theatre Co. 1n 1919, and put up "one of the first and most complete show Northwest (Bozeman Chronicle, 1883/1983, was to be operated by the Gem Theatre Co, the Gem Theatre, at 18 E. Main (see 18 E. largest and most Ave) , Nelson Story Schmidt formed the $100,000 in order to build houses of its size in the Pt. II, p.3). The theatre which also owned and operated Main.) Local architect Fred Willson was hired for the design of the elaborate, multi-functional building. The design included a banquet hall on the second floor at the front of the building for private parties and balls, with a hardwood dance floor 1ayed over a sound-deademng layer of shiptap and felt. A confectionary store was to be located next to the theatre entrance, which was touted by promoters as a very progressive concept in theatre design. A stage with dressing rooms below was constructed for the use of traveling Vandeville shows such as the Pantages Circuit, with whom a contract for regular appearances had been signed before the theatre was constructed. On either side of the pracenium, decorative theatre boxes, not part of Willson's design, were built. As orchestra was also included during silent movies. At the rear, a balcony constructed of steel girder's was designed to overhang one third of the theatre, and had loges 1n front, one of which was permanently reserved for members of the Story family. For_the exfer-ior, in addifion to thej'ornate facade that remains well preserved today, Willson designed a galvanized iron and glass marquee (similar to that over the entrance to the Cosner Apartments, 128-130 E. Main,) and a verti ca 1 , ±.u1 b-s tudded sign reading: "Ellen." Patrons would buy a ticket from a window under the marquee, and pass through a lobby, and then a foyer, before reaching the audi- torium itself. The three manhole covers in the sidewalk in front of the theatre were installed to facilitate coal deliveries to the Fred Wi 11 son-des i gned coal furnace "in the basement. ^ 111 "The theatre was named for Ellen Trent Story, T.B. and Nelson Story, Jr.'s mother, and wife of Nelson Story - Bozeman pioneer and millionaire. Ground breaking on this Story family owned lot took place on April 29, 1919. H. J. Hammill, contractor completed the structure in time for a December 1 opening - about two months later than planned, and $50,000 above the initial $100,000 r-a-ised. The theatre's first manager was Otto Schmidt, one of the on'g-inal investors in both this and the Rialto Theatre across the street. In 1927, Schmidt was replaced by Frank L. Boedecker as manager, who converted the banquet hail to his apartment, and halved praces in order to boost lagging patronage. Continually modernized, the theatre gained a organ in 1925, at a cost of $16,000 and in 1 system was installed for the introduction of An #11,000 interior- remodeling was soon unde inch sound-absorb-i ng material on the walls, damask (which does not obscure the original and a new screen, paint, red and gold stage and lights. After the re-opening which foil 1931, the newly appointed theatre drew prais said it was one of the most outstanding moti between the Twin Cities and the Pacific Coas "Mighty Wurlitzer" 929, a RCA "photophone" the first "talkies." rtaken, including 3/4- covered by red silk 1919 wal1 moldings) , hangings, aisle carpets owed on September 9, e from travelers who on picture houses t. A.M. Russell, owner of the Rialto Theatre across the street (10-12 W. Main), bought the Ellen -in the early 1930's, and not long after that time also opened the Joyce Theatre (219 E. Main). In 1952 Theatre Operators, Inc. bought the building, and in the mid-1960's extensively remodeled it. Thses changes included the addition of the present storefront, which was brought up flush with the side- walk, the removal of the newspaper and candy lation of the present marquee. In addition, ha11 was converted from an apartment for use store, and the i nstal - the upstairs dance as a dance studio. The marquee is similar Willson in 1940. to that of 17 S. Tracy, designed by Fred Q^ bi[iography Bqz^eman Daily Chrom.de, 1883-1983, Pt III, p. 3. A p^'T-i-c a t i~o n -f o7 Sew-e r- Connection, November- 17, 1919, Gallatin Montana Theatre Historical Co. and Architectural Inventory, form for 17 W. Main. Fred Willson Job List: 1929, job )"2910 - "Alteration - Ellen Theatre - Gallatin Theatre Co. - Bozeman." 1931, job # 3129 - "Ellen Theatre Foyer - Gallatin Theatre Co." 112 i > •^ \ ^1^' '^ ^^K \ TH-E-A-TC-P- c.o?pcf LUjU^f \\^K- •0^((. lL -'u^s 5 ' P £. \^ ^ ^ ^ .H ^ ] H ^T , FLAfci ^ <5^ic f Mt,-+^ -^ 113 j n Comprehensive Sign Plan Submittal Sheet 2 9-18-19 B-3 Projecting Sign Max Area: 12sq.ft. We are submitting for one (1) Projecting Sign measuring 2.5' wide x 9.8' tail =24.5 sq.ft. Per Sec. 38.28.060 A4: Projecting sign will provide a minimum clearance of 8'. C. Wall Mounted Signage: Two 4'x10' reader boards secured to steel framework and approved Marquee frame mounted at less that a 45 degree anglefALREADY APPROVED) 40 sq.ft. of total reader board signage D. Historical or Culturally Significant Signs: Deviation to allow for the use of Historic 1919 Ellen Theatre Signage. Per Sec. 38.28.170. hlistoric or Culturally Significant Signs. We are submitting for a deviation to allow for the accurate reproduction of the historical and culturally significant historic Ellen Theatre Blade Signage. All signage for the Ellen Theatre has been designed based on research utilizing historic photographs, Fred Willson's original blue prints, newpapers, museums and other supporting documents. Great care has been taken to recreate the Marquee and Blade sign to reflect these findings and make any appropriate changes to bring them into the modern age. All signage is mounted and placed as close as possible to the oringinal locations, which has taken into account the addition of several versions of the reader boards which was installed around the late 1930's. The three marquee designs are circa 1919, late 1930's and the most current 1 950's version. All fonts, colors and materials have been designed to replicate Fred Willson's original drawings and final adjustments where made upon viewing black and white photographs of what was actually built and installed in 1919. Evidence of the Blade Sign's mounting location and power were found while inspecting the exterior of the facade and then also verified by several black and white photos shown in Findings Exhibit 1.1- Sec 38.28.170. The original Historic Blade sign, shown in Findings Image 1.1, would have been 1 6' to 1 7' tall and likely projected 8 to 10 feet off the building. The original placement was located just to the west of the upper story window on the east end of the facade. As the blade sign was the only other sign aside from the acutal marquee, there would have been no room for a reader board while the blade sign was present from 1919 to the 1930's. As time went on, the Ellen went through several marquee designs: Fred Willson's original 1919 design, The Art Deco version mid 1 930's and the most current one around the 1 950's. 114 n Comprehensive Sign Plan Submittal Sheet 3 9-1 8-1 9 Historical Signage Findings for adoption by resolution. -Narrative by Erik "Ole" l\lelson/Artist, Professional Sign Designer and Fabricator The Ellen Theatre was designed by architect Fred F. Willson and opened on December 1, 1919. This historic thearte was built by the sons of Nelson Story, a founder of Bozeman, and named after Ellen Trent Story ,the family matriarch and wife of Nelson Story. Nelson Story settled in Bozeman in the mid-1 800's. He drove 3,000 head of cattle from Texas to Bozeman, which formed the beginnings of the cattle industry in Montana. As stated in the Wednesday, November 26, 1919 edition of the Bozeman Courier, "Monday night the Ellen theatre, Bozeman's new opera house, will open its doors for the first time. Combining every modern convenience with an air of quiet simplicity and beauty this new play house is an institution of which the city can well be proud. Representing an investment of $ 1 00,000, it is the best possible evidence of its builders' faith in Bozeman prosperity." In my research for historical photos of the various theatre marquees, I was able to gather several different views of the original 1919 Fred Willson designed marquee. The 1919 blade sign was positioned on the east end of the facade and was approximately 16 feet tall and likely projected 8 to 10 feet off the building. In the various black and white photos of this amazing sign, I was able to determine that the ELLEN lettering on the blade sign was raised off the background and the letters themselves were also several inches thick which would have allowed for them to be backlit. Upon discovery of the original mounting points, we were also able to find the conduit that would have delivered power to the sign. With the dimensional lettering and evidence of power to the blade sign, its was determined that the letters would have been backlit with either neon or incandescent light bulbs. The blade sign was also a foot or more thick which would allow enough room for neon transformers to be mounted inside the cabinet. The historic blade sign's placement was also notable as it was placed on the east end of the facade so that it would have the best viewing potential from several blocks away to the east looking west. The blade sign's height was also inportant to be viewed over parked cars and the various parades that main street would host over the coming years. We have taken the placement and height into consideration with our scaled down version of the blade sign. We feel that our proposed 9.8 foot tall blade sign mounted above the visible plane of the reader boards would allow for similar viewing potential as the original without blocking the view of the reader boards while giving people the opportunity to see if from both the east and the west parts of main street. 115 n Comprehensive Sign Plan Submittal Sheet 4 Findings 11^Image ^ 1.1 - Sec 38.28.1 70. Dated 1920 IIf^!^ "^ r 9-18-19 s fe r :N, ^ '< ^ <>. ^ ^ 'v ^1 ^" •< «« >s t .? It] s f <( 1'%. ^ i^-. s ^ ^?j^ ( ?£:iiS ;-I 1 s s ^J- <1 (^ ^ .'"< ^^ •s>^ 1 t -s'-s •^ N •.^<r -3 =t }. < <>* t \ •ss 3 ^ •s 1 J ^ J» <si: 1» .«r 5 ? ; •<ft » ••<^''.>'.* • ' ..' •V. :~~* 'r ^^•- ^ L **^ »• ^ f &.' ( f II a ^Mi t Ml 6 COSTUWf S MOP zisiiM e'.'T y» •5u<1 y.^til*1 ' ^ ^"-i, ?aor '256MB1e08&fR t, ^ ^^ '</ ^/ I 1 ^ > ^y Historic Blade was 16 to 17 feet tall and 4 ) Comprehensive Sign Plan Submittal Sheet 5 Findings Image 1.2 - Sec 38.28.170. Dated 1 923 .€&^* ' ;,iu»s tSi 9-18-19 ,^¥ )•[<:»»» v..t ^u »fs :,^)/t M rfSl? iMl-j»J^J**i-W<^WW ' '-^.i-"- /uo^"'^ ND^j,. *< •• ^giTf^-IJTLl^'•;fffrf -.*• ' u. •", » 1 ^^-< ^ ^ •s' 1 ^ r I.» •" r r t»i Itl » » • •» w (T ^^ty^^ -^ ^'?5 3™^"^_ .iS ^uT*' I'l-rf •^r ? ^ ^ ' i . •^ a N E"A 1 v ^^ .'^ '^ ^h /. ' > y ^.y (^ » ^•A ft •^^ ^ iN I -J k. «; < ^ ^ ^ '«1 ~^a ^ ^ s c « ^ ^^-ysi z t, f <• ^ €?» ^ J ^ t. ^I 7-r I s- ^ 1 ^ ^ r ^ ^ f m^ 0> E. Description:A black and white view of a Bozeman Roundup Parade on Main Street, circa 1 923. The 163rd Regimental Band, of the 41st Infantry Division, Montana National Guard, marches east on Main Street in the center foreground of the image, with two rows of parked automobiles sitting at the right, and spectators standing along both side of the street. A group of riders follow the band at the leTt of the image, and the brick buifclings along the north side of the street stand at the right. The old Gallatin County Courthouse stands in ftie bacl<grouncl at the left of the image, and the ElTen Theater, Chambers-Fisher Department Store, the National Bank of Gallatin Valley, tFie Avant Courier Buildingflocation of Central Studio^, Thomas Rea Grocery, Langohr's Flower Shop, and McCay's Hardware are also visible, from left to right. Source:Schlechten Collection, Museum of the RockiesCatalogNumber:x80.6.235 117 ' ' Comprehensive Sign Plan Submittal Sheet 6 Findings Image 1.3 - Sec 38.28.170. 9-18-19 Dated 1926 ^ I < ft € ^ << / •^ *.'. 1 a^ I !I f 6 ^ '{ ag VlS ^ ^ ,7-' ?-3 ? '''•<<<' ^• - ^'•v.^ ^ i&la9^ - * A ^ V- t j, »^ \' " Sp* c\ 4 ^ >r^If ? ' <f 7/'•.,.• ^ <.*- 1 E « ^ft s 3k" ^ • ^ i }^ ;. A ^ 1 ft. ^ ^ .'• *»,. ~i^ s. -•!'. ..-• '•y; % ^Sw ^ ;.!T > 't<; ;i!!;!lin Kisl'n".- Mil . Description:A black and white view of the Montana Shrine Ceremonial and eiqth annual Bozeman Roundup Parade, August 5, 6, and 7 1926. The view is of hA/o columns of unrFormed Shriners escorting a large touring car, in which rides the "Imperial Potentate", down the center of Main Street, heading west The Shriners march on either side of the automobile, as spectators look on from the north side of the street, with brick buildings and storefronts visible behind. Source:Schlechten Collection, Gallatin History Museum CatalogNumber:8333 118 n Comprehensive Sign Plan Submittal Sheet 7 Findings Image 1.4 - Sec 38.28.170. Dated 1 926 9-18-19 t^ aySMrr^t'.. /drt ^^^^ • ^y '^:^e^^ y'«'"^ <<.-2^ ' ' II •'> ^ ;.u J'l"<.f S'<A f ^ \ •y ^ .^. <I <tf If v^ i \ '<( 'K:-.. Y l-i / 7 f '.< ?i: It y ^ "- f^, £» o un d Af^S^^-^ il ^T ffill "Irl't <(; •A I ,..; ^' ^ ^ ti:;- '''*'* e" " '> yy tfCIS'to' jy.. i^^c i "'? T L 1 ST'..,^^ v f > t f » w t, -/ t t r ^ §^H^^su^ ^^ i- "^w^^ ^IdNlEAgS^ i.'l'%^ M <- '/ :t. Description::A black and white view of the eighth annaul Bozeman Roundup Parade, August 5, 6, and 7, 1 926, The view is looking west on Main Street, with several Indians dressed in bucksjns riding east down the center of the street, and spectators and automobiles visible at both sides. Flags and banners hang above the street, and several brick buildings and storefronts are visible along the north side, with the Ellen TFTeater visible in the Kackground. Source:B. H. Alexander photo., Gallatin History Museum CatalogNumber:8328 119 n Comprehensive Sign Plan Submittal Sheet 8 Findings Image 1.5 - Sec 38.28.170. Dated 1 931 9-18-19 f '<fcc ff ,*» .-4?_. «'» ^t^?^%s?se •»-d» •M w ..,,r-^ rs ^. *- ^\"r: •JiS" T~IS s? "*vS^tv a :'nie, ft a I g A « 1 - m ( ^ •3 ? s I \ i ..T m s. I w C»MEA?r^jB_= li I* / n ^ «. 'V ^ -^"^ M .*• t -<;». .,;s „ c^ a: I. »»»-- ^ .t i-f. ^ •••A^ '.< •^ -t; r- ^ -r- y /• ^ r \. 1 r^ ~'9 Ve i. < ^/ * & <» «< r.^-"- yfwr"-.^ •^ m Description:Majn Street-Eljen Theatre patrons in line in front of Chambers-Fisher store. Many people are on the sidewalk, bicycles and old Model T type autos are in picture taken from across the street on an upper floor looking down on the streetscape. black and white, half-tone. At Tqp_of_ photo is printed'the following: ""36 BOZEMAN DAILY C'HRONICLE. Sunday, October n, i'981'" Source:Schlechten Collection, Museum of the RockiesCatalogNumber:x83.13.38 120 n Comprehensive Sign Plan Submittal Sheet 9 Findings Image 1.6 - Sec 38.28.170. Dated 1 938 ^ 9-18-19 «? 1 -Y ii r-~.TT-?;- ft ^^ |V"T11n»». :i 88.' '" <rfr ^ ^f'. V-"-J^ *'•-/ s-/ ^ ^ "K iA -^ » SMS^ m f a T-K ; r- i 81 ,1 S i 3 ^ S3 S3 ?r s m )•«* MB N ^ ^ 's »EK % y. XAS i» i ?"'•t • 0 r aa K h^ e i--^ ?, m i y\ /»- w ;•<" ^ ^s Description:A view of the facade of the Ellen Theater in Bozeman, 1938 Two automobiles are parked at the side of the street to the left of the theater, and several peop e and a bicycle are gathered beneath the awning that stretches over the sidewalk in front of the f-heater. The marquee, which is mounted atop the large awning, reads: "ELLEN R. TAYLOR & M.O'SUtllVAN It^'A YANK AT OXFORD AND NEWS AND AUDIOSCOPES". (The film showing was released in 1938) Source: Gallatin History Museum CatalogNumber:4423 121 n Comprehensive Sign Plan Submittal Sheet 10 Findings Image 1.7 - Sec 38.28.170. Dated 1940 --^IW ^ 9-18-19 a.?"i - ~.^d^ ^ T i1B ^ a" »> !\ ^ M S55-SS"-— ' .--• t "- -sa. •I ::ip >iiiN&t<\( "":^ i n I^.I'MJOXETT'T ^'yjai !) S» r • i ai.l«1';li-lN!.lf.U<.l= ;.itjr« mnwi.'ij.- 'o1:' "•i'Y:%_;WIWOT rr- N r -1 ^-^Hw»»»:^sr— n m sr ••71 y '/ -31 LS ;: it ^i~m -> 1 /-!-^» : / n. 1 ^ ? "dr ^f'e- ^ fi •.; / K '•' •^ f ^..- aw n ^ •«- rr. ^ ^< »~ ;) a- (^ u i-^?&^h^ ^- s ^ .-* ^ >. ^ < 1. ^ -^ •<^J ^ k A ^ ^ *< -< 'Nr ^ -«! yf i.- 9 •^ (^^ •« 9 ^1 A. ^ 1^te» ; »• ^ >^ o G^^ t^cW lR?l ^ ^ Description:Parade on Main Street Bpzeman. A view of a Livingston Round Up float in front of the Ellen Theater. The float, the flat-bed of a truck with a wooden railing constructed around its edges, carries two men and a saddled horse. Large crowds of spectators are gathered on either side of the street; the buildings on the north side of Main Street are visible behind the crowd. Tb^.M?rclue?. °i1. & NEWS", The Bowling Arcade and Smith Furniture are visible to the left of the theater. Also visible in the window of the Ellen is Cutting's News Stand, circa 1940 Source: Gallatin History Museum CatalogNumber: 1 141 122 n Comprehensive Sign Plan Submittal Sheet 1 1 Exhibits Image 1.1 - Sec 38.28.170. Dated 201 6 9-18-19 y^-< a' t r' 1 :v r;'; •< •:^ ^ff a IS s a II It 9 ! s ^ lit** '•rf » wrf <^( ** ff" «t» 1 L—i ^ % ^ A '» < ^ < •* » r'3^&, ?» ^ f ;.' ^ A^.. ^fe^f^iS ^.<y'^..."*"~ w~".fM«*->-yf^,.v^ •l;^':,-'*S--(?<S^**i^KN»»»,;;:w*"'?l; Description: 1 950's version of the Ellen Marquee and reader boards. 123 n Comprehensive Sign Plan Submittal Sheet 12 Exhibits Image 1.2 - Sec 38.28.170. Dated 201 9 9-18-19 "^ ^J*^ ( as n if^; S! K« §11 y ss ss§ sss \ ^- '^1 ^ se I K E K »lN ••ft » i fcVs iJSi" Original Blade sign mounting points Original Blade sign power conduit 124 November 12, 2019 Danielle Garber, Assiatant Planner Department of Community Development 20 East Olive Street Bozeman, MT 59771-1230 RE: Ellen Theatre Signage Certiﬁcate of Appropriateness & Deviation, Applicaton 19418 Danielle, This letter, along with the Revision and Correction Submittal Form, is to inform Planning Staff of our intention to change the approach to the Ellen Theatre Signage Certiﬁcate of Appropriateness & Devia- tion from a Historic Restoration to a standard Deviation. In response to your letter dated October 23, 2019, we submit the following: 1. Section 38.340.050, see Exibit Images 1.5 and 1.6 in regard to concerns about installaton of blade sign. 2. Section 38.340.070, see Ellen Theatre Deviation Request narrative letter. Please note the calculation for the proposed deviation request is 104%. 3. Section 38.340.070.A1 Since we are pursuing a standard deviation and NOT a historical restora- tion request please refer to the Ellen Theatre Deviation Request narrative letter as it address the historical appropriateness. Table of Contents for our Revision and Correction to Ellen Theatre Signage Certiﬁcate of Appropriate- ness & Deviation, Applicaton 19418 1. Revision and Correction Submittal Form 2. Ellen Theatre Deviation Request narrative letter 3. Updated Exibit Images 1.1-1.6, photo realistic renderings showing placement, modern design features and scale relative to existing theatre marquee and reader boards All digital versions of this submittal can be found in folder titled Application19418.11.13.19 Thank you for your time and we look forward to hearing from you, Respectfully, Erik “Ole” Nelson Media Station Design Works, Inc. 125 11/12/19 Ellen Theatre Devia�on Request The Ellen Theatre is reques�ng a devia�on from the current sign code to allow for a ver�cal theatre sign on the building at 17 West Main Street in downtown Bozeman. This would not be a recrea�on of the ver�cal sign that was on the building when it opened in 1919, but a state-of-the-art version. Inspired by the original sign, this new modern ver�cal or blade sign is larger than the permi�ed 12 square feet, however, its size is historically correct in keeping with a tradi�onal sign for a theatre. That allows the new sign to create a connec�on to the past while s�ll being relevant to today. This new sign will ﬁll the crucial role of informing the public that this building is a theatre while maintaining a more ﬁ�ng look for current and future use. Without being overtly large or overpowering, the size of this sign aesthe�cally works well with the façade of the building. Most importantly, the new sign’s placement will not impinge or intrude on any nearby businesses. In fact, this contemporary sign will elevate the block as a whole and create a heightened awareness of the variety of stores and businesses that exist in downtown Bozeman. The current-day design of this new sign, coupled with the overall remodeled façade of The Ellen, will also encourage other building owners to stay up to date, not allow their own building to fall into disrepair or appear in poor condi�on. The new sign, while paying homage to the original, u�lizes today’s technology and materials, thus making it more modern and prac�cal in construc�on and a�achment to the building. This, in turn, also makes it very safe for the public while fulﬁlling its primary goal of represen�ng The Ellen Theatre. In regard to the new sign’s features: The original sign of pop-riveted sheet metal and plas�c le�ers would be replaced by a high-quality metal look. The new sign would be made from 1/8” aluminum, with the faces fully welded to 0.80” aluminum for the returns or sides; The sign would be laser cut with 1/4”solid brass border details, u�lizing a brushed ﬁnish. A second layer would be plasma cut 1/8” steel painted white, bolted through the brass and a�ached to the aluminum faces; The interior of the decora�ve border will be black smalt or crushed glass with a pearl-powdered grey ﬁnish sealer; The le�ers will be 3” welded aluminum and ﬂoat 1” oﬀ of the black crushed glass, backlighted by a blue glow, crea�ng a so� halo eﬀect; The outside of the sign cabinet will be painted with the same semi-gloss black that is currently seen on the new marquee. All of the above items incorporate new materials and modern technology, which gives the sign an overall contemporary look while s�ll capturing the ﬂavor of a tradi�onal ver�cal theatre sign. In regard to placement of the sign, when the theatre ﬁrst started opera�on, the business u�lized the east half of the storefront, sharing the space with a candy store, which operated out of the west half of the storefront. The 1919 Ellen blade sign was placed directly at the middle of the east half of the business. 126 11/12/19 Ellen Theatre Devia�on Request - Page 2. Now that The Ellen u�lizes the en�re storefront (the candy store has been replaced by a full lobby), it would be imprac�cal to locate the blade sign at the direct center of the building as there is a second story window in that spot. To keep in line with where theatre blade signs are tradi�onally located, in the center of the building or at either end of the building, we have selected the east end. This keeps the sign as far away as possible from the chains that secure the canopy to the building, as those chains would interrupt the view of the sign. The chains were not an issue in 1919 as the original sign was suspended approximately ten feet away from the building. A photo from the 1920s shows a “Main Café” sign located one block east of The Ellen Theatre is also suspended several feet away from the building, apparently a common prac�ce. It is important that this new Ellen sign be as safe and as unobtrusive as possible, thus closer to the building it its new loca�on, in keeping with building signs of today. 127 Ellen Theatre Signage C.O.A. & Deviation, Application 19418 Exibits Image 1.1 UPDATED 11-12-19 Proposed location for Blade sign at east end of facade ELLEN BLADE SIGN PROPOSAL A1 128 Ellen Theatre Signage C.O.A. & Deviation, Application 19418 Exibits Image 1.2 UPDATED 11-12-19 View looking West ELLEN BLADE SIGN PROPOSAL A2 129 Ellen Theatre Signage C.O.A. & Deviation, Application 19418 Exibits Image 1.3 UPDATED 11-12-19 ELLEN BLADE SIGN PROPOSAL A3 The east end of the building has been chosen for the location of the blade sign as most historic theatres vertical projecting signs would traditionally be located in the center of the building or at either end of the building. Inspired by the original blade sign, this new modern vertical blade sign is larger than the permitted 12 square feet, however, its size is more historically correct in keeping with a tradtional vertical theatre sign. Most historic theatres employ the use of a large verical blade sign that would advertise only the name of the theatre, examples include; CHICAGO PARAMOUNT PALACE FOX MODERN ROXY The realtionship between the height of the facade and the “verticality” of the blade sign, along with just the name of the theatre, informs the public that this is a theatre. As a general rule for historic theatres, the taller the facade, the larger the veritical blade sign would be built. The proposed modern version of the blade sign at 9.8’ tall has the right amount of this “verticality” to read as a theatre sign without becoming overtly large or overpowering the design aesthetics of the facade 130 Ellen Theatre Signage C.O.A. & Deviation, Application 19418 Exibits Image 1.4 UPDATED 11-12-19 Blade sign will have fully welded 3” aluminum letters that will ﬂoat 1” off background ELLEN BLADE SIGN PROPOSAL A4 ELLEN lettering will have modern internal LED lighting that will produce a subtle blue backlit effect against the smalt(crushed glass) background 131 Ellen Theatre Signage C.O.A. & Deviation, Application 19418 Exibits Image 1.5 UPDATED 11-12-19 Mounting plates will be postioned 1” away from stone quioning Blade sign’s modern design features will include laser cut brass border elements with a brushed ﬁnish Layered over the brass will be plama cut steel painted white Inset from brass border details will be a crushed glass background with a pearl-powdered grey ﬁnish sealer ELLEN BLADE SIGN PROPOSAL A5 132 Ellen Theatre Signage C.O.A. & Deviation, Application 19418 Exibits Image 1.6 UPDATED 11-12-19 MOUNTING DIAGRAM FOR BLADE SIGN DETAILS 4”x4”x1/4” steel square tube welded to mounting plates 1.5”X1.5” steel tube that all thread will go thru and shall will keep mounting plates at a ﬁxed distance to prevent damaging the facade Interior plates will be larger than facade mounting plates to give additional support 16” tall x 18” wide Mounting holes will be drilled thru the red brick and not into morter and welded in internal angle iron frame of blade sign 17” thick existing masonary wall with steel plate on the inside and 1” all thread that bolts all the way throught to the plate on the inside 16.5” 11” 1/2” Steel mounting plate welded to 4”x4”x1/4” square tube 30” 117.5” Blade sign to be constructed out of 1.5”x1.5”x.125” angle iron framing, with a 1/8” aluminum face welded to a 12” x .080” aluminum skin or return Approximate weight of blade sign is 600lbs 4”x4”x1/4” steel square tube welded to mounting plates and welded in internal angle iron frame of blade sign ELLEN BLADE SIGN PROPOSAL A6 16” 16” 133 feet wide=64 to 68sq.ft. Historic ELLEN letterina was about T' x 4/ =about 4sg.ft. for each of the three facades of the marquee. Description:View of Main Street looking east, Bozeman, Montana. The streetcar tracks run down the middle of the street. There are automobiles parked on both sides of the street. On the left, center is the Ellen Theatre. Vintage 8x10 in. print 4x5 in copy negative Source:Schlechten Collection Rights:Copyright Museum useurh of the RockiesCatalogNumber:x80.6.300 116 d tax cards Q building permit 0 Sanborn maps — dates:. Bibliography: Gallatin County's Heritage (1805-1976) Bozeman Chronicle March 29, 1983 Willson Job List / Sewer, Permit, 1^19. Gal^aCin Theatre.Co. , in Department of Sanitation files 15-19 PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Describe present appearance of structure/site, then contrast and compare that with it's original appearance, noting additions, alterations, and changes in materials. Discuss significant architectural features. This two-story commercial structure 1s of the Classical Revival Style and has a rectangular plan with an inset open lobby supported by six bn'ck columns set in pairs. The one-bay facade is symmetrical and consists of four glass entrances and transomed, double-hung windows on the upper level, the five central ones having arched keystones. The two outer windows have elaborate terra cotta detailing and there is also elaborate terra cotta detailing on the cornice. The bearing wall construction is finished in brick and white-glazed terra cotta. Granite blocks form the base of the pilasters on the floor level and the roof -is flat. 1 109 Pole style clearance Prohibited 8' 8' 8' 8' 8' Pole sign max. sq. ft. Prohibited 32 32 32 32 32 85