City Council Minutes 1999 03 02 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Bill Simmons, City Administrator, stated that there is a reference in the staff report to a building identification sign. He asked Hartronft to identify on the plans where this sign would be located and what size it would be. Hartronft replied that above the main entrance, they are considering a projecting, metal- type awning with signage above it. He estimated the sign to be either 2'x6' or 2'x5'. Wood stated that Simmons is referring to the sign above the parapet. Hartronft replied that the building identifier sign above the parapet would be approximately 2'x8'. Simmons asked if there was a similar sign at that elevation currently in downtown Louisville. Hartronft replied that the sign on the State Mercantile Building is much larger. Simmons asked if this sign would be within the same historical context as the sign on the State Mercantile Building. Hartronft replied that it would be a metal sign, and would not be back-lit. Levihn stated that Council needs to do some soul-searching in the next two weeks about what they are doing. Building this project will require tearing down some houses and Council is telling the applicant to take down more homes in downtown for parking. He agreed with Keany that Council needs to formulate a parking plan for downtown or else there will be several other low-income homes being tom down. Sisk agreed with Levihn. He commended Hartronft for the appearance of the three-story building but questioned why there wasn't a proposal for a two-story building that is just as nice. He believes Council is being myopic in allowing this three-story building to be approved, especially in light of the number of affects it will have on downtown. He stated that this is not the type of comprehensive plan that is needed for downtown Louisville. He expressed concern for the lack of future for downtown that Council is putting forth tonight. Mayer agreed with Keany regarding a joint parking venture. He suggested doing a traffic circulation study to make sure that this doesn't create problems for the City. He reminded Council that the need for additional two-hour parking will increase and they need to plan accordingly. He commended Hartronft on the visual appearance of the building. Mayer stated that if Council approves a three-story building, he would prefer that it be on Front Street rather than Main Street. He expressed reluctant approval for the three-story proposal only because the applicants have come forward with a very attractive plan. Levihn asked Wood to clarify whether the applicant would have equal right to the same amount of square footage with either proposal. Specifically, if Council denies the three- 23