Planning Commission approves Joan Secchia Children’s Hospital sign‑program amendment with landscaping and agreement conditions

The Planning Commission approved a plan sign program amendment for Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital’s Joan Secchia Children’s Hospital at 220 Wealthy Street SE.

Staff walked the commission through proposed upper‑level wall signs visible from multiple approaches and a proposed 66‑square‑foot ground monument sign that exceeds the zone district maximum. The applicant’s representative, identified in the hearing as the Mary Free Bed CFO (name not provided on the record), said the signage is intended to improve wayfinding for patients and visitors and to recognize major donors. "We thought she deserved recognition in the most prominent place on the building," the CFO said, referring to Joan Secchia and noting the campaign raised over $70,000,000.

Several commissioners questioned the scale and placement of an internal monument sign and asked whether the proposed east/west wall signage duplicated other elements. Commissioners asked for landscaping around the base of the ground sign and staff recommended a condition requiring the applicant to work with planning staff to finalize an appropriate landscape area. The commission’s resolution requires a finalized joint operating agreement between Mary Free Bed and CorVel Health be provided to planning staff as part of the sign‑permit application.

Next steps: the applicant will work with staff on landscaping details and submit required documentation, then pursue sign permits per the approved plan amendment.