Board denies high-mounted wall sign for Beaux-Arts building at 201 N. Loudoun

Tracy Quick, owner of Fast Signs, requested permission to install a non-illuminated wall sign high on the limestone facade at 201 North Loudoun. Staff recommended denial because the proposed sign location would sit above the building's cornice and cross pilasters, obscuring architecturally significant details on the Beaux-Arts structure.

"The reason that this was kicked to the board, is because staff did not feel that the sign met the requirements of the BAR guidelines...The location would be here — high up and across the pilasters," staff said. Board members agreed and moved to deny BAR26-72, advising the applicant to consider signs near the primary suite entrance, plaque-style bronze signs, or lower-mounted hanging signs that align with historic preservation guidance.

The motion to deny passed by voice vote with no recorded roll-call; staff said it would relay guidance and examples to the applicant.