Recommendation.Artist in Residence Sign
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Design Review Board Sign Recommendation
Artists’ Row
Artist in Residence Sign
Meeting Date: August 26, 2020
Members Present: Paul Durand, Chair, Helen Sides, Vice-Chair, David Jaquith, Glenn Kennedy,
Catherine Miller, Marc Perras, J. Michael Sullivan
Members Absent: None
Decision: At a regular meeting of the Design Review Board (DRB), upon a motion duly made and seconded,
it was unanimously voted to recommend approval of the sign proposal as designed and conditioned herein.
Referenced Plans and Documents
1. Artist in Residence Sign Proposal, prepared by Julie Barry, Senior Planner for Arts and Culture, City of
Salem, 98 Washington Street, Salem, MA, submitted August 18, 2020.
2. Sign Plan, prepared by Lebel Signs, 94 Seymour Ave, Lynn, MA 01902
3. Staff Comments dated 8/19/20.
Conditions of Approval
1. Consistency with Design/Plans: Should the applicant determine that the approved sign design may
not be completed as detailed in the plans referenced herein and the following conditions,
he/she/they shall return to the DRB to review proposed modifications prior to making any changes
in the field.
2. Provision of Revised Rendering: The applicant shall provide a revised rendering for review by DRB
member Glenn Kennedy before seeking a sign permit to install the sign. The revised rendering shall
include the following design revisions:
a. Simplification and Adjustment of Text: The applicant shall remove the text that reads
‘Established 2019’ and ‘A program of’ from the sign. By removing this text, the applicant can
then space out the remaining information by moving ‘The City of Salem’s Public Art
Commission’ more toward the center of the sign, putting it on one line, and spacing out the
two logos underneath.
b. Background Color: The applicant will darken the background color between 5 and 10% so
that there is more contrast between the background and the white text.
c. Font: The applicant will review the use of “Belly Display” font and determine if it is
appropriate and legible for people of all abilities.
3. Braille Sign: The applicant expressed support for installing a braille sign at the entrance to the space
with the Artist in Residence information on it. The Board encourages the applicant to pursue this
signage (there is no requirement to come back to the DRB to review the braille sign).
Findings
1. The DRB reviewed the sign proposal and found that the proposed signage is consistent with the
standards and guidelines in the SRA Sign Manual and the City of Salem Sign Ordinance.
2. The installation of a ‘program’ sign is appropriate given the short-term nature of the spaces’
tenancy.
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Signature of the DRB
By the signature below, I certify that this recommendation accurately reflects the actions of the Design
Review Board.
_______________________________________ ________
Paul Durand Date
Chair
8/27/2020