In a surprise decision, the Historic Landmarks Commission tentatively denied approval of the changes to the "Made in Oregon" sign. The problem was not with the sign, but changes to the water tower.
The final drawings released on June 22 showed the water tower outfitted with a large aluminum, yellow "O" illuminated with gold neon. According to Commissioner Richard Engman, the Commission found the neon addition "completely out of character."
The Sticking Point: Historical Character
Both the Made in Oregon and water tower signs are designated as legal non-conforming signs. This means that neither sign conforms to current sign code—if they were proposed today, they would not be approved. However, since both signs existed prior to the adoption of new codes in 1998, both were grandfathered into existing code.
While the University has the right to change both the Made in Oregon and water tower signs, there are limits, because the signs reside within a Historic District. While the content of the signs can be changed, the structure and size cannot—there are even restrictions on lighting the sign. Finally, there is the nebulous issue of "historic character" that needs to be considered—will the sign retain its historic character with the proposed change?
According to Mark Walhood, Planner with BDS, the commission is concerned about the neon O's impact on the skyline and the historic character of the sign. The glowing neon O is a stark departure from the current painted sign that is illuminated by a light shining on it. As Commissioner Engman said in The Oregonian article, "If it was a painted O, I wouldn't be worried about it."
The commission is also concerned about the precedent that would be set by allowing an aluminum fascia sign to replace the painted sign on the water tower. Throughout the city, water towers are traditionally painted. The concern is that by allowing the aluminum sign in this case, water towers across the city could be changed and destroy their character.
The formal vote to deny this proposal will occur on July 27. According to The Oregonian, the university will appeal this decision to the City Council.
I agree with the Historic Landmark Commissions decision and the reasons for it. Historic character is important; it is why we establish historic districtsto retain an important part of the citys past. A painted O illuminated by the existing light would meet the sign code, retain the signs historic character, and set a precedence that would retain the character of water tower signs city-wide.
The University of Oregon deserves a lot of credit for renovating and rehabilitating the White Stag building. Its efforts saved a significant building that helps preserve the historic character of Old Town Chinatown. Retaining the historic character of the signs on the building should be a part of that preservation.