Two sign applications approved

Two local arts organizations presented sign applications Tuesday afternoon at the Architectural Board of Review meeting. The Tiffin Art Guild and Gallery, located at 130 S. Washington St., presented an application for a wall sign which is to be about 23.8-square foot design and mounted to the facade of the building. The design is for a 3D sign. The board approved the application with a vote of 4-0. TAG will work with Richland County Building Department on the material the sign is to be made of. The Ritz Theatre's window sign application was also approved with a vote of 4-0. The theatre, 30 S. Washington, will replace the window signage for The Ritz and The National Theatre. The design is a clear background with white lettering. During the meeting the board further discussed adding a digital marque. The board tabled the application until further information can be acquired. Concerns were addressed for keeping a vintage design for the sign and to not take away from Tiffin's Historical District. Board member Jessica Wirth said she would like to see restrictions made on what the sign would be allowed to display and a draft design of what the sign would potentially look like. Executive Director Michael Strong said the sign upgrade is part of the theatre's upcoming $1 million capital campaign. The sign is estimated to cost around $100,000. The current marquee is 33 years old and has missing or broken letters. Strong had said the digital design would allow for more flexibility.