The San Antonio Historic and Design Review Commission convened on October 1, 2025, to discuss several agenda items, with a focus on signage proposals and their implications for the surrounding historic areas.
The meeting began with a roll call, where a motion was made and subsequently carried, indicating the commission's readiness to proceed with the agenda. The first significant item addressed was the proposal for a new sign at 100 and 6 South St. Mary's. The applicant, Ashley Fairman, presented an updated design following feedback from the Design Review Committee (DRC). The original sign proposal, which measured approximately 800 square feet, was significantly revised to a more compact design of 300 square feet, now featuring a vertical orientation that fits within the building's corner.
Fairman detailed the new sign's dimensions, stating it would stand 25 feet tall and 12 feet wide, positioned 21 feet above ground level. The design aims to minimize visual disruption, with the bottom of the sign covered to obscure mounting details. The commission expressed interest in how the sign would appear at night, prompting Fairman to provide images of the area illuminated by streetlights.
Commissioner Savino raised concerns regarding the sign's impact on the historic context of nearby landmarks, including the Drury and Homewood Suites hotels, as well as the International Center. He noted that he had not reviewed the modified design prior to the meeting, which led to his decision to pull the item for further discussion.
Commissioner Velasquez contributed to the dialogue by inquiring about the architectural detailing of the sign, specifically how it would connect to the building's facade. He suggested that the design could benefit from more intricate detailing to enhance its integration with the structure.
The meeting concluded with a collaborative atmosphere as commissioners engaged in constructive dialogue about the proposed sign, emphasizing the importance of balancing modern signage with the preservation of San Antonio's historic character. The commission's next steps will involve further review and potential adjustments to ensure that the final design aligns with the city's aesthetic and historical standards.