HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988 09-22 HPB Meeting Minutes RegularM E M O R A N D U M
TO: Heritage Preservation Board
FROM: Patsy M. Johnson
SUBJECT: Special Meeting scuss Edina Theatre, Sign Colors
DATE: September 22, 1988 at 5:30 p.m., Edina City Hall Council
Chambers
A special meeting will be held on Thursday, September 22, 1988, at 5:30 p.m. to
discuss the proposed colors for the Edina Theatre Sign. Mr. Al Brown from
Kofman Engineering Company will be here from Toronto representing Cineplex
Corporation.
In October, 1976, the Heritage Preservation Board made a finding that the
marquee and the front facade of the Edina Theatre is an important visual element
in the City and an excellent example of 1930's commercial design that should be
preserved. At that time the owners of Edina Theatre were proposing to remodel
and divide the auditorium. The Board requested that staff contact the owner so
the Heritage Preservation Board could review any modifications to the marquee
and front facade.
In August, 1981, the Heritage Preservation Board supported a sign variance to
allow the reconstruction of the non -conforming marquee after it was destroyed by
a tornado. This was to be accomplished with cooperation by the owner to insure
preservation. The rationale of the Heritage Preservation Board at that time was
the historic and architectural significance of the building and marquee, and its
importance as a community landmark.
It should be noted that the color of the sign has changed over the years. It
is known that the sign has been most continuously red and white or cream. More
information on the color however, will be available at our meeting on Thursday.
The current reconstruction of the theatre will preserve the 50th Street facade,
the tower and marquee. All painted areas will be stripped to expose the
original brick. This is consistent with earlier recommendations of the Board.
The restoration includes repair and repainting the marquee. The owners are
proposing pink and blue to complement their color scheme for the new theatre.
Heritage Preservation Board Special Meeting
Thursday, September 22, 1988 at 5:30 p.m.
Edina City Hall Council Chambers
Colors for the Edina Theatre Marquee
Members Present: David Gepner, Gordon Stuart, Cy Stuppy, Don Wray,
and John Metil (arrived late)
Members Absent: Gary Nyberg, Lois Wilder
Others Present: Al Brown, Kofman Engineering
Staff Present: Patsy Johnson
Mr. Stuart called the meeting to order. Mr. Stuart asked Mr. Brown if he
wanted to start the meeting with remarks about the designs on the wall for what
has been proposed.
Mr. Brown is with Kofman Engineering, the project engineering firm
contracted by Cineplex. They were not involved in the original negotiations
which set up the color patterns for this project. It was noted that the
Cineplex colors are a deeper purple/blue and darker pink. They would like to
see these colors used as they are shown on the graphics. Mr. Brown pointed out
that all the colors for the theatre were selected to match one another. The
exception would be the doorways on the tenant spaces. Cineplex is looking to
continue the color mix for the tenant doors. Mr. Brown is presenting these to
the Board for our approval. They are trying to maintain as much as they can the
character of the theatre. They want to produce something the community will be
proud of and that will be around for at least the next 50 years.
Mr. Brown then asked for questions from the Board. Mr. Gepner asked if the
original colors of the marquee were blue/black and white. Dr. David Gebhard was
contacted by staff and he indicated he thought those were the original colors.
Dr. Gebhard also has a slide from 1959 showing the marquee with a deep red
background and cream colored letters. In the Northwest Architectural Archives
is a color rendering of a proposed remodeling of the theatre from 1940. That
showed the marquee in an orange/pink and blue/green. Discussion followed
regarding these colors.
Mr. Stuart felt the real issue is to preserve the configuration of the
marquee since we can't be sure what the colors were in the 1930's. Mr. Stuppy
said he thought the blue and pink didn't look too bad. Mr. Gepner asked if the
colors were all tied together and rather awkward to change at this point. Mr.
Brown said it is a little late to change the interior colors but Cineplex could
change the marquee color. He said they would rather not, however, because of
the way these blend with the colors from the interior. They are striving for
consistency with the colors.
Mr. Gepner indicated he felt the group appreciated the fact that Cineplex
is allowing us some input but in his mind the colors may be too trivial not to
go along with it.
N
Ms. Johnson pointed out to the group that the white ziggurat has been
consistently white or cream. Mr. Wray said he didn't see how the color can be
of historical value. Mr. Wray felt it might be a more pleasing asset to the
community in the proposed color. Discussion followed.
Mr. Gepner moved that the design be accepted as presented. Mr. Wray
seconded the motion. All voted aye. The motion carried.
Mr. Brown said he will do what he can to get the colors on the tenant space
doors changed to compliment the theatre colors. Discussion of the progress of
the theatre followed. Mr. Metil joined the meeting at this point. The
discussion continued regarding the status of other existing Cineplex theatres
such as the Cooper and future Cineplex theatres.
Mr. Metil asked if everyone had seen the letter from Gary Nyberg and if we
had discussed the idea of pink not being a period color. Discussion ensued as to
whether or not the pink and blue would be consistent with the era. Staff
indicated that this particular color combination would not be inconsistent with
the period.
Mr. Metil wanted his concern for this issue to be expressed. His concern
was for the relevancy of these colors to the period.
Mr. Gepner moved to adjourn. Mr. Metil asked that his dissent on this vote
be recorded. He did not feel the right homework was presented to vote on this.
Mr. Stuppy seconded the motion to adjourn. No objections. Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Patsy M. Johnson