Lakewood Sign Review and Architectural Board Meeting – April 9, 2026

This meeting of the Lakewood Sign Review Board and Architectural Board of Review was held on April 9, 2026. The board considered a residential building modification, numerous sign applications, and a major educational facility renovation. All votes were unanimous unless noted.

Consent Calendar (Summary Approvals)

• 043026 – Golden May Salon, 12703 Madison Avenue: Approved with condition that the sign background is clear, which the applicant confirmed.
• 043326 – Lakewood Painting, 15016 Madison Avenue: Approved after applicant submitted an updated elevation per previous conditions.
• 043526 – Blue Cafe, Madison Avenue: Approved after receiving elevation for new storefront signage, consistent with the building's comprehensive sign plan.
• 043626 – Velvet Tail, 1384 Bonnie View Avenue: Approved with condition that window square footage is submitted prior to permit issuance.
• 043726 – Candy Dish Confections, 14234 Madison Avenue: Approved with condition that existing wall sign is removed.
• 043826 – Fast Signs, 1590 Coutant Avenue: Approved at 7.5-inch high, 61.5-inch wide lettering for the awning, with the condition that any window signage be submitted to the board.
• 043926 – Bruellas, 16426 Madison Avenue: Approved with condition that any additional signage be submitted for approval.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alex Wester (1321 Bunts Road resident): Spoke in support of his home modification, explaining that the breezeway was eliminated for cost and functionality. He requested approval to proceed with construction.
• Jill Brant (representing Game Show Duels tenant): Explained the need for a window sign at 130 Athens Avenue due to confusing parking and entrances within the Screw Factory complex. She stated the building owner supported the sign and that no other tenants would request signage on that side since Game Show Duels plans to occupy most of the eastern second floor.
• Tim Frazy (representing Sunday Bird, 15027 Madison Avenue): Presented revised sign dimensions, including a reduced main sign width and painted window signs. He accepted the board's conditions to remove the door sign and scale down side window decals by 30%.
• Nick Masara and Greg Di Nicola (representing Horizon Education Centers, 14321 Detroit Avenue): Described the renovation of a former church into a preschool and school-age program, funded in part by historic tax credits. All exterior improvements were reviewed and approved by the State Historic Preservation Office.

Discussion Items

• Modification for 1321 Bunts Road (Alex Wester): The board reviewed a minor modification to a previously approved addition. The changes eliminated a roof over the breezeway and added a new backstair detail; all materials and massing remained the same. The board noted the corner lot context and approved the modification unanimously.
• Game Show Duels Sign (130 Athens Avenue): The board debated whether the proposed second-floor window sign fit within the Screw Factory's comprehensive sign package. Concerns were raised that the sign was larger than the building's monument sign, did not clearly indicate the entrance, and could set a precedent for other tenants. The board recommended the applicant work with the building owner to amend the comprehensive sign package to include tenant wayfinding, citing the Marlowe Building as an example. The item was deferred for further study.
• Sunday Bird Sign (15027 Madison Avenue): The applicant presented a lit sign and painted window decals. The board noted the aggregate window signage exceeded allowable square footage. After discussion, the applicant agreed to remove the door sign and reduce the two side window decals by 30%. The motion passed with that condition.
• Horizon Education Centers (14321 Detroit Avenue): The board reviewed the site plan for converting a historic church into an early childhood education center. Improvements include a playground with rubber surfacing, a prefabricated pavilion, a brick dumpster enclosure matching the building, and landscaping replacing surface parking. The existing mural will be preserved. The board praised the project and approved it unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (all unanimous): Modification for 1321 Bunts Road; sign applications for Golden May Salon, Lakewood Painting, Blue Cafe, Velvet Tail, Candy Dish Confections, Fast Signs (with condition), Bruellas; and the Horizon Education Centers renovation.
• Deferred: Game Show Duels sign application, with direction to pursue an amended comprehensive sign package.
• Votes: All motions passed with ayes from all present members. The meeting adjourned shortly after the final approval.