Story posted Friday, July 3, 2009
Should City Restore Sugar Bowl Sign?
By TODD WESSELL Journal & Topics Editor
Aldermen Monday night are expected to approve a measure that would lead to the complete restoration of the historic Sugar Bowl Restaurant sign that hangs over the downtown Miner Street business.
In order to do that, a change in an ordinance is required that would empower the city to pay up to 100% of restoration cost by citing the sign's historical significance and by utilizing tax increment financing district money to pay the $20,232 cost.
The proposal to change Des Plaines' Façade Rehabilitation Program to permit the paying of 100% of the cost was initiated after the new owners of Sugar Bowl proposed several changes to the large neon sign, all of which were rejected by the city. City law no longer permits signs to protrude out from building fronts without special permission. Several months ago, the new owners of the restaurant wanted to name the eatery La Mellet and to note those changes on the sign. They could not do so because of the city's sign restrictions. That resulted in a decision by the owners to keep the name Sugar Bowl. After that, the proposal surfaced for the city to alter its rehabilitation program to allow 100% city payment.
"The intent is to create a funding mechanism that will allow the city to participate—up to 100% of the cost---in the restoration of downtown signs that are deemed historic in nature and iconic to the community," wrote Community & Economic Development Director Mike Conlan. "In return, the city would have the right to any sign restored through this program once it is no longer used by the business. While there is not a great deal of historic fabric left along Miner Street, there are remnants, often reflected in signs or marquees, that reflect the historic use of buildings."
Work to restore the Sugar Bowl sign includes new neon and transformers and wiring. Other downtown signs that could eventually be included in the proposed new program are the Des Plaines Theater marquee and on top of the Sims Bowl building.
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