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east first street facades design GUIDELINES Architecture Planning

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Page 1: design - Department of City Planningplanning.lacity.org/complan/othrplan/pdf/Little Tokyo/LittleTokyo... · Case Study 01 Case Study 02 Case Study 03 Case Study 04 Case Study 05 Case

east first street facadesdesign GUIDELINES

ArchitecturePlanning

Page 2: design - Department of City Planningplanning.lacity.org/complan/othrplan/pdf/Little Tokyo/LittleTokyo... · Case Study 01 Case Study 02 Case Study 03 Case Study 04 Case Study 05 Case

ArchitecturePlanning

1

Improvement InformationHorizontal SignageBlade SignageColumn SignageWindow SignageAwningsLighting

Table of ContentsIntroductionProject ProcessLittle Tokyo MapHistoric Photos

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

Case Study 01Case Study 02Case Study 03Case Study 04Case Study 05Case Study 06Case Study 07Case Study 08Case Study 09Case Study 10Case Study 11Case Study 12

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.9

2.10

2.11

2.12

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6

3.7

TABLE OF CONTENTS

300 First Street ElevationBuilding 01Building 02Building 03Building 04Building 05Building 06

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

Additional Photos5.1

LITTLE TOKYO HISTORIC DISTRICTSECTION 1

HISTORIC CASE STUDIESSECTION 2

GUIDELINESSECTION 3

BUILDING STUDIESSECTION 4

APPENDIXSECTION 5

1

2

3

4

5-7

8

8

8

9

9

10

10

11

11

11

12

12

13

14 - 15

16 - 18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

1.1

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124

Block 72

Block 27

258

312

124355

117

258 312

258

124

355

117

Los Angeles

Walnut Grove

Guadalupe

N

ArchitecturePlanning

2

INTRODUCTION

The Little Tokyo Historic District preserves the last concentra-tion of buildings in Little Tokyo that pre-date World War II. For-merly the commercial heart of Little Tokyo, the district symbol-izes the cultural and social history of the Japanese-American community in Los Angeles. The district begins at 120 San Pedro Street (formerly Union Church), continues south to East First Street, and runs the length of the north side of East First Street, ending at Central Avenue. The buildings are typical ex-amples of Los Angeles commercial architecture from the first quarter of the 20th century. Ranging in height from one to four stories, all the buildings are masonry construction. While their front facades have been slightly modified over time, their rear and side facades remain almost unaltered. The facades on East First Street front the sidewalk edge. They exemplify the features and ornamentation of commercial architecture of their era. Eleven of 13 buildings in the district are close to their origi-nal form at the beginning of the 1900’s and only one seems not to fit into the context of the historic district.

These guidelines document the beginning of the restoration and rehabilitation process for the six buildings from 315 to 339 East First Street. The improvements defined are specifically for signage, awnings, and lighting. All other modifications are im-plied for the purpose of adding to the historic character of the district. Improvements in the guidelines are meant to improve the quality of the pedestrian and commercial environment while preserving the community’s architectural and historic resourc-es. The guideline will illustrate significant architectural features of the six buildings to facilitate the placement and sizing of the new signage, awnings, and lighting. These guidlines also serve as historic design criteria for future improvements in the Little Tokyo Historic District. As a reference point, all the images pre-sented in this guideline are from the district’s historical dates of significance (1905-19401). All architectural restoration or reha-bilitation of buildings within the district will be based on images from this time period.

1. National Historic Landmark Nomination Registration Form for “Little Tokyo Historic Dis-trict”. (See Addendum 01)

1.2

Page 4: design - Department of City Planningplanning.lacity.org/complan/othrplan/pdf/Little Tokyo/LittleTokyo... · Case Study 01 Case Study 02 Case Study 03 Case Study 04 Case Study 05 Case

Block 73

Today’s

JANM

annex

Block 71

Block 72

Block 197

Block 72

Entry

Cold

Storage

dn2 smooR 71

Lodgings

Godo ChurchUnion Church

To Boyle Heights

355

133

Miyako Hotel

122

120118.5118

130R

100

313

309

315

301

307

136134132

124126

128

235

219

303

Empire Hotel

Elk Hotel

Fuji Hotel Mikado Hotel

Ohio HotelOriental Hotel

Queen Hotel

San Pedro Hotel

Union Hotel

WakayamaHotel

305 337 339331

333

335

329

327

325

323

321

321.

5

319

317

117

101

347

349

351

353

357

355.

5

359

361

363

365

341

341.

5

343

345

369

367

355

Parking Garage

Japanese Amer ican

National M

useum

Today’s

Japanese Vi l lage

Today’s

Miyako Hotel

Today’s CB&T

Bank Tower

nairts

edeP teert

S akuzi

nO s’yadoT

Today’s Union Center for the Arts

kc This open area evolved from

agricultu

ral use in

the 1870s to

lumber yard

s in th

e early 1900s

to auto

parking and repair b

y 1951.

This mixed business/re

sidential a

rea was bought

up for t

he expanding Los Angeles Civic Center–

the build

ings for t

hese 1940 listin

gs were lo

ng gone

by 1951. We w

ill add th

em from earlie

r maps.

Nan

ka Ji

ho N

ews

Bocho YoungMen’s Assn.

a

Nishi Honganji, Seinen Kai

Geijitsu Shashin Kyokai

Nishi H

onganji

Buddhist Church

Zaig

o G

unjin

dan

Bocho KaigaiKyokai

Gifu Kenjin

Kai

Rafu Shashingyo

Hiroshima Kenjin Kai

Kyot

o Jin

Kai

Nag

ano

Kenj

in K

ai

Fuku

shim

a Ka

igai

Kyo

kai

Oka

yam

a Ka

igai

Kyo

kai

Shiz

uoka

Ken

jin K

ai

Okinawa Kaigai Kyokai

Saga

kenj

in K

ai

Fish

ing

Club

Crow

Flig

htG

olf C

lub

Yoji Oki Club

Rafu

Zak

kash

oKu

mia

i

Laun

dry

& D

ry C

lean

ers‘

Assn

.

Ryok

anKu

mia

i

Teik

oku

Boek

i Art

Goo

ds &

Har

dwar

e

Nippon Club

Nippon Mah Jong Club

Seat

tle C

lub

Kaku

do S

ha c

lub

Nan

ka Ju

do Y

udan

shak

ai

Tana

ka C

o. A

rt G

oods

Futuba Beauty Parlor

Iked

a Be

auty

Par

lor

Man

shu

Low

Chin

ese

Rest

.

Som

a Ch

aten

Tea

Stor

e

Tanikawa

Asi

a D

ress

mak

ers

Fuji

Saih

o-sh

o D

ress

mak

er

Kuro

da C

hiye

no D

ress

mak

er

Narazaki Saiho Sho Dressmaker

Tom

io D

ry G

oods

Dre

ssm

akin

g &

shoe

/ rep

air

Yokohama Specie Bank

Sum

itom

o Ba

nk

Calif

orni

a Ba

nk

Asi

a Co

. (i

mpo

rt/e

xpor

t, gr

ocer

ies,

sake

,fe

rtili

zer &

farm

equ

ipm

ent)

Ferti

lizer C

o.

K. Hayashi, Insurance

ec

D. K

oyoh

ara,

Insu

ranc

e

S. Abe, atto

rney

S. Kato, dentist

Miyagi Kenjin Kai

Geki-Dan-Kai

Hig

oya

Hot

el

Toki

wa

Yu B

aths

Sakura Yu Baths

Paci

�c (T

aihe

iyo)

Hot

el

Fuku

yam

a H

ardw

are

Mitsuba Trading/Hardware

Rafu

Har

dwar

e Co

.

Sam

ida

Co. H

ardw

are

Star

Ele

ctric

Eagl

e Ke

ian

Empl

oym

ent

Paci�c Keian Employment

Takara Pool Hall

Date Florists

Chuo

sho

e/re

pair

Rafu

sho

e/re

pair

F or

aT ir

uga

mA

Hosozawa Soda

Iwai, barber

Nis

ei-D

o Je

wel

ry

K. T

akah

ashi

, bar

ber

Ebis

u Re

stau

rant

Futa

ba R

esta

uran

t

Ichi FujiRestaurant

Kikusui Restaurant

Kint

oki R

est.

Manseian Restaurant

N. Ansai barber

Am

eric

an S

wea

ter M

fg.

Taka

yam

a M

illin

ery

Nic

hibe

i Sig

n

S.P.

Hat

/ Toy

o Sh

irts

Mfg

.

Toky

o M

arke

t Gro

cerie

s

Choyei-Do (cameras)

Iwat

a Co

. Cam

eras

Matsuba Rest.

Mat

su n

o Su

shi

Shok

udo

Rest

.

Olympic ShokudoRestaurant

Saku

ra S

ushi

Sara

shin

a Re

st.

Shogatsu-Tei

Restaurant

Suzuran Restaurant

Lion

Caf

e

Sanshoku-Tei Restaurant

Ten-

Gen

Res

taur

ant

Ten-

Ri R

esta

uran

t

Tokyo-An Rest.

Wakamizu Restaurant

Wakamizu Restaurant

Aoy

agi C

onfe

ctio

nery

Moo

n Be

lt G

ekki

-Tai

Mfg

.

Mid

ori F

ount

ain

Nak

amur

aFo

unta

in

Shikishima Fountain

Sumire SodaFountain

YanagawaRestaurant

Hin

omar

u Sh

okud

o Re

st.

Taiy

o D

rug

Co.

Izuo

Pho

to S

tudi

o

Tanaka Photo Service

Imad

a Ph

oto

Stud

io

dutS

oto

hP o

yoT e

kata

yiM

Tana

ka S

tudi

o

Akiyama Grocery

Gin

za M

arke

t

Suzu

ki G

roce

ries

Yoro

zu-Y

a G

roce

ries

Kam

azen

Kam

abok

o

Groce

ries, F

ish & M

eat

Toka

i Co.

Gro

cerie

sA

sia

Co.

Dry

Goo

ds D

ept.

M. Igasaki, attorney

S. Kimura,

attorney

D. K

yoha

ra, a

ttor

ney

Yamato Service Bureau

)ecn

arus

ni /y

enrot

ta(

Dr.

S. Is

hika

wa

Dr. T

. Mur

akam

i

Dr.

K. N

akak

i

Dr.

K. S

him

oda

Phys

icia

ns: T

. Oza

sa, F

. Nak

aya

Den

tist:

M. H

orii

I. Eno

mot

o, d

entis

t

O. O

kubo

, den

tist

Kata

oka

Jew

elry

Co.

and

Opt

omet

rist

Sugi

no,

Opt

omet

rist

Den

tist:

R. Y

oshi

da

Nan

ka P

rintin

g

Taih

eiyo

u Pr

intin

g

Toyo Printing

Yamato printing

Dai

Fuj

i Kan

(im

port

/epo

rt)

Mik

away

a Co

nfec

tione

ryTo

yo-d

o co

nfec

tione

ry

Umeya

Confectionery

Shoo

-Foo

-Do

conf

ectio

nery

Nippon Taxi

Lem

’s Ca

fe C

hine

se R

est.

Iwak

i Dru

g #2

Jew

elry

Dep

t.

Kibuo-DoJewelry

Tens

ho-D

oD

rug

Co.

Y, T

akus

hi, b

arbe

r

Uni

on S

.S. T

rans

fer C

o.

Asi

a Co

. Dry

Goo

ds D

ept.

Kim

ura

Bros

. Dry

Goo

ds

Moo

n Fi

sh C

o.

Nip

pon

Phar

mac

y

Asa

hi D

ye W

orks

Iser

i Jew

elry

Dep

t.

Aki

Cho

pSu

ey R

est.

)

Tokyo Pool Hall

Billiard Parlor

Kingyo

Showa Drug Co.

Kino

& S

omer

s, D

rugg

ists

Ohm

i Co.

Dry

Goo

ds

Kyos

ai D

rug

Co.

Empi

re T

radi

ng C

o.

Taiy

o-D

o &

Hak

unbu

n A

genc

ies

Dr. Y. Takeyama

entry

72 Rooms & o�ces

60 Rooms

45 Rooms

Koyasan Buddhist Temple

(not liste

d here in 1940 but

building dates fr

om

around 1940 ≠ 5 years

Silver StarHotel

Naniwa Hotel

New Palace Hotel

Toyo Hotel

gnimli

W( rel

leW

Jackson St.

.t S l art ne C . NM

olin

e A

lley

Jackson St.

342342A

Fresno

Mountain View Salinas

Watsonville

MontereySan Francisco San Jo

seSebasto

pol

Alameda

StocktonSacramentoMarysville

Walnut Grove

Vacaville Lodi

Isleton

Livingston

San Mateo

Florin

Cortez

BAY AREA

CENTRAL

Fowler

Oakland

Berkeley

Petaluma

1

52

Buildin

g 01

Buildin

g 02

Buildin

g 03

Buildin

g 04

Buildin

g 05

Buildin

g 06

3 4

6

North San Pedro SteetSouth San Pedro Steet

East First Street

#

4

ArchitecturePlanning

Little Tokyo Historic District

LITTLE TOKYO MAP

map from Japanese American National MuseumFIGURE 1.4AHISTORIC DISTRICT / CIRCA 1940

Photo Number (See Pages 5-7)

1.4

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5

ArchitecturePlanning

HISTORIC PHOTOS

photo from CRA/LAPHOTO 1.5ANORTHEAST CORNER OF SAN PEDRO AND FIRST STREET

photo from Los Angeles Public Library digital archivesPHOTO 1.5BPHOTO LOOKING EAST FROM SAN PEDRO STREET

1.5

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6

ArchitecturePlanning

photo from Los Angeles Public Library digital archivesPHOTO 1.5DLEFT TO RIGHT - BUILDINGS THREE THROUGH FIVE

photo from Los Angeles Public Library digital archivesPHOTO 1.5CLEFT TO RIGHT - BUILDINGS TWO THROUGH FIVE

HISTORIC PHOTOS 1.5

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7

ArchitecturePlanning

photo from Los Angeles Public Library digital archivesPHOTO 1.5ELEFT TO RIGHT - BUILDINGS TWO THROUGH FIVE

photo from Los Angeles Public Library digital archivesPHOTO 1.5FPHOTO LOOKING WEST FROM BUILDING FOUR - CURRENTLY FAMILY MART

HISTORIC PHOTOS 1.5

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8

ArchitecturePlanning

Unlighted Signage Above Clerestory at an Angle

Signage Painted onto Storefront Windows

Street Address Center on Bay

Clerestory Windows Open to Light Penetration

Door Recessed from Street Facade

Retractable Awning

Vertical Signage on Column

Retractable Awning

Business Name on Windows

Vertical Signage on Column

Horizontal Signage Mixing Japanese and English Languages

HISTORIC CASE STUDIES

photo from Los Angeles Public Library digital archives2.2CASE STUDY

photo from One Hundred Years in Pictures p.412.3CASE STUDY

2.1CASE STUDYphoto from Japanese American National Museum digital archives

Use of Japanese Language

2.1-3

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9

ArchitecturePlanning

Neon Lighted Sign Projecting Off the Face of the Facade

Draped Exterior Shading for Storefront Windows

Painted Window Signage

Storefront Windows Open to Store Interior

Unlighted Horizontal Signage

Draped Exterior Shading for Clerestory Windows

Open Storefront Windows

HISTORIC CASE STUDIES

photo from Japanese American National Museum digital archives2.4CASE STUDY

photo from Japanese American National Museum digital archives2.5CASE STUDY

2.4-5

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10

ArchitecturePlanning

Awning Mounted above Clerestory Window

Striped Awning Pattern

Retractable Awning Attachment Interior to Column Bays

Kanji Profiles Framed by Architectural Opening

Horizontal Signage

Name of Restaurant on Awning Valence

Recessed Entry

HISTORIC CASE STUDIES

photo from Japanese American National Museum digital archives2.6CASE STUDY

photo from Japanese American National Museum digital archives2.7CASE STUDY

2.6-7

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11

ArchitecturePlanning

Vertical Triangular Signage

Street Lighting Is from Commercial Establishment’s Interior Spaces, Recessed Doorways, and Signage.

Neon Signage Recessed from the Face of the Building Facade

Signage on Column Face

Arched Entry to Upper Floors

Material Change From Plinth to Upper Floors

Decorative Parapet

Ornamentation

Quoins

Entry Not Centered in Bay

HISTORIC CASE STUDIES

photo from Japanese American National Museum digital archives2.9CASE STUDY

photo from One Hundred Years in Pictures p.862.8CASE STUDY

photo from One Hundred Years in Pictures p.662.10CASE STUDY

2.8-10

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HISTORIC CASE STUDIES

photo from One Hundred Years in Pictures p.642.11CASE STUDY

12

ArchitecturePlanning

Angled Vertical Signage

Globe Light Centered on Door Opening

Angled Horizontal Signage

Glass Storefronts Recessed from the Face of Building

Angled Vertical Signage

Carved Wood Plaque Sign

Aluminum Framed Neon Sign

Clerestory Windows Continuous Across Building Face

Retracted Awning

photo from Japanese American National Museum digital archives2.12CASE STUDY

2.11-12

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ArchitecturePlanning

IMPROVEMENT INFORMATION3.1

1. All improvements, repair, renovation, or rehabilitation of the properties within the Little Tokyo Historic District will follow the standards set forth by Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

2. This guideline was written in conformance with LAMC Article 4.4 (Effective date 12.20.07). All signage will conform to the most current regulations of the LAMC and Downtown Design Guide.

3. If any proposed signage does not meet code requirements, a supplemental use district permit will be required.

GENERAL 3.1.1

1. All improvements will conform to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

2. Building 01 (Fugetsudo/Little Tokyo Art and Gift/Zippo) was constructed after the date of historical significance, 1905-1940. All improvements will conform to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

3. Facade improvements that include the restoration or reconstruction of building parapets (See Historic Photos) shall conform to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

HISTORIC DISTRICT 3.1.2

1. Solid roll down security screens, doors, shutters, etc. are prohibited.

2. The preferred placement of security screens or gates are on the interior side of storefronts.

3. The appearance of security screens or gates shall be minimized (i.e. recessed).

4. Reference the Little Tokyo Community Design Overlay Guidelines for further information.

SECURITY SCREENS 3.1.3

1. Total signage for an individual business is dictated by the Little Tokyo CDO and the LAMC.

2. All signage must conform with the provisions of the Little Tokyo CDO.

3. A storefront may have a maximum of two signs. Each of these signs must be different types. Building and address signage will not count towards this total.

4. Use of Japanese language (katakana, hiragana, and kanji) is encouraged.

5. Paper signs and temporary advertisements are not allowed on facades or in storefront windows.

SIGNAGE3.1.4

1. Los Angeles Municipal Code, Chapter 1 General Provisions and Zoning, Article 4.4 Sign Regulation.

2. The Downtown Design Guide3. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of

Historic Properties4. The Little Tokyo Community Design Overlay Guidelines

All signage and awning changes will be subject to the follow-ing documents:

CODE 3.1.5

1. Los Angeles Department of City Planning2. Los Angeles Office of Historic Resources3. Los Angeles Department of Building Safety

All projects and improvement to the properties covered by this document are subject to the approval of the following entities:

PROJECT APPROVALS 3.1.6

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14

ArchitecturePlanning

1. To promote the Historic nature of the District, signage types should reflect the era of historic significance (1905-1940).

2. All horizontal signage is intended to be viewable from ve-hicles traveling on First Street. Both the sizing and place-ment of signage shall take this into account.

Architectural Element - Signage Not Permitted

Permitted Signage Area

Non-Permitted Signage Area

Architectural Element - Signage Not Permitted

HORIZONTAL SIGNAGE3.2

DESIGN INTENT3.2.1

1. Backlit Can Signs are prohibited.2. Use of Japanese language (Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji)

is encouraged.

GENERAL 3.2.2

1. Horizontal plaque and neon signs shall only be on the first floor of a building (with the exception of buildings signs).

2. Individual store front signage of a building shall align.3. Signs shall be located at least eight feet above the natural

or finished grade as measured vertically.4. See Figure 3.2A for other placement requirements.

LOCATION 3.2.3

1. Sign height may not exceed three feet in height vertically.2. Sign length may not exceed 12 feet in length horizontally.3. Signs may project a maximum of 36 inches from the

building face.4. Lettering, logos, or icons may not exceed 18 inches in

height.

DIMENSIONS 3.2.4

1. Horizontal Plaque Sign (see 3.2.7)2. Horizontal Neon Shelf Sign (see 3.2.8)3. Horizontal Building Sign (see 3.2.9)

HISTORIC EXAMPLES 3.2.5

TYPICAL ELEVATION 3.2.6

FIGURE 3.2A

Clerestory Window - Signage Not Permitted

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15

ArchitecturePlanning

Building Name Signage / Extruded Lettering / No Signage For Tenants

Aluminum Plaque / Painted Characters, Letters, And Icons /Exposed Neon Tubing

Aluminum Shelf With Rounded Corner / Painted Characters, Let-ters, And Icons / Extruded Lettering

Aluminum Blade / Perpendicular To Building Facade / Painted Let-tering And Profile Lines / Exposed Neon Tubing

Plaque / Painted Characters

Angled Plaque / Framed Edge / Painted Characters And Icons

Angled Plaque / Framed Edge / Painted Characters And Icons

HORIZONTAL SIGNAGE3.2

HORIZONTAL PLAQUE SIGN 3.2.7

HORIZONTAL NEON SIGN 3.2.8

HORIZONTAL BUILDING SIGN 3.2.9

PHOTO 3.2B

PHOTO 3.2C

PHOTO 3.2D

PHOTO 3.2E

PHOTO 3.2F

PHOTO 3.2G

PHOTO 3.2H

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16

ArchitecturePlanning

BLADE SIGNAGE3.3

1. To promote the Historic nature of the District, signage types should reflect the era of historic significance (1905-1940).

2. Blade signage placed on the first floor is intended to be viewable to pedestrians.

3. Blade signage above the first floor of a building is intended to be viewable by pedestrians and vehicles traveling on First Street. Both the sizing and placement of signage shall take this into account.

DESIGN INTENT 3.3.1

1. Electronic Message Displays are prohibited on blade sign (i.e. scrolling text).

2. No lettering or logos shall be allowed on that portion of a projecting sign that is parallel to the face of the building.

3. One blade sign above first floor is allowed per building for the purpose of building identification.

4. Use of Japanese language (Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji) is encouraged.

GENERAL 3.3.2

1. A projecting sign shall align with major building elements such as cornices, string courses, window banding, or verti-cal changes in material or texture.

2. Bottom edge of blade sign must be mounted no lower than eight feet from the sidewalk.

3. See Figure 3.3A for other placement requirements.

LOCATION 3.3.3

1. A blade sign shall not exceed 12 feet in height as measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the top of the sign.

2. The sign face perpendicular to the building shall not ex-ceed 20 percent of the overall height of the sign.

3. A blade sign may not extend past 36 inches from the build-ing face or the distance permitted by the City Sign Code, whichever is less.

4. Triangular blade signs may not exceed five feet in height and may not extend 24 inches from the building face.

5. Neon blade signs may not exceed 12 feet in height and may not extend three feet from the building face.

6. Pedestrian signs may not exceed 30 inches in height and 12 inches in width.

DIMENSIONS 3.3.4

1. There shall be a minimum distance of 15 feet, measured horizontally, between blade signs.

SPACING 3.3.5

1. Triangular Blade Sign (see 3.3.9)2. Neon Blade Sign (see 3.3.10)

HISTORIC EXAMPLES 3.3.6

1. Pedestrian Blade Sign (see 3.3.11)NON-HISTORIC EXAMPLES3.3.7

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ArchitecturePlanning

Routed Metal Face Backed By Frosted Glass And Backlit

Routed Metal Face Without Backing

Painted Face With No Lighting

Embossed Characters (Katakana) / Exposed Neon Outlines

Painted Letters / Exposed Neon Outlines

(One Per Building)

Bottom Edge Of Sign Min. 8’-0” Above Finished Floor

Architectural Element

Architectural Element - Signage Not Permitted

Permitted Signage Area

Non-Permitted Signage Area

3.3.8TYPICAL ELEVATION

BLADE SIGNAGE3.3

TRIANGULAR BLADE SIGN 3.3.9

NEON BLADE SIGN 3.3.10

FIGURE 3.3A

PHOTO 3.3B PHOTO 3.3C PHOTO 3.3D

PHOTO 3.3E PHOTO 3.3F

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ArchitecturePlanning

Fabric (Cotton) With Silkscreened Lettering. Hung From Above

Metal Plaque With Painted Lettering. Hung From Above

Woodbacked Steel Frame With Inset Frosted Glass and Painted Lettering.

Wood Plaque With Embossed Painted Lettering. Hung From Above.

Woodbacked Steel Frame With Inset Frosted Glass and Painted Lettering.

BLADE SIGNAGE3.3

PEDESTRIAN SIGN 3.3.11

PHOTO 3.3G PHOTO 3.3H

PHOTO 3.3J PHOTO 3.3K

PHOTO 3.3L

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1. To promote the Historic nature of the District, signage types should reflect the era of historic significance (1905-1940).

2. All column signage is intended to be viewed by pedestri-ans. Both the sizing and placement of signage shall take this into account.

Permitted Column Sign Area / Top of Sign 8’ Max.

Wood Plaque with Framed Border / Painted

Metal Plaque / Engraved and Painted Characters

Permitted Signage Area

Non-Permitted Signage Area

Non-Permitted Column Sign Area

COLUMN SIGNAGE3.4

DESIGN INTENT3.4.1

1. Lettering or logos shall be oriented vertically.2. Use of Japanese language (Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji)

is encouraged.3. All column plaques may not extend more than 1 inch from

the face of column.

GENERAL 3.4.2

1. A column plaque shall align with major building elements such as cornices, string courses, window banding, or verti-cal changes in material or texture.

2. See Figure 3.4A for other placement requirements.

LOCATION 3.4.3

1. Column signs may not exceed 12 inches in width and shall leave a minimum of three inches of the column exposed on each side of the plaque.

2. Column signs may not exceed 5 feet in height.

DIMENSIONS 3.4.4

1. Wooden Column Plaque Sign (see 3.4B)2. Metal Column Plaque Sign (see 3.4C)

HISTORIC EXAMPLES 3.4.5

FIGURE 3.4A

PHOTO 3.4B PHOTO 3.4C

COLUMN SIGN 3.4.7

3.4.6TYPICAL ELEVATION

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ArchitecturePlanning

1. Window signage is intended to be viewable for pedestri-ans. Both the sizing and placement of signage shall take this into account.

2. To promote the Historic nature of the District, signage types should reflect the era of historic significance (1905-1940).

1. No Electronic Message Display shall be permitted as a window sign.

2. Use of Japanese language (Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji) shall be used in signage.

1. No portion of any window sign shall be located above the first story of the building on which it is placed or higher than 35 feet above grade, whichever is lower.

1. The total area of all window signs painted on, affixed to, or located within six feet of the window plane shall not ex-ceed 10 percent of the area of the window.

2. Invidvidual letters or characters shall not be taller than 6”. Other graphics or logos shall not be larger than 12”x12”.

1. Horizontal Lettering (see 3.5A)2. Vertical Lettering (see 3.5B)3. Gold Leaf and Painted Lettering Lettering (see 3.5C)4. Painted Lettering Lettering (see 3.5D)5. Vinyl Lettering Lettering (see 3.5E)

Vinyl Lettering

Gold Leafed And Painted Lettering

Painted Lettering

Horizontal Lettering

Vertical Lettering

WINDOW SIGNAGE3.5

DESIGN INTENT3.5.1

GENERAL 3.5.2

LOCATION 3.5.3

DIMENSIONS 3.5.4

HISTORIC EXAMPLES 3.5.5

WINDOW LETTERING3.5.6

PHOTO 3.5A PHOTO 3.5B

PHOTO 3.5C

PHOTO 3.5D

PHOTO 3.5E

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1. To promote the Historic nature of the District, awning types, colors, and patterns should reflect the era of historic significance (1905-1940).

Deep Awning / Striped Pattern

Shallow Awning / Solid Pattern

Permitted Awning Mounting Locations

DESIGN INTENT3.6.1

1. Awning covering material shall be cotton. Substitutions are acceptable but must be similar in finish to cotton and approved by Community Redevelopment Agency, Los An-geles (CRA/LA).

2. Awnings must be retractable.3. Individual storefront awnings of a building shall align. 4. All historic awnings (dating 1940 or earlier) shall be main-

tained rather than replaced, unless removal is approved by CRA/LA.

5. In accodance with Chapter 1, Article 4.4, Section 14.4.19 graphics and lettering are only allowed on valence portion of awning only.

GENERAL 3.6.2

1. No portion of any awning shall be located above the first story of the building on which it is placed.

2. Preferred mounting location is interior to column bays.3. Awnings shall not cover building clerestory windows or ar-

chitectural elements (see Figure 3.6A).4. See Figure 3.6A for other placement requirements.

LOCATION 3.6.3

1. Awnings shall be sized per individual column bay. A single awning may not cover multiple bays (space between two columns).

2. Awning’s valence shall not exceed 18 inches (see Figure 3.6B)

3. Text must be proportionally spaced and not exceed 12 inches in height (see Figure 3.6B)

DIMENSIONS 3.6.4

1. Deep Awnings (see 3.6B)2. Shallow Awnings (see 3.6C)3. Pattern - Striped / Solid (see 3.6B/C)

HISTORIC EXAMPLES 3.6.5

AWNINGS 3.6.7

3.6.6TYPICAL ELEVATION

AWNINGS3.6

PHOTO 3.6C

FIGURE 3.6A

PHOTO 3.6D

Clerestory Windows

FIGURE 3.6B

HAPIValence

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1. To promote the Historic nature of the District, lighting types and intensities should reflect the era of historic significance (1905-1940).

2. The preferred means of providing pedestrian lighting is from signage and ambient light from storefront interiors.

3. Exterior pedestrian light fixtures shall be provided.

1. LED and flourescent lights shall light exterior signage.2. Recessed lighting will be acceptable in entryways.3. In lieu of exterior fixtures, the use of interior fixtures to light

storefront windows and sidewalks is encouraged.

1. Neon Sign (see 3.7B)2. Triangular Blade Sign (see 3.7B) 3. Showcase Lighting (see 3.7B)

Neon Sign

Triangular Blade Sign

Storefront Window Lighting

Neon Blade Sign

Toplit Plaque Sign

Interior Clerestory Light

Exterior Entry LightExterior Awning Light

Interior Storefront Window Light

Interior Entry Light

LIGHTING 3.7

DESIGN INTENT 3.7.1

GENERAL 3.7.2

HISTORIC EXAMPLES 3.7.3

LIGHTING 3.7.5

3.7.4TYPICAL SECTION

FIGURE 3.7A

PHOTO 3.7B

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This building is the only one of the six in the current study which was constructed post 1940. The original building (see historic photo 02, page 4) was demolished in 1957 and the current one story commercial building was constructed. The present building contains three storefronts framed by stone piers. The façade is spanned by a corrugated metal para-pet to which signs and awnings are attached. Stone is also used for the base of the storefront windows that flank the central entries of each identical storefront. Canvas awnings with cast iron frames shade the facades of all the three es-tablishments1.

1. National Historic Landmark Nomination Registration Form for “Little Tokyo Historic District”. Edited by J.Uyeda for Tetra-IBI Group and CRA/LA.

FUGETSUDO / LITTLE TOKYO ARTS AND GIFT / ZIPPO315 - 319 EAST FIRST STREET

Neon Plaque Signage

Awning with Cast Iron Frame

Valence With Address

Window Signage

Window Address

4

3

2

1

5

4

3

2

1

5

FIGURE 4.2A

BUILDING 014.2

PHOTO 4.2B

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A two story brick commercial building, this structure resembles the similarly conceived three story building to the east (see Historic Photo 02, page 5). Its whitewashed façade are separated into three second story bays by pilasters. Pairs of one-over-one double hung sash windows are interupted by a single, broader, one-over-one sash window at the center of the middle bay. In 1967, the third story of this building was removed, leaving an unembellished para-pet above the second level.

1. National Historic Landmark Nomination Registration Form for “Little Tokyo Historic District”. Edited by J.Uyeda for Tetra-IBI Group and CRA/LA.

4

3

21

Column plaque

Deep awning

Downlit signage

Valence with address 4

3

2

1

4

3

2

1

5

Third floor demolished in 1967

Wrought iron fire escape

Enlarged bay

Arched opening

Stone finish4 3

2

1

5

VIDEO PARADISE / KOREAN BARBEQUE321 - 323 EAST FIRST STREET

BUILDING 024.3

FIGURE 4.3A

PHOTO 4.3B

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Relative integrity characterizes the upper floors of this three story commercial vernacular building. Once the twin of the building ad-jacent to it on the west, its whitewashed façade are separated into three second story bays by pilasters. Pairs of one-over-one double hung sash windows are interupted by a single, broader, one-over-one sash window at the center of the middle bay. The windows have been altered by the substitution of metal frames for the origi-nal wood and the addition of air conditioning units to one of each pair. The pilasters continue through the plainly corbeled cornice to the top of the unembellished parapet. A complete alteration has transformed the ground level of the building. The three strorefront and the offset entry to the hotel above are unified by a shingled half gambrel canopy across the façade. Alterations made to the store-fronts are typical of the fifties through seventies.

1. National Historic Landmark Nomination Registration Form for “Little Tokyo Historic District”. Edited by J.Uyeda for Tetra-IBI Group and CRA/LA.

Window Signage

Address Plaque

Shallow Awning And Valence

Downlit Plaque Signage

Window Address

4

3

2

1Demolished Decorative Parapet

Signage Below Architectural Banding

Doorways Recessed From Showcase Windows

Light Above Opening For Door To Upper Floors

4

3

2

1

4

3

2

1

5

4

3

2

1 5

JUNGLE / DAIKOKUYA / EAST325 - 329 EAST FIRST STREET

BUILDING 034.4

FIGURE 4.4A

PHOTO 4.4B

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photo from Los Angeles Public Library digital archives (circa 1942)

The first floor storefronts in glazed white brick while the second and third stories are faced with brick ornamented by darker red brick details. The top two floors are symmetrical in composition. All win-dows are identical with the exception of the center window which is slightly narrower. Lintels are articulated by solider courses of red brick and lap each window with keystones of radiating bricks on the third story. Corbelled sills also ornament the third floor openings. The second story windows are set directly above the ground floor entablature. Consisting of several courses of brick culminating in a dentil-like band. End brackets, consoled in a T shape, frame the cornice. The ground floor remains close to it’s 1932 appearance with the exception of new tile below the storefront windows. The door to access the upper level has been changed but the marquee suspended on chains above remains in place.

1. National Historic Landmark Nomination Registration Form for “Little Tokyo Historic District”. Edited by J.Uyeda for Tetra-IBI Group and CRA/LA.

Replaced Existing Blade Sign

Angled Toplit Plaque Sign

Deep Awning

Awning Address

Refurbished Marquee - No Signage

4

3

2

1

5

4

3

2

1

5

4

3

2

1Demolished Architectural Feature

White Tile Finish On Plinth

Brick Lintels With Keystones

Architectural Band With Dentils

4

3

2

1

AOI / COSMOS / FAMILY MART331 - 335 EAST FIRST STREET

BUILDING 044.5

FIGURE 4.5A

PHOTO 4.5B

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photo from Los Angeles Public Library digital archives (circa 1942)

1. National Historic Landmark Nomination Registration Form for “Little Tokyo Historic District”. Edited by J.Uyeda for Tetra-IBI Group and CRA/LA.

This two story commercial building built (ca.1905) of brick has a whitewashed façade that has been altered below the transoms. Raised brick pilasters, banded by stove moldings, separate the four window sets on the upper story. Flat headed windows appear in the end sets while segmentally arched openings are in the central bays. A frieze zone is delineated by a beltcousrse beneath the windows and a stove molding which bands the façade above the storefronts. The storefronts were remodeled around 1986 and are a simplified interpretation of traditional storefronts.

3

2

1Building Sign On Heightened Portion Of Parapet

Double Height Clerestory

Storefront Windows Recessed From Face Of Building

3

2

1

Flat Awning / Shade

Angled Toplit Plaque Sign

Column Plaque

Window Address

Window Sign

4

3

2

1

5

43

2

1

5

SUEHIRO / I LOVE BOBA337 - 339 EAST FIRST STREET

BUILDING 054.6

FIGURE 4.6A

PHOTO 4.6B

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This four story commercial building dates to ca. 1905. It has been almost completely unaltered above the first floor. The corbelling at the parapet has been demolished. The façade is sheathed with hard-fired brick and divided into five equal-sized bays of one over one wood-framed sash. Corbelled sills adorn the third and fourth floor window openings. Centered beneath the parapet is an inset panel which probably once contained the name of the building but has been stuccoed. The second story windows rest directly above a decorative belt course which separates the ground level retail from the upper floors. The four storefronts and entry to the upstairs which occupy the ground level have been modified significantly.

4

3

2

1Demolished Articulated Parapet

Signage For Building

Neon Blade Sign

Storefront Flush To Face Of Building

1. National Historic Landmark Nomination Registration Form for “Little Tokyo Historic District”. Edited by J.Uyeda for Tetra-IBI Group and CRA/LA.

4

3

2

1

Building Sign

Vertical Blade

Aluminum Plaque With Painted Lettering And Neon

Valence With Address

Shallow Awning

Window Sign

4

3

2

1

5

6

4

3

21

5

6

MR. RAMEN / EAST341 - 345 EAST FIRST STREET

BUILDING 06 4.7

FIGURE 4.7A

PHOTO 4.7B

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APPENDIX 5.1

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APPENDIX 5.1

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APPENDIX 5.1