Henderson Commons to get new monument signs; DRB requires larger bases and LED strip lighting

The Alpharetta Design Review Board on Feb. 21 approved two new monument signs for Henderson Commons with multiple design conditions intended to improve visibility and reduce visual clutter.

Deborah Hayes, senior property manager with Brandt Properties, presented the proposal and the samples. She described the signs as V-shaped monuments to be located at each entrance; the board and applicant agreed to close the open-back of the V and discussed base and lighting details.

Board members expressed concern that multiple gooseneck fixtures and a narrow base made the signs appear top-heavy. The board’s motion required the applicant to enlarge the sign base and add a stone cap, to replace the proposed gooseneck fixtures with up-and-down LED strip lighting, and to plant low evergreen shrubs at the base of the sign. The motion passed unanimously.

Deborah Hayes said the brick for the bases will match the building and that the applicant can provide a cap that matches existing building detailing. She also agreed that smaller or fewer light fixtures — or flush LED strips — would reduce visual clutter and improve focus on tenant panels.

Votes at a glance: Motion approving Henderson Commons signage with conditions (larger base with stone cap; replace gooseneck lighting with up/down LED strips; low evergreen plantings at base) — passed 7–0.

The board also encouraged the applicant to raise tenant panel heights if lighting fixtures were removed, to maximize tenant visibility. Staff will review final dimensions and material samples for administrative sign-off.