east first street facadesdesign GUIDELINES
ArchitecturePlanning
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
13
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
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
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
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
17
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
18
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
19
ArchitecturePlanning
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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ArchitecturePlanning
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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ArchitecturePlanning
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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ArchitecturePlanning
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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ArchitecturePlanning
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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ArchitecturePlanning
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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ArchitecturePlanning
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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ArchitecturePlanning
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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ArchitecturePlanning
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
ArchitecturePlanning
APPENDIX 5.1
ArchitecturePlanning
APPENDIX 5.1
ArchitecturePlanning
APPENDIX 5.1