Staples sign: The before and after

Here’s a look at the sign on the Merrimon Avenue location of the Staples office-supply store before recent changes, and after. The changes are the result of years of wrangling between city residents and Asheville City Council over the city’s enforcement and interpretation of its Unified Development Ordinance.

The city initially approved the building and its sign three years ago. It based its decision on the size of the sign by interpreting the ordinance as only limiting the size of the letters. But critics contended that the background of the sign should be included in the size limitations. After much back-and-forth, the city and Staples announced in January that changes would be made.

The size of the sign was reduced by about 45 percent. Column rockwork has been added to the corners of the building, and workers have been busy training vines up a metal lattice that’s been added to the lower portion of the building. The work will cost between $75,000 and $100,000, according to a Staples spokesperson.

 

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

4 thoughts on “Staples sign: The before and after

  1. what rules? the UDO is a moving target and exceptions granted all the time … we have LOTS more pressing problems to solve in Asheville than a the size of a stupid sign!

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.