Salina Design Review Board Approves Sign Relocation for RL Lofts
Salina's Business Improvement District Design Review Board approved a request to relocate two previously approved ground signs serving the RL Lofts Roosevelt and Lincoln buildings during its October 8, 2026 meeting.
The application, numbered CC26-016, was submitted by Justin Jennings on behalf of Roosevelt Lincoln Lofts LLC. The request sought a certificate of compatibility to move each of the two ground signs from locations in front of the buildings to positions near their respective parking lot driveway entrances.
The property, the former Roosevelt Lincoln School complex located at 220 South 7th Street and 245 South 8th Street, is now operated as RL Lofts. According to staff, the site contains the former Lincoln School built in 1915 and the Roosevelt School built in 1920. The campus closed in 2002 and was later converted to residential use. The board had previously approved ground signs for the property in September 2025 under application CC25-17.
Staff explained that the signs themselves are not changing in dimensional or design aspects, only their locations. The proposed design maintains a low-profile monument sign with a limestone face, engraved lettering and a masonry base intended to complement the brick character of the historic school buildings.
Bob Ross, representing Hutton, the project's contractor, told the board the owner felt relocating the signs closer to the street would make them more useful than having them in front of the building. Project architect Justin Jennings joined the meeting online.
Staff recommended approval with two conditions: that significant future changes to the sign design or materials be reviewed by city staff to determine whether further board review is necessary, and that a separate sign permit be issued before installation. Staff also noted the decision is subject to a 14-day appeal period before work can begin.
The board approved the application with the two staff conditions. One board member said, "I think the change makes sense for that location." The next scheduled meeting is October 22nd.
