Scranton Architecture Board Criticizes Lackawanna College Sign Design

This article examines the decision by Scranton’s Historical Architecture Review Board (HARB) to reject Lackawanna College’s proposal for two new internally illuminated signs on Vine Street. It explores what this means for historic preservation, campus branding, and future design options in the city’s historic areas.

What happened at Scranton’s Historic Architecture Review Board

The core issue centers on replacing the existing two-adjacent signs at Adams and Wyoming avenues with modern, internally lit versions. These would feature the college name and an updated falcon-in-an-L logo.

The current signs sit atop pyramid-topped stone columns that match the campus’s architectural style and the nearby former Scranton Central High School building at 501 Vine St. Each sign has plaques commemorating the college’s founding in 1894 and donor recognitions.

The Adams Avenue sign notes a 2001 rededication, and the Wyoming Avenue sign a 2004 dedication.

What the college proposed involved Bartush Signs’ plan to install signs with aluminum faces set on cultured-stone bases. These were designed to align with the college’s branding.

The design is contemporary but tied to the college’s familiar visual identity.

HARB’s response was a collective disapproval. Members argued that the cultured-stone material and modern design would clash with the nearby historic architecture and streetscape.

The board emphasized compatibility with the existing sign framework and the surrounding historic character. They did not want to update signage without considering the area’s historic context.

Several board members offered specific design guidance. Katie Gilmartin urged using elements of the original stone in any new design and suggested integrating the new logo into the current framework.

Katie Kearney said the Adams Avenue sign should reflect the former high school’s architecture. She did not want it to look like a generic modern monument.

HARB chair Michael Muller stressed the importance of preserving or reusing the original stone columns. He said that using authentic materials was more important than lighting effects.

The application was tabled. The board requested a revised plan that respects the historical signs’ style while allowing for the new branding.

Lackawanna College’s chief operating officer, T.J. Eltringham, declined to comment on whether the school would submit a revised proposal or keep the current signs. The process may continue to evolve in response to HARB’s concerns.

Why the decision matters for historic integrity and campus branding

The board’s stance highlights the balance between historic preservation and modern campus branding in Scranton’s built environment. Signage is not just for information; it is a visible link to history.

The two Vine Street signs are part of a streetscape of stone columns and plaques that honor the city’s educational institutions and their donors. By urging the use of original stone elements, HARB aims to keep a recognizable material palette, texture, and shape that respect the historic area.

Some people believe modern illuminated signage can improve visibility and wayfinding. However, the board’s focus on authentic materials and contextual fit shows a clear approach: preserve or reuse historic materials before adding new ones that could change the streetscape’s identity.

The debate also highlights the relationship between campus branding and the character of public spaces. It reminds institutions that branding decisions happen within a public-historic setting, not in isolation.

What could come next: guidance for a revised proposal

To move forward successfully, Lackawanna College may consider a design path that harmonizes branding with preservation.

Key considerations include:

• Preserve the original stone columns wherever feasible, or repurpose them as the central framing elements of the new signs.
• Integrate elements of the original architecture into the signage framework. Place the logo within a historic-inspired layout instead of a modern standalone panel.
• Respect the material palette by using architectural stones, earth-toned metals, and textures that match the campus’s built environment. Avoid glossy cultured-stone surfaces.
• Approach illumination thoughtfully. Use lighting that improves readability without overpowering historic details.
• Preserve inscriptions and plaques detailing founding dates and donor recognitions. Ensure they remain legible and visually integrated with the sign design.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Scranton architecture board dislikes Lackawanna College’s new sign design