Historic Preservation Board reviews 'The Rock' signage

A Sidney business is ready to hang the proverbial shingle. The question is how and under what guidelines since it is working with the Historic Preservation Program.

The Historic Preservation Board met Tuesday, Dec. 12, with one item on the agenda, a Certificate Of Acceptance for a signage grant awarded to Bob and Jane Woodis doing business as “The Rock” at 1540 Tenth Ave.

The location, locally known as “Jimmy’s” will be a sports bar when ready for the public, according to Jane Woodis. The facility will offer a full bar and a short order menu.

The Woodises met with the Historic Preservation Board regarding an existing sign at the facility and how it fits with the address’s historic definition.

The property has a sign near the corner that is historically fluorescent lighting. The Woodises want to use the sign to promote events at The Rock when it opens. Board Chairman Greg Huck encouraged them to become familiar with the city code on business signs. Huck said they can continue to use the sign, but if it is taken down it cannot be put back up, nor can it be updated with electronic lighting and receive Historic Preservation Board funding for the sign. The lights can be upgraded with specific options. However, installing electronic circuitry within the display is not acceptable.

“You can still do it,” said Kevin Kubo, Sidney’s chief building official. “You just can’t get the funding.”

Kubo said after the meeting the intent of the Historic Preservation Program is to retain the historic relevance of downtown architecture.

The board approved the Woodises Certificate Of Acceptance with a unanimous vote.

The Woodises were also encouraged to visit the “Business Incubator” program at Western Nebraska Community College.

Jane Woodis said The Rock is expected to be ready for a soft open in January.

The board also discussed the frequency of meeting. Huck questioned scheduling frequent meetings with so few people seeking funding.

“If we don’t have anything to meet for, any projects, there’s no reason to have a meeting,” he said.

Huck suggested the board meet quarterly, and call for special meetings when timely projects come up.

Board member Kathy Wilson questioned reducing the number of meetings, seeing the decision as moving toward dissolution of the board. Huck referred to meeting where the board met out of obligation, not because there was an agenda.

“It is not like we’re making it go away,” Kubo said. “We’re just doing it more efficiently.”