Regions Bank customers will be able to see the new E.E. Butler Parkway branch at night.
Gainesville Planning and Appeals Board unanimously approved a request from the bank to install signs with internal illumination. The city's code requires external illumination with indirect lighting, such as ground lighting, for the E.E. Butler area.
"The applicant is basing hardship on the fact that the property is as much as 26 feet below street level," said Matt Tate, the city's planning manager. "The applicant also believes the property would be at a disadvantage with other similar businesses located on E.E. Butler."
The new one-story branch will go in place of Gainesville's old Municipal Court building between Brenau Avenue and Washington Street.
Cindy Sullivan of Shiloh Signs asked for the variance for Regions Bank. The change would allow internal illumination for three building signs and three monument signs that sit on the ground along Washington Street, Brenau Avenue and E.E. Butler.
"Even as a Gainesville resident, I'm happy to see progress with any new business," Sullivan said.
"It's wonderful when someone is moving forward after so many businesses have had to shut down. The location was also an eyesore with the old building."
The most noticeable sign will sit at the corner of Brenau Avenue once the Junior Achievement ground sign is removed in two weeks. Planning board members didn't pose any opposition.
"This is the same type of sign we already see around the area," said board member Jane Fleming. "I think they need it."
The bank facility will include about 7,000 square feet of space, a drive-thru window and an ATM area with access from Washington Street and Brenau Avenue. The ATM that sits along Washington Street will be relocated to the end of the new drive-thru window, and the new branch is set to open for business in July.
"We're excited about the new branch and how it's going to look," David Abee, Regions Bank market president, said after the planning meeting.
"It's important for folks to see us at night and know that we're there in the Gainesville corridor."