IBJ Media seeking approval for new projecting sign

The parent company of IBJ has filed plans to add a new sign with an electronic-message component outside the newspaper’s headquarters at 41 E. Washington St. The sign, which would project from the northwest edge of the building, requires three variances from city code. It would be about 63 square feet in size, above the maximum allowed 54 square feet, and include a variable-message portion, which is not typically permitted, similar to an existing sign outside the Indianapolis Star newsroom. The sign would be within 70 feet of an intersection with a stoplight, whereas the code normally requires 125 feet of separation. The building already has one projecting sign for Morton’s The Steakhouse at the intersection of Washington and Pennsylvania streets. A hearing is scheduled for Nov. 24.