Triangle Square wants sign variance

Triangle Square is seeking city approval for two electronic, changeable signs to be installed on the northeast and southwest sides of the building to attract customers.

The signs are prohibited by the city, but can be approved on a case-by-case basis, according to a city staff report.

City staff say the signs will help revitalize the struggling retail site, will not be visible from a residential area, and are recommending the approval of the signs. The issue is scheduled to go before the Planning Commission at 6 tonight at City Hall, 77 Fair Drive.

Greenlaw Partners, Triangle Square’s owner, are working on revitalizing the center, which lost many of its tenants, including Nike Town, and the Virgin music store. Sources say the owners are looking to turn Triangle Square into an entertainment center instead of a retail center, a concept that has failed for its location where 19th Street meets Harbor and Newport boulevards.

Mona Shadia