TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - The developers of a new movie theater on the south side are asking the city to approve a 100-foot tall sign on their building.
Cinemark is building a Century Theater in the Tucson Marketplace at the Bridges near I-10 and Kino Parkway.
"This is really an area that had been under-served for years regarding retail and commercial opportunities," said the developer's lawyer Rory Juneman about the 350-acre development that already includes a Walmart, Costco, Mattress Firm, and others.
They proposed a 100-foot sign reading "Century" to be included as part of the front of the building. Because it would actually be built into the structure, it would be considered an "integrated architectural feature" and therefore would not be subject to the same laws as other signs.
An example of another "integrated architectural feature" recently approved by the city is the cross on St. Mary's Hospital.
The Sign Code Advisory and Appeals board considered the proposal for the Century sign with prior approval from the Design Review Committee, which included members of neighborhood associations in the area, and 20 written approvals from community members.
However, the board denied the request for the sign that would stand about the same height as an eight-story building. Ms. Andrea Kennedy was the only member who was not in favor because of the height. All others voted in favor of the sign.
Cinemark can now appeal to the Mayor and City Council. The cross on St. Mary's Hospital was initially denied by the board and then later approved by the Mayor and Council.
