BofA requests larger signage for downtown headquarters

Bank of America is seeking larger building signage for its 20-story regional headquarters downtown at 450 B Street.

Civic San Diego received a request from BBL, Inc., to install two signs larger than the current 225-square-foot size. BBL, a real-estate investment firm (formerly named BCL, Inc.), owns the 277,351-square-foot Bank of America Tower. The company reportedly acquired the building in 2011 for $60 million.

The current “Bank of America” signs, on the north and south façades, are four feet, seven inches tall and include a 68-square-foot logo. According to the application, they are “seeking to increase the existing sign area to increase visibility.”

BofA protester Jeff Olson, acquitted of wrongdoing at the July 1 "chalk trial," commented: “Funny, I thought ‘increased visibility’ is why BofA dropped out of the Pride parade after registering to participate. At this point, I think it will take more than ten-foot neon letters and a logo the size of a foreclosed-upon family house to pull the wool over the eyes of San Diego. At least they are keeping the neon-sign company afloat.”

BofA's regional spokesperson, Colleen Haggerty, told the Reader that their request “has been planned for a while, and is to increase the size of our sign in relation to its 20-story size, similar to the signage proportions of other high-rise buildings downtown.” If approved, Haggerty said, “this upgrade will also switch the lighting from neon tubing to low-voltage energy-efficient LEDs.”

CivicSD's decision is expected around August 1, and appeals must be filed with CivicSD within 12 business days after the decision date. Interested parties may contact senior planner Lucy Contreras at 401 B Street, suite 400; 619-533-7132.