Planning and Zoning Administrator Joseph Walker brought the concept before the commission, which is supposed to meet quarterly, at a meeting on Monday.

Under the proposal as it was discussed this week, the sign program would celebrate properties that contribute to Escanaba’s history using a template agreed-upon by the city. The owner of a historically-significant property would be able to purchase a sign for their yard, which would be installed by the Department of Public Works. The program would be honorary only — no property or building restrictions would be imposed, and an opted-in property owner will not be required to allow people into their home or yard. The sign would merely be for viewing from the sidewalk.

While the program is subject to change, not yet in effect and will need to be reviewed by City Council before plans progress, the HPC agreed it could be a good idea and would like to offer the opportunity to homeowners.

This method of recognizing buildings and places that are connected to important local events is an alternative plan that arose after another idea was largely opposed.

A sign in front of a property deemed historically significant is one of several in Gladstone. (Daily Press file photo by R. R. Branstrom)

At this time last year, the city was considering establishing a historic district in southeastern Escanaba. Many stately historic homes, including ones once lived in by Escanaba’s key citizens of generations ago, stand in the area loosely called the “Ogden Triangle.”

Officials began to consider ways to honor this historic part of the city after the Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development (CUPPAD) proposed a historic overlay for the area in the City of Escanaba’s 2016 master plan’s future land use map.

But when the suggestion was made to citizens, they balked.

A forum / open house held in May of 2025 brought dozens of residents to City Hall, where HPC members, Walker and a representative from the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) took questions and attempted to explain possible ways to move forward with a historic district.

The complaints and concerns attendees had — worries about remodeling costs and approval time, increased taxes and limitations that might arise if a historic district was created — seemed to outweigh the benefits. The Ogden Triangle died.

During a chaotic "open house" held at Escanaba City Hall in May, citizens raise their hands to show they were in opposition to the creation of a historic district in the Ogden Triangle. (Daily Press file photo by Noah Johnson)

At the next meeting of the HPC in October, the commission noted the overall negative community reception.

“After listening to the residents, Walker feels that the Commission may want to pivot from the idea of a historic district and focus on other ways the City can encourage historic preservation and community pride,” read the minutes from the Oct. 20 meeting. “He suggested looking into a walking tour with signage, like Gladstone’s, or a ‘house of the month’ promotion that highlights historic homes in the area.”

Neighboring Gladstone recently installed signs in front of a number of homes and businesses that were significant to the city’s history and development. That initiative had been a grassroots project started by citizens that earned the approval and endorsement of the City of Gladstone. Homeowners and others whose properties now host the blue signs are not beholden to the restrictions that an official historic district would carry.

At the HPC’s December meeting, Walker reported that he had spoken to people in Gladstone and believes that Escanaba could implement a similar program, so the HPC discussed considerations. Following that meeting, Walker drew up some potential guidelines.

On Monday, the commission unanimously voted to send a recommendation to city council that they consider working with the HPC, homeowners, and perhaps the Delta County Historical Society to decide on a sign design and other specifics.