Ketchum officials don’t like lighted logo, other signs

When asked by Blaine county for comments on the St. Lukes hospital plans, Ketchum officials composed a letter that addressed signs, lighting, building height and eventual involvement in zoning changes.

County planner Linda Haavik said in an interview that Ketchum’s input was sought because the hospital site is located south of the city and within the area of city impact.

At the meeting, Ketchum Council Member Chris Potters voiced opposition to the lighted St. Luke’s logo, which might adorn the south and east face of one of the building’s towers.

"My intention is obviously for the hospital to be findable, but the lighted sign up high is offensive," she said.

St. Luke’s CEO Jon Moses explained that the designers of the structure have employed extreme sensitivity in their efforts to preserve the night sky.

Moses said the hospital plans stipulate that lights not including the logo be directed in a downward manner and stress limits on light pollution. In its evaluation of the hospital plans, the Ketchum Planning and Zoning commission emphasized that these light pollution limitations be strictly enforced.

Potters said she was also discouraged by the proposed height of the towers which would, if built, be the highest structures in the northern valley.

Moses pointed out, however, that lowering the towers would not be easy. The towers serve several important functions including exhaust and elevator mechanisms, he said.

Ketchum officials said they were also concerned about the size and numbers of the proposed signs. Four hundred seventeen square feet of signs are proposed and include reflective road styles, internally illuminated signs and the back-lit St. Luke’s logo.

But, Moses said, "the objective is so people can easily find the hospital and resultantly save lives."

Council members also said that they will want to take a more active role if the site’s zoning is amended, as has been suggested by St. Luke’s.

"Our desire was to have the zone of this site be a health services zone, which would have resulted in a less arduous approval process," Moses said.

He said St. Luke’s officials would still like to change the zoning.