Council committee backs traditional red‑brick gateway signage design

The committee of the whole voted Sept. 15 to recommend a traditional red‑brick gateway signage standard for city entry points, advancing a design packet intended for use in upcoming public‑works projects.

City planning staff presented three concepts the Board of Architectural Review had evaluated on Aug. 13; the board had recommended Concept 1 as its top choice, Concept 3 second and Concept 2 third. Committee members repeatedly cited the city’s existing brick palette and durability concerns in favor of Concept 1.

Council members asked about materials, maintenance and longevity; staff noted that stone and cast concrete options increase cost but may offer greater durability than other cladding choices. Edge design representative Kristen Boden attended and answered material and visual‑integration questions. Several members said they preferred a three‑dimensional metal panel for sign copy instead of printed vinyl to reduce fading.

Action: Council moved, seconded and approved a recommendation that administration advance Concept 1 (red brick pillar/monument style) and prepare a final design packet. The motion passed by voice vote with no recorded dissents. Administration said the packet will allow “plug and play” insertion of the prefabricated signage into engineering projects downtown and at approaching roundabout and interchange beautification efforts.

Outcome: recommendation to administration. The committee directed staff to finalize the design packet and to identify first installation locations, including Erie and Monroe, Main Street approaches and interchange ramps; the packet will be used for detailed engineering to fit right‑of‑way constraints.

Next steps: administration to finalize the Concept 1 packet with Edge and to insert the signs into the downtown phase‑2 construction list.