Ellensburg approves Creative District wayfinding plan, to add pole signs and highway markers linking campus and downtown

The City Council approved the Ellensburg Creative District Wayfinding Plan on May 5 and authorized staff to procure and implement signage that will mark the Creative District throughout downtown and at highway approaches.

Kelly Vandenberg, the city’s arts and economic development manager, told the council the state awarded Ellensburg a Creative District designation and that the wayfinding plan will help connect two quadrants of the district: downtown and the northern campus area. The proposed sign program includes larger 36×24 pole banners for district entrances, smaller 12×18 wayfinding signs, and four WSDOT highway markers at I‑90 interchanges and ramps. Vandenberg described the district logo—a brick pattern drawn from local historic sidewalk artwork—and said the design reflects community partners and the partnership with Central Washington University.

Vandenberg said estimated WSDOT signs cost about $24,000 and that ArtsWA and WSDOT funding support is expected; staff said ArtsWA would provide funding and the city would cover remaining costs. Council approved the plan and authorized staff to proceed with contracting; staff said a WSDOT contract for highway signs was expected soon and that the city would follow WSDOT procedures for installation.

The plan limits the number of new signs to a defined set to control costs, and staff said they will use existing poles where possible to reduce expenses. Council members asked about installation responsibility on the highway signs; staff said the city would confirm whether WSDOT will install the markers under the forthcoming contract.