Brentwood narrows gateway-sign design, agrees on stacked‑stone shape; shade decision deferred

Brentwood City Commission members and staff reviewed multiple gateway‑sign mockups Tuesday and signaled agreement on a general form — an asymmetrical sign with a taller column and stacked‑stone base — while deferring a final decision on the exact stone shade and finish.

The discussion, led by city staff member Charles, focused on legibility, materials, maintenance and where the crest should sit on the larger column. Charles presented several variations and said staff would return with price estimates and samples: "If we narrow it down to a design or two, then we can start getting cost estimates and different materials," he told the commission.

Why it matters: the city plans multiple gateway signs at high‑visibility entry points. Commissioners said the sign should be readable day and night, durable in right‑of‑way locations, and maintainable where grass‑cutting and road dirt might stain lighter backgrounds.

Most commissioners said they preferred the stacked‑stone shape and the asymmetrical column seen in the mockups. Commissioner Nelson (first name only in the transcript), summarizing the group’s preference, asked for the next step: staff should present the favored design with three stone‑shade options and real material samples at the primary locations so the commission could compare contrast, finish and maintenance needs.

Design details and next steps - Preferred elements: stacked‑stone base, taller offset column for the crest, three‑dimensional (adhered) lettering and an interior sign panel for "Brentwood, Tennessee." Charles said the lettering would be three‑dimensional and adhered to the sign face. - Color/contrast: commissioners discussed blue versus tan/vanilla/gray backgrounds. Several members said the tan (lighter stacked stone) was more pleasing than gray and that blue letters or a blue interior panel would provide stronger contrast for visibility. - Materials/maintenance: commissioners asked about faux stone, veneer and breakaway requirements for signs in constrained state right‑of‑way locations. Staff said stone veneer or artificial stone and lightweight, breakaway construction may be required in some interstate/TDOT right‑of‑way locations. - Lighting: staff said backlit letters are desirable but may be restricted by right‑of‑way rules; upward (ground) lighting would likely be used where TDOT/other right‑of‑way limits night lighting. - Bird deterrence and finish: commissioners discussed capstones, anti‑perch spikes and other deterrents to limit bird droppings; they also asked about sheen (matte vs. gloss) and finish samples.

Locations and follow‑up Charles listed several primary large locations where the signs are proposed: the Concord Road / I‑65 exit, Wilson Pike near McEwen, Franklin Road/Church Street area, and Concord by Nolan (map to be provided). Staff said the full project originally identified four large sites and several smaller wayfinding signs in medians and commercial areas that will require scaled designs.

The commission asked staff to return with: - A map showing proposed sign locations and how each design variant would fit at the actual site; - The favored sign design with three stone‑shade options and real material samples (including sheen/finish) shown in photos and, if feasible, physical samples; - Cost estimates and versions sized for medians and small wayfinding locations; and - Clarified lighting options subject to TDOT and other right‑of‑way restrictions.

A show‑of‑hands indicated consensus for the general stacked‑stone, asymmetrical form; commissioners asked staff to prepare final materials and cost options for a future meeting.

Ending Staff will return with the requested material samples, a map of site locations and cost estimates before the commission selects a final color and signs a construction contract.