Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Placemaking topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves revised citywide wayfinding and monument designs
Summary
After a prior study session, the council approved updated wayfinding signage and entry monument designs that pair sandstone motifs with modern panels and lighting; the El Paseo BID and active transportation subcommittee reviewed the designs.
Palm Desert council members on May 22 approved a revised concept for citywide wayfinding and entry monument signs that pairs a sandstone motif with a modern illuminated panel and a mountain-inspired motif. The vote was unanimous.
Chris Gary of Public Works summarized prior study-session feedback and said the updated sign panels and poles were visually brightened to better match the council’s preferred entry monument design. Design director Brandon Reeves of Selber Perkins Design presented three monument variations for key entry locations (a longer monument for Monterey/Dinah Shore, a vertical monument for the 10 Freeway Cook exit and a shorter monument for Fred Waring and Washington) and multiple directional and pedestrian directory sign types. The design uses a layered sandstone panel, a yellow backer with cutout Palm Desert lettering and internal illumination intended to evoke a sunset behind mountains.
Reeves said sign heights and letter cap heights were set to match existing conventions (six-inch cap height), that pedestrian directories will use changeable maps for updates, and that the design team coordinated with the El Paseo Parking Business Improvement District and the active transportation subcommittee. No public comment was offered on the item.
Council members praised the refined design, with several members saying it captured both traditional sandstone elements and a modern, illuminated presentation appropriate for day and night visibility. The council’s motion to approve the revised wayfinding design passed 5-0.
Why it matters: New wayfinding and monument signs will change the city’s visual identity at gateway locations and along pedestrian corridors; the council emphasized visual cohesion with the council’s previously selected entry monument concept and pedestrian readability for visitors and residents.
