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Council adopts citywide wayfinding signage design (Concept 4) after public and committee review
Summary
The council approved a combined design, "Concept 4," for the Olympia citywide wayfinding master plan after presentations by Tangram Design and committee feedback; the plan advances pedestrian, bike and neighborhood identity signs and next steps will move to implementation and budgeting.
The Olympia City Council on the evening’s agenda approved a signage design concept to guide the citywide wayfinding master plan. The consultant team Tangram Design LLC presented three initial design concepts and a combined fourth option requested by the Community Livability & Public Safety Committee (CLPS); council voted to adopt Concept 4 and asked staff to proceed with final design and implementation planning.
Tangram described Concept 4 as combining the information organization of the original Concept 1 with softened edges and wave‑inspired forms from Concept 3, adding a single‑pole design (eliminating a double‑pole option) and an identifying blue stripe that alludes to the city’s water setting. The design includes standardized vehicular directionals, parking and pedestrian/bike signs, neighborhood identity treatments that allow color and medallions to vary by neighborhood, and interpretive or placemaking panels that could host artwork or historical content.
Kelli Persbrosset, the city’s strategic communications director, described the project’s procurement and public engagement: 12 responses to the RFP, interviews and multiple stakeholder workshops in 2024 and 2025, an online engagement survey and review by CLPS. Tangram’s team noted CLPS asked for a merged option, and the revised Concept 4 addressed vandalism concerns, simplified some forms and added a more pedestrian‑friendly base cap and color contrast considerations.
Council questions focused on color contrast, viewing distance (especially in gray or rainy conditions), the role of neighborhood medallions and how neighborhood or district branding will be integrated with existing local groups (for example the Creative District). Tangram and staff said final color and contrast, material choices and legibility will be refined during design development and that Public Works will advise on placement and safety. The mayor and councilmembers noted gateway/entrance signage will be considered separately.
Vote and next steps: Mayor Pro Tem Nguyen moved to approve the signage design concept for the citywide wayfinding master plan (Concept 4); the motion passed. Staff said implementation timing will be phased and driven by budget: after finalizing concept details and a welcome‑sign vision, staff will work with Public Works to map sign locations, prepare specifications, bid packages, and return with price estimates and budget requests. The city manager said adopted 2025 budget authority will guide whether the work is done in phases.
Why it matters: A unified wayfinding system aims to improve safety and legibility for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, reduce signage clutter, and provide a consistent visual identity across neighborhoods while creating space for local artwork and storytelling.
Ending: With Concept 4 adopted, staff and Tangram will finalize materials, address legibility and vandalism concerns, and prepare a phased implementation budget and procurement plan for council consideration.
