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Council reviews three wayfinding/monument sign concepts; staff to refine color, ADA contrast and costs
Summary
Consultants presented three entry‑monument and wayfinding concepts based on a community survey (~700 respondents); council favored a mix of options, raised ADA contrast and size concerns, and directed staff to return with refined color/size choices, cost estimates and El Paseo Board review.
Chris Gary, senior project manager in public works, and Brandon Reeves, design director for Selby Perkins Design, presented conceptual wayfinding and entry monument signs intended to improve navigation and strengthen Palm Desert’s identity. Reeves said the concepts were informed by a community survey and a SWOT analysis.
Three families of concepts were shown: Concept 1a (sandstone monuments with palm‑frond motif and 6‑inch cap height lettering), Concept 1b (strong palm‑frond graphic with illuminated halo letters), and Concept 2 (a hybrid of sandstone and modern metal with a golden yellow accent and backlit mountain motif). Reeves said the public polling indicated Concept 1a was the most preferred for monument signs and Concept 1b was popular for directional signs.
Council members praised the design work but raised questions about consistency with existing monuments, sidewalk space for larger freestanding elements, ADA contrast for older or visually impaired residents, ease of updating directory maps and maintenance concerns for painted metal. One council member asked whether concept materials and finishes would fade or be vulnerable to graffiti; Reeves said automotive‑grade paint and UV‑resistant coatings would be used and graffiti coatings could ease cleaning. Staff recommended bringing back Concept 2 for monuments with additional options for directional signs and returning with cost estimates and an El Paseo board review before going to bid.
What’s next: staff will refine color palettes and sizes to address ADA contrast, prepare cost analyses, and present the proposal to the El Paseo board and back to council for formal direction.
