Board favors third Port District gateway sign concept, asks staff for costs and examples

Trisha Richter of Kimley‑Horn presented three 'families' of gateway signage for the Port District, explaining a location map, mounting materials and scale variations tied to pedestrian and vehicular contexts. Richter said the designs use consistent elements — timber, corten steel and stacked stone — and that signs along St. Lucie Boulevard will require coordination with FDOT because that corridor is in state right-of-way.

Board members gave immediate feedback. Chair Martin said he preferred concept 2 overall but could support elements of 3 if the shorter vehicular monument incorporated a sail-like detail. Vice Chair Caraballo and several other members said they preferred option 3 for its sleeker, more sophisticated look and the potential seating elements at pedestrian monuments.

Frank Knott (CRA) told the board staff could mix elements from multiple concepts, reskin the existing digital entrance sign and return with cost estimates and real-world examples—requests Vice Chair Caraballo and other members made during the discussion. One board member asked whether the board was deciding tonight; staff replied they were seeking comment and direction, not necessarily a final design vote, and said they would bring back revised options for another review.

The board did not adopt a formal ordinance or vote on signage at this meeting, but the consensus preference and direction to staff were clear: staff will prepare refined visual examples, cost estimates including reskinning the entrance sign, and additional context showing how the selected concept will integrate with existing branding at Pioneer Park.

The board will consider those materials at a future meeting or workshop before taking any formal action.