Committee advances $114,750 citywide wayfinding design contract

The Economic & Community Development Committee voted unanimously to advance a contract that would hire Found Design LLC (doing business as MERJ) to design a citywide wayfinding system, a step the committee said is intended to improve navigation for residents and visitors and support local businesses.

Council member Brian told the committee the January RFP sought a qualified design team to deliver a unified system that improves navigation, strengthens district identity and supports multimodal connections such as rail stations, trails and downtown corridors. The contract advanced covers design and planning work, including bid documents for later implementation; parking-related wayfinding components will be separated so Park Norwalk can implement its portion without delaying the broader city plan.

“Following a thorough evaluation process — interviews, portfolio review and scoring — the selection committee unanimously recommended MERJ,” Brian said, describing a mix of static signs, digital kiosks and in-garage postings as likely elements of the program.

Committee members asked how the system will appear on the street and whether digital elements are included; staff said the plan envisions a mix of static pedestrian signs with walking distances, kiosks and digital screens in select locations and garages. Park Norwalk staff confirmed that the parking authority will fully fund implementation of parking-related components through its own funds.

The committee advanced the contract to the full council for final approval; the vote was unanimous.