Conceptual design for downtown gateway sign approved by city council

DOWNEY — The city council approved the conceptual design for a new gateway sign to be located at the intersection of Firestone Boulevard and Downey Avenue during their meeting on Tuesday, March 25.

Assistant City Manager Vaniah De Rojas presented the proposed design developed by Graphic Solutions and explained the process that led to the final concept. included input from the Downtown Downey Improvement Association (DDIA) and the Downtown Subcommittee.

The design features a traditional arch with contemporary lettering encased in a silver metal material to align with the city's existing entry markers and wayfinding elements, according to De Rojas.

"[The design] is a traditional art design with contemporary lettering providing for a modern, clean and elegant design," said De Rojas.

The presentation also included examples of how the sign would look with Fourth of July and holiday decorations and a "selfie" example.

The project is slated to be completed in four phases: design concept and approval, site study and construction documents, construction bid process, and construction. The estimated cost for fabrication and construction ranges from $250,000 to $300,000 and will be funded from the Arts and Public Places Fund.

Councilmember Horacio Ortiz, who serves on the Downtown Subcommittee, liked the design but asked about the "x marks" behind the sign in the initial renderings. Council members agreed that the "x marks" should be removed for a cleaner look.

Councilmember Dorothy Pemberton suggested incorporating the city's or DDIA's logo into the design. However, other council members emphasized the importance of keeping the design clean and timeless, adding that the sign aim to represent the city as a whole, not just the downtown area.

"It's important for us to remember that this is the city's gateway sign, not the DDIA's," said Councilmember Claudia M. Frometa. "We need to keep that clean."

Ultimately, the council approved the conceptual design with the request to remove the "x marks."