Montrose, CO – City Councilors, Tourism Retail Advisory Committee members, staff and members of the public recently celebrated the unveiling of the first of the city’s new wayfinding signs in downtown Montrose. There are 17 different configurations of signs designed for better coordination of pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular traffic to key attractions and locations throughout the city.
The signs will be strategically placed throughout the city and is a culmination of over two years of planning. The concept for new signage began in late 2015 when the city signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Colorado Department of Local Affairs, the University of Colorado Denver, and the Colorado Center for Community Development to enhance the wayfinding experience throughout town by preparing an updated and consistent wayfinding plan.
A series of public meetings and focus groups were created to get feedback and ideas for sign usage after city staff identified gaps in the directional signage. “The new color, logo, and font conceptions have been designed to enhance our city’s identity and be representative of today's and tomorrow's Montrose. It’s my feeling that the wayfinding project will provide a new look and feel for both residents and visitors to the City while contributing to our City’s brand,” said Mayor Roy Anderson.
Some of the new signs are created from rock and steel and vary in height and width. Boulders at the Montrose Water Sports Park, Sunset Mesa and the Black Canyon Golf Course are examples of the new look for the city's wayfinding system. Electronic signs will be installed for the city's gateways to replace the aging "Welcome to Montrose" signage.
“When we created the OBT, we had conversations about the importance of the resident and visitor experience and incorporated beautification concepts. The new signs introduce an element of practicality since they will lessen existing visual pollution as we remove old and/or redundant signs while actually better assisting motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians in navigating their way throughout our town and trails. We’re positioning Montrose as a destination powerhouse – for visitors, residents and businesses and presenting a quality image of Montrose,” according to Assistant City Manager and Office of Business and Tourism (OBT) Director Rob Joseph.
Contractor e3 Signs out of Loveland arrived in Montrose last week and will spend the next few weeks installing the new wayfinding system. Residents can expect to see e3 workers installing signs all over town, so the city urges residents to use caution when driving or passing through these areas.
Phase I signs include the Ute and Mountain West Museums, Recreation Center, Black Canyon National Park, Cerro Summit Recreation Area, Historic City Hall, Visitor Center and Pavilion, among others. When the project is complete, signs will inform travelers and residents about public parking, trails, and bicycle lanes. Pedestrian kiosks made from rock and steel will also be installed in various areas.
For more city news visit: CityOfMontrose.org.