New ‘Wayfinding Signs’ in Michigan City
BY MATT STEFANSKI – Michigan City News Dispatch – Jun 4, 2013
Craig Phillips, director of the planning and redevelopment department, said the Wayfinding project is one of the North End Redevelopment goals to create a better way for visitors to get to the lake, and Wayfinding signs are the best short term way to do so that doesn’t involve further major infrastructure projects.
Craig Phillips, director of the planning and redevelopment department, said the Wayfinding project is one of the North End Redevelopment goals to create a better way for visitors to get to the lake, and Wayfinding signs are the best short term way to do so that doesn’t involve further major infrastructure projects.
As part of the project, 41 Wayfinding signs are posted throughout the city.
The signs identify attractions such as Barker Mansion, the beach, Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets, Blue Chip Casino and the Lubeznik Center for the Arts.
The signs are divided into different sections including the Lakeshore District, Michigan City and the Uptown Arts District. Phillips said the top of the sign is supposed to represent a wave.
Jack Arnett, executive director of the LaPorte County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, said at the beginning of the project there were numerous committees and stakeholders involved, which made it hard to progress with the plans.
He said the key of the project was narrowing it down to four main key holders: the City, the Visitor’s Bureau, Blue Chip Casino and Premium Outlets.
Phillips said the cost of the project is roughly $400,000 and the funds come from the redevelopment project.
The signs were designed by Global Engineering and Land Surveying of Michigan City with the review of Corbin Design of Traverse City, Mich., and were be installed by Woodruff and Sons of Michigan City and subcontracted to Hawk Construction of Crown Point.
Phillips said the Wayfinding signs make it easier for travelers to visit the main attractions.
“We are told that there have been times people have been approached by visitors who don’t know how to get to the lake front, since there is no direct shot from the highways to the lake,” he said.
Phillips said that the signs in city right-of-ways have five items, while signs in federal and state right-of-ways are only allowed to have a maximum of three items.
Arnett said there are be a large number of Wayfinding signs, because there are several main arteries into the city.
“The end result is going to be great for the community,” Arnett said.
Although many residents know where the main attractions are, Arnett said it is important to update the residents on what the community has to offer.
“I think they’ve done this in such a way it will fit with future signage and projects,” he said.
Phillips said the installation of the signs is an overall aesthetic improvement and a general improvement to the community.
Mayor Ron Meer made it a priority for the city staff to work together to make the project a reality,” Phillips said. “It will change the overall appearance and presentation to visitors which will hopefully lead to additional interest in Michigan City.”
http://www.thenewsdispatch.com/news/local/article_2270f908-cd3b-53f2-bd88-db3dd7ba64d8.html