Town Approves Vertical Gateway Signs Without Brand Logo

After discussion and feedback from residents, the Herndon Town Council Tuesday night voted to move forward with a project to build seven new gateway signs at entrances to the town, but with a compromise that took the newer branded logo out of the equation.

Several members of the Council, as well as members of the public, seemed to favor the cleaner look of the smaller, vertical sign that was proposed, as well as the fact that it did not feature the newer town logo, which some thought might outdate the signs.

The Council did not opt to include the historic town seal that some had suggested could or should replace the modern town logo on the signs.

Many said that, in order for someone driving by one of the signs to be able to clearly see any of the tiny details within the town seal, the seal would have to be so big that it would "swallow up" the entire sign and overwhelm the design.

Conversely, if the seal was featured on the sign in a smaller way, they feared it may just look like an ordinary silver circle to someone driving by.

Therefore, Councilmember Grace Han Wolf proposed a compromise—rather than proceed with two smaller vertical signs and five larger signs that feature the horizontal sign board and the new town logo, she proposed they go with the vertical design for all seven signs.

"We're told our brand might last 10 to 15 years, but we’re installing signs that could last 30, 40 or even 50 years," Wolf explained. "And, I think it's more important to emphasize the words 'Town of Herndon' than the brand, and the vertical signs do that."

The majority of councilmembers responded positively to the idea.

"The vertical look is cleaner; it's not so busy, and having them all look the same will be nicer," Councilmember Sheila Olem said.

"I think we’ve come up with something that’s timeless, classic and makes it clear who we are," Councilmember Melissa Jonas offered.

Following the vote, Mayor Lisa Merkel praised the Council's decision.

"I couldn't be more pleased that in the spirit of compromise, the Council voted 6-1 to approve a single gateway sign design, incorporating the vertical lettering design recommended by the Sign Review Advisory Committee for both the large and small gateway signs," she said. "As much as I support the Town's branding initiative, I realize it may not be appropriate for every use. The current signs have been in place since 1979, and we want to ensure that the new gateway signs have the same longevity."

Merkel said going with the uniform, vertical design for all seven signs should also save the Town some money on the project.

"I believe that having one streamlined design will cut down the design and construction costs, which saves our taxpayer in the end," she said.

She added that she is excited that the new sign project is finally moving forward, as the Town has been working toward it since the late 1990s.

"The Town has been saving money and working toward this project since the late 1990s - we are ready to get it done!" she said. "It is anticipated that construction could begin by late spring."

The project passed with a 6-1 vote. Councilmember Charlie Waddell did not vote for or against.

More Details About the Signs

• There will be five larger signs that are about 9 feet tall, with letters about 10 inches tall, which they estimate is tall enough that a driver passing by could see clearly and easily.

• The two smaller signs will be located at the Dranesville Road and Crestview points on the map. Those signs will be about 6 feet tall, with letters that are 5.5 inches tall.

• The letters of all seven signs will be lit.

• The signs will be crafted of stone.

• Elements of the town's history have been incorporated into the design—the triangle-shaped cap is reminiscent of the roof of the Depot, and train wheels are featured just below the cap, as a nod to the town's railroad history.

• The signs will be placed on medians, which will make them always on the driver's side to any car driving by.

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