City of Novato, CA
Home MenuDowntown Novato Wayfinding Signage Program
Project Goals:
Ø Support and promote a distinct identity for Downtown Novato
Ø Enhance visitors’ and residents' ability to easily navigate downtown, and find desired destinations, including parking
Ø Increase the success and market potential for retail, dining, arts, entertainment, and economic growth and redevelopment in downtown Novato
Ø Support the City's commitment to downtown economic growth and redevelopment
Project Milestones:
| January 27, 2014: Installation begins on Wayfinding Signage |
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The City installed 31 directional and destination signage, as well as 6 informational kiosks, in 24 locations throughout the Downtown*. *See sign locations and sign designs. For more information, please contact Michael Hanlon at 415.899.8947. |
| April 4, 2012 Design Review Commission Workshop to Review Revised Sign Design Options and Gateway Features |
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The Design Review Commission will obtain public input and prepare a recommendation regarding the revised sign concepts and gateway features for consideration by the Novato City Council. |
| June 16, 2011: Updated Wayfinding Analysis & Alternative Schematic Sign Design Options |
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Relying on feedback received at a Design Review Commission workshop conducted on December 1, 2010, the City's design consultant, MERJE, has updated the Wayfinding Analysis previously presented for the downtown Novato Wayfinding Signage Program. Similarly, MERJE has developed two recommended alternative schematic sign design options. Alternative Schematic Sign Design Options 4A & 4D |
| March 8, 2011: City Council Authorizes Consultant Services Agreement Amendment |
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On March 8, 2011, the City Council authorized the Redevelopment Agency Executive Director (i.e. the City Manager) to execute a Consultant Services Agreement amendment with the consultant to complete the design services and construction implementation for the Wayfinding Signage Program. Please click here to view the staff report on this action. |
| December 1, 2010 Public Open House and Design Review Commission |
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December 1, 2010, the City of Novato hosted an open house to allow members of the community to review the draft wayfinding analysis, and view the three sign concepts prepared for the Downtown Novato Wayfinding Signage Program. Following the open house, the City of Novato Design Review Commission conducted a public workshop to review the proposed design concepts developed for the signage program. While there was general consensus that downtown Novato would benefit from a wayfinding signage program, none of the three schematic sign packages proved to be a unanimous choice of either the Commission or the public in attendance. However, the Commission did identify desirable components of the various design options that could b Some participants filled out a survey about the three sign design concepts. Generally, most of the participants preferred option 2. Click here to review the results of the survey. Click here to review the Downtown Novato Wayfinding Signage Program staff report. Click here to review draft Wayfinding Analysis dated November 18, 2010.
MERJE is currently developing a fourth sign option that uses Option #2 as the design basis. Option #4 will incorporate comments received at the December 1, 2010, Design Review Commission meeting. Option #4 will be presented to the Design Review Commission in early 2011. Once a design option is selected, it will be presented to the City Council. |
| Mid-September 2010 Community Stakeholder Meetings |
| The objectives of the stakeholder meetings were to explain the purpose of the project, uncover concerns about signs in downtown Novato, and elicit ideas about what type of wayfinding signage program might be appropriate for Downtown Novato. The stakeholder meetings resulted in contacts with 50 individuals representing a wide range of interests, including economic development, public safety, elected officials, transportation, education, and the arts. |
| June 29, 2010 City Council – Award of Contract to MERJE |
| Downtown Novato Wayfinding Signage Program staff report |
| February 11, 2010 Request for Proposals Released |
| Request for Proposal |
Project Background:
Downtown Novato is the historic and geographic center, as well as the heart of the City of Novato. The past several years have been a pivotal period in the revitalization of downtown Novato with Grant Avenue, Novato’s main shopping and business district, undergoing extensive street improvements at a cost of $10 million, including traffic calming measures, sidewalks, landscaping, and street furnishings. Other downtown revitalization projects have included the renovation of 901 Sherman Avenue (City Hall, civic plaza and green) and the installation of public art. As part of the City’s ongoing efforts to revitalize Downtown Novato, the consulting firm MERJE was hired in June 2010 to develop a wayfinding signage program to reinforce Novato’s image as a distinctive shopping, dining and entertainment area.
Wayfinding Analysis & Program Development:
Development of Downtown Novato's Wayfinding Signage Program began with the formation of a steering committee consisting of representatives of DowntownNovato.com, the Design Review Commission, and members of city staff. The steering committee was tasked with working with MERJE to refine the project’s goals, identify key issues; comment on the project's phasing and approval process; budget; maintenance concerns; and stakeholder/public participation process. Following discussions with the steering committee, MERJE conducted a series of stakeholder meetings. MERJE staff also accompanied officers with the Novato Police Department on patrol to better understand Novato's neighborhoods, street patterns, and traffic flow.
Draft Wayfinding Analysis & Schematic Designs:
Utilizing the feedback received from the steering committee, stakeholder interviews, and touring Novato, MERJE prepared a draft wayfinding analysis and three schematic sign designs for Downtown Novato. The draft wayfinding analysis includes a strategic plan for developing and managing the wayfinding program, background on Novato's circulation system, neighborhoods, and existing sign environment, and draft sign location recommendations. Each sign concept was developed with thought given to Novato's character in terms of its natural environment, architectural themes, and sense of place. The schematic designs provide a sample of signs representing a hierarchy of sign types including, but not limited to, gateway features, directional signs at a vehicle scale, and informational signs at a pedestrian level. Click here to review the Draft Wayfinding Analysis, November 18, 2010, which includes the three sign design concepts.
Fiscal Information:
Funding for the analysis and schematic designs is coming from the Redevelopment Budget. In Fiscal Year 2010/11, $50,000 was budgeted to complete the wayfinding analysis and schematic signs designs. The budget for the fabrication and installation of the signs will be determined once the preferred design option is selected. The project can be completed in phases. The City will be looking at possible partnerships to assist with funding the various phases of the project.
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