There is an increase in pedestrian traffic downtown. People are returning to towns and city living so that they can walk to stores and shopping. Often, products and personal services are found that are far superior to those found in malls. This trend has been called “Urbanization” and the movement back to center cities has been growing for years. Although people still shop the malls and “big box” stores looking for the bargains they offer, an increasing number of people are willing to trade cheap prices for another kind of bargain. Many downtown districts offer entertainment and events that combine with the newly renovated or old and interesting shops to create memorable experiences in stylish surroundings. Downtown is just more visually interesting than the mall, and the historical architecture and craftsmanship of the buildings is a major factor.
I think that the job of sign designer is to enhance and preserve the historical environments and it has been my job to contribute work that helps to define style, and in a small way, sustains citizen’s interest in downtown’s potential.
Each of the signs shown appears within a couple of blocks in Lancaster’s downtown investment district. Some are repeat customers, ordering new signs of the same character to replace a previous image with a new vision.
Many will probably out live both business and maker, to become the collectible folk art of future generations.
Notice how well the sidewalk sign and the gold leafed sign on the wall compliment this center city shopping district here in Lancaster. Many other municipalities, after visiting our city, have written ordinances restricting downtown signs to material and design of this type. They find that it is work befitting the history and character of their downtown, and that a carved sign helps emphasize quality in a visible and unique way. The National Historic Preservation Act empowers cities to preserve historic buildings, and a carved wooden sign harmonizes with historic preservation.
