Multi-Block Community Sign and Lighting Project

SOMETIMES THE STARS align or in this case, the weather cooperates. When a networking issue necessitated a change order, a key client-executive flew in to Minneapolis to meet onsite and review a project. “We couldn’t have asked for a more glorious evening following a tremendous storm,” says Myrna Orensten of hometown Imaginality Designs, “and the sky at sunset glowed with beautiful colors, and a rainbow appeared in the backdrop for him to see how impressive the lighting was that it was an obvious conclusion to proceed and complete the project as planned.”

Nice… Alas, the best-laid plans for a signage project do not always pan out — this time due to a misunderstanding, Orensten says. But some background first.

Established client Weidner Apartment Homes engaged Imaginality Designs to reimagine and rebrand a recently acquired development of amenity-rich rental apartment and townhomes in Minneapolis’s Uptown neighborhood, Orensten says. The vision: to unite seven buildings spanning four city streets, a one-way main street along the central Greenway into a cohesive, vibrant apartment community — Inspire.

This illuminated, laser-cut aluminum color-changing accent piece “sold” the project design.

Imaginality developed a comprehensive artful signage plan with a major endeavor to update the city planned urban development (PUD) to achieve “a thoughtful, clean package identifying entrances and key approach areas,” Orensten says.

That thoughtful package is perhaps best represented by the main monument’s most interesting feature: an illuminated, color-changing accent piece with a laser-cut pattern (inspired by an inside wall feature). Fabricated from ¼-in. plate aluminum, it also mimics the custom-flowing grind pattern on the ¼-in. aluminum backer plate to the sign. The pattern follows the wave shape of the logo and sign structure, Orensten says, adding that this detail helped “sell” the design to the client.

“Given the scale of the buildings and position dominating the Uptown skyline over the Greenway and the multiple crossing street bridges, we designed and implemented an architectural linear RGB LED lighting system that outlines building edges and entry points,” Orensten says. “These lighting elements increase safety, enhance visibility and add vibrancy to the streetscape — creating sight lines that draw attention from near and far while linking the buildings into a unified, welcoming presence.”

A light on the top curve adds illumination that is reflected on the accent piece and canopy.

Fabrication turned out to be one of the quickest parts of the project. After first-phase temporary signage, Imaginality continued on interior signage and re-signing the underground parking ramps, then the illuminated-canopy building ID/address signs and wayfinding, and finished with multiple monuments. The fab team used Miller Welders, their Gerber Sabre CNC router and other tools to prepare Principal Sloan Street Wrap Flex, face-lit and halo-lit Gemini letters, Waterproof LED Channel – Model Versalles from Wired4Signs USA, and more.

Problems arose in the lighting phase. A change in the manufacturing process led to tubes failing — stuck on red — and both the time required to replace them and their winter delivery resulted in considerable delays. Also, while the company subcontracted to provide electrical support did just fine on the signs, their role in the LED lighting did not go smoothly.

”My biggest lesson here is not to let the ‘lighting’ portion be solely in the hands of the electricians,” Orensten says. “Do not let the control out of your sphere of influence when you are orchestrating an important outcome.”

While the project took longer than expected, it still turned out great. “Keep being creative and understand the bigger goals of what you are trying to achieve with the property and for the residents and neighbors,” Orensten also advises. “Pay attention to the details. It’s worth it.”

PHOTO GALLERY (12 IMAGES)