Have you ever needed help finding your way around Ypsilanti?
If so, the city hopes to address that by launching a comprehensive wayfinding project that would replace and install several new signs around the city over the course of two to three years.
Ypsilanti may consider beginning an extensive wayfinding project similar to the one Ann Arbor did in 2009.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com file photo
Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority Director Tim Colbeck said the project has long been a priority of the Ypsilanti Convention and Visitors Bureau to create unified wayfinding for the entire city.
The DDA is working with the Eastern Leaders Group and the visitors bureau on the project, which they hope to begin sometime this year.
Colbeck said Eastern Michigan University and the city of Ann Arbor have good examples of what the signage may look like. The signs point to major buildings on campus and in the city.
Ann Arbor DDA leaders announced in 2009, the planned installation of nearly 200 new signs guiding pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The project was completed to improve navigation for visitors and new community residents.
“There’s a similar need here,” Colbeck said.
Colbeck said the three partners are in the process of sending out requests for proposals to possible consultants and companies to help move the project along and figure out the costs.
“This would be a phase, multi-year project,” Colbeck said. “We would probably install them over the two to three years and we’re trying to get this thing on the fast track.”
Colbeck said they don’t yet have a cost estimate and probably won’t until they hire a consultant, which alone could cost “tens of thousands.”
“It could be a very expensive project,” Colbeck said.
Debbie Locke-Daniel, director of the bureau, said it will likely cover a big portion of the costs and the Eastern Leaders Group has stated it will contribute as well. Daniel said the costs will be dependent upon how many they choose to install, how decorative they are and the materials.
It’s going to be expensive enough where I don’t see it happening in all of 2013,” Locke-Daniel said.
Despite the costs, Locke- Daniel said the signage is necessary and could help with tourism development.
“Signage is important when you’re talking about getting people around,” she said.
Locke-Daniel is leading the planning process and expects the RFPs to be sent out this week.
Colbeck said the project is needed because there’s a mismatch of signs across the city, with some so old and some spots with no signage at all.
Locke-Daniel said she would like for the first part of the project to put new signs up at the entrance gateways off of Huron Street, near Interstate 94, which she said would guide tourists and motorists to the most important parts of the city.
"I think that signs speak to your community," Locke-Daniel said. "When you get off the highway, it can be perplexing."
The signs will largely encompass the "campus town" area, as well as Depot Town and the downtown area, Locke-Daniel said. The signs to Riverside Park and Frog Island Park may be replaced as well.
Locke-Daniel said the project could potentially expand to include street signs, to create a more unified look.
Although the project is still in its initial phase, at some point, the city council may be asked to approve the project. Locke-Daniel said she has already been working with City Planner Teresa Gillotti on the project.
Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.