Monument signs are free-standing, outdoor structures used to designate the entrances of retail centers, corporate campuses, hospitals and medical facilities, housing developments, churches, apartment buildings, schools, community centers, corporate businesses, and any type of organization with a physical space. They should be eye catching, visually impressive and capture the building or campus architecture.  They are an essential part of a business’ identity.

These signs are typically positioned near all the streets that pass directly by the building and identify the tenant or tenants of the building.  As a prospective customer approaches your business, this will be the first identification and branding they encounter.  It provides assurance that they are in the right location and helps them navigate entry to access roads or parking lots for your building or business access.

These outdoor signs are designed to fit the architectural of the building and support either identification for single or multiple tenants.  Monument signs are custom designed, fabricated and installed for a specific location and building, so they come in all shapes, sizes, styles, and forms.

There are a wide variety of monument signs that can positively impact your business.  Below are just a few:

Architectural Free Standing Building Sign

Architectural monument signs are typically used for single tenant buildings.  They are designed and crafted with a variety of innovative light weight, yet durable materials designed specifically for long-term, outdoor use.  The facades can include wood, stucco, brick, stone, or any type of surface to match the style of the building.  They can be illuminated from within or lit by external lights.

Post and Panel Signs

Post and panel are used for both single and multi-tenant buildings.  Like the architectural free standing signs, post and panel signs can be made of a variety of materials.  These signs can be straight forward or be made with elaborately carved and painted wood panels for upscale properties.  High contrast colored graphics help these businesses pop.  A driver passing by can quickly identify the retail business they are looking for.

Pylon Signs

A pylon sign is typically created using a single cabinet set atop a pole or positioned between tall poles.  These signs are specifically designed to support multiple tenants.  Pylon signs attract pedestrian and driver’s attention and help them identify businesses within busy complexes.   If you are leasing space with a pylon sign on the property, make sure your lease provides specific information about the size and position for your business specific panel.  When designing your section of signage keep it large, simple and high contrast.  It can quickly become challenging to identify individual businesses so keep it simple.  If you have a complex logo, this is the time to bring it down to basics.

Outdoor Directory Signs

Outdoor directory signs are most commonly seen in multi-tenant business parks or buildings.  They are also often used in retail areas with restrictive sign regulations that prevent the use of illuminated signage or colorful branding.  While this may not seem as exciting as other types of monuments signs, it is still important for your customer or guest to be reassured that they have arrived at the right destination.  Make sure your business is included on your building road side directory.

Digital Display

The digital display is the flashiest monument sign of all.  These signs are typically used for entertainment centers, retail businesses, schools, churches and other organizations with a dedicated building and an active schedule of events or promotional offers.  These signs provide identity, but also provide important messages about current or upcoming events or promotional offers.  The illumination and movement make them hard to miss.

Whether you are designing a new monument sign or adding your business to an existing sign, make sure you take advantage of the opportunity.  Consider how you felt the last time you struggled to find the location of a business and make sure you are providing a great wayfinding and branding experience for your customer and business.

If you are in the market for a monument sign, contact the experts at Forerunner Signs & Graphics.  From concept to creation to installation, we’re there for you every step of the way.

Michael Ryan