Purpose

The Downtown Wayfinding project will result in a comprehensive wayfinding signage system to be integrated into the construction of the new downtown streetscape. The design of the wayfinding system will support the already established design vision of the Downtown Streetscape project. Signs are needed to direct visitors to the downtown area from major transportation arteries and help them navigate through the downtown. The Citizen Advisory Committee will provide information regarding destinations, events and visitors to the downtown area as well as guidance on the design of the signage system to the project consultants.  

Background

The Downtown Cary Streetscape Master Plan calls for the installation of a pedestrian and vehicular wayfinding signage system to serve the downtown area. The Town of Cary will work with a project team composed of Merje, the environmental graphic design studio of RMJR Hillier, Inc., and Gannett-Fleming to complete the planning and design phase of this project, to commence in March 2009 and conclude in October 2009. Fabrication and installation of signs is scheduled for Fiscal Years 2010-2012.  The signage system will be designed such that it can be easily modified and expanded as downtown continues to add new destinations.  The wayfinding system will include the following elements:

• Gateway signage

• General directional information and wayfinding (pedestrian and vehicular)

• Parking signage

• Directional signage along major transportation corridors

• Street signage

• Banners

• Signage for memorial and historical sites, arts and entertainment venues, and civic buildings

Project Goals

1.    To enhance visitors’ and locals’ ability to easily navigate downtown and to find desired destinations (including parking).

2.    To direct visitors to downtown from major transportation arteries.

3.    To support and promote a distinct identity for downtown Cary .

4.    To raise community and visitor awareness of downtown Cary and its location.

5.    To enhance the success and market potential for arts, entertainment, retail, dining and economic growth and development.

6.    To decrease traffic congestion by reducing visitors’ search time for destinations and parking.

Current Membership Roster

Agenda