Published on December 11, 2024
A new era of navigation is taking shape in Medford as the Downtown Wayfinding Project moves closer to completion. Phase 1 of the project, which began as a collaborative effort during the COVID-19 pandemic, is now transforming the downtown area with visually appealing and strategically placed signage.
The project’s advisory committee convened in December 2020 to develop the Wayfinding Plan. MERJE, a nationally recognized design firm, was hired in Spring 2021 to assist with sign design and craft a cohesive catalog of sign types. After receiving City Council approval in March 2022, the plan moved forward with funding from the Planning Department and the City Council's Community Initiative Fund (CCIF).
The main signs were installed in early December, with the remaining signs being put in place by the end of the month. Phase 1 includes 17 new signs strategically located throughout the downtown area, comprising:
4 parking signs 2 destination signs 1 walk-up double-sided kiosk (located at Vogel Plaza along Central Avenue, with English on one side and Spanish on the other) Kiosk wall panels (installed in Middleford Alley Garage) 9 pedestrian signs
These signs are designed to enhance the downtown experience by improving connectivity throughout the area.
Gage It Construction led the installation efforts, with Sea Reach providing support on sign planning and details. With installation wrapping up this week, downtown visitors will soon enjoy the full benefits of this initiative. The new signage system is set to make downtown navigation more intuitive, welcoming, and inclusive for residents and visitors alike.