Big Signs to Welcome Visitors to Farmington Hills

In a bid to create a more welcoming and identifiable entry to their city, officials in Farmington Hills have embarked on an exciting project. They plan to put up huge signs that are lit up from the inside and emblazoned with the words ‘Farmington Hills’, showing everyone they’re in the city as soon as they touch down.

This initiative, tagged “gateway elements“, will be set at the eastern and western entrances to Orchard Lake Road from Interstate 696. City officials considered this idea among other sign concepts at a special study session recently.

According to the suggesting team, these bright and beautiful signs will be positioned at the northeast and southwest quadrants of the complicated cloverleaf crossing, where I-696 meets Orchard Lake Road. It’s cool thinking, visitors coming from Lansing or back towards it will see the signs, proudly announcing their arrival in the city.

Here’s the thing though, it’s not yet clear just how much these shining signs will cost. What we do know is that $1.2 million has been set aside in the city’s 2024-2025 budget’s capital improvement fund for the project. But the plan is not set in stone yet.

City officials have confirmed that they’re still considering other designs and will continue to do so until they find the perfect fit. So far, other concepts put on the table along with the lit signs include decorative concrete walls, a stunning backdrop of trees, and some low-maintenance landscaping to beautify the spot.

The city has hinted at opening up bidding for the project later this year, with the installation of the chosen design expected to fall somewhere in the first half of 2025.

Interestingly, the timing of the project coincides with the Michigan Department of Transportation’s reconstruction project along I-696, a smart move that could save them a bit of money. Their thinking?—The sites may already be cleared, and traffic control measures put in place, giving the city a better starting point for the project.

Before setting up shop, the city will need to apply for a permit from the transportation department. However, city officials think all of this is worth the effort. They see the signs as a way to instill community pride and portray Farmington Hills as a business hub where everyone is welcome.

There are already some ‘Welcome to Farmington Hills’ signs at the city’s borders. Still, the officials reckon this major thoroughfare, frequently used by the public, provides the perfect location to showcase their beautiful city.