DETROIT – The Detroit Gateway sign project is well underway and on Wednesday, Local 4 got a sneak peek at the 10-foot letters. Fairmont Sign Company is behind the project and other signature signs such as the Fox Theatre and Madison Marquee.
Their latest work will welcome people into the City of Detroit, ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. But Jessica Parker, Deputy Chief Operating Officer for the city says the idea of the sign was first thought of years ago.
“I want them to erase all of the old images and thoughts about Detroit, this is a new Detroit, were not just doing it for them the residents in the community,” said Parker.
We spoke to Shawn Jones as he worked on the foundation parts of the future Gateway sign.
“It’s new, its exciting something to make Detroit look good and welcome everybody to the city of Detroit,” said Jones who says he’ll be telling friends and family to look out for the work he helped create when it’s installed along I-94 eastbound at Central Street and Cecil Avenue.
James Schmidt says he doesn’t live far from the future Gateway sign site. “It’s pretty cool… it’s not every day I get to build something so close.”
The piece is expected to be installed by the end of March. It will remain there, welcoming all who enter in the years to come.
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