Nauralite Neon

10-23-7

Steve,
.     The good news is, Mesa will allow a maximum of 160 square feet for the building signage. (The ordinance is based on 2 to 1. 2 square feet per 1 linear front footage of the building. However, even though the building has a 100 foot frontage on Dobson, the ordinance then only allows a maximum of 160 square feet of "attached" signage.)
.     The enhanced news is, they will allow up to two (2) conjoining squares for the square footage calculation. Thus, with a rectangle around the top to bottom of the “S:” and over to the right tip of the boat calculates one volume.
.     Then a rectangle from the right of the “S” rectangle to the right of the lettering that encompasses the two lines of lettering top to bottom of them only, the 2nd volume is created. By sizing the combined rectangles, the total is exactly 160 square feet. The width of the sign is 27.5 feet. The “S” rectangle is 70 inches tall.
.     Since you encouraged me to present a “neon” display as I suggested, as you will see, I have.
Some advantages of the design include:
.     1. The net lettering is maximized and “floats” on a white background. The background is larger than the actual exact graphic or lettering.
.     2. By opening up the spacing between the “Marine World” lettering the readability is dramatically enhanced. Spacing is always a good move for signage lettering. The 2nd line features, without a doubt, the category of what is available and featured by the outlet for sale.
.     3. By designing and fabricating on flat aluminum letters, the economics are enhanced. The savings is in the eliminating of the individual letter returns (sides). By comparison, had the design been simply pan channel letters with plastic faces, the neon would be somewhat inset more form the edges of the actual metal letters.
.     4. The design allows the outer double stroke neon to be right on the line of the actual graphics. At night, the neon “glow” actually makes the sign appear and actually become somewhat larger than the ordinance would allow.
.     5. The advantage of exposed neon is as old as neon itself for signage. It provides the optimum light source and even looks great at dusk. Plus, it truly is an eye catcher as compared to internal illuminated letters with plastic faces. Plus – Blue is one of the most challenging colors to effectively present at night for pan channel acrylic blue faces. One of the work-around procedures is to include a subtle white border. Though this works, the net letter is still only the maximum of the actual fabricated lettering.
.     6. From a design reference, the exposed neon present a most dramatic and eye catching display for the super large building front. A design that all will see and remember well as compared to a basic illuminated set of letters like the many strip malls and etc. primarily offer.

.     For a monument sign, there is good news for that. The Mesa sign ordinance will also allow a maximum 80 square feet (max 13 feet high) while still allowing their 160 Sq. Ft. max on the building.
.     I've elected to pass the monument for now for this preliminary design comp. For one reason, the used sign is 6' x 13' This yields a 78 square foot total. It would work. However, there is still the required monument base as required by Mesa for free standing signs. I do have some ideas for such a display. However, the location as I reviewed it is not dependent on such a display. By having a truly dramatic main identity the loction is established at once.
.     A monument can be designed and reviewed any time and I do plan to follow up on that. Should you insist at once, that is ok. Simply let me know. On the other hand, I do see expediting the wall sign as a stand-a-lone application should you and your company approve what is designed. Monuments require a design that relates to the architecture. For your monument, certainly a base similar to the siding of the building would probably be ok. Plus a peaked roof to match the peak of the building angle. This is what we did successfully for Discount Car Co. to secure Mesa approval.
.     I have several other ideas for the possible monument solution. I can elaborate another time or when that is to be formally considered. I do see using digital imaged faces for it along with all the boat manufacturer logos like you have featured on the Surfside Boats Website. Plus a section that you can replace digitally imaged photos of various boat models.
.     For now, the goal was to get the building sing in some fashion that might appeal to you and your company as well as meet favorably with the City of Mesa should it be of final interest. As with any product or design, until the price is attached or confirmed, it is not a complete proposal. Estimating and “engineering” takes a long a a design, in many instances.
.     David is a pro and has been through many such display over his 24 years in business as a 2nd generation neon sing person. Plus, he was the shop superintendent for Young Electric for 7 years prior to opening his own company. He has built signs for Vegas and Epcot Center among some of the many major displays he produced while with YESCO. Plus, he has one of the leading neon plants in the U.S. and a major fabrication compliment of leading edge equipment and capabilities.
.     I sent David the scale technical drawings this morning for him to commence his review for fabrication and proposal. There are many other great features that are to be a part of the design as has been prepared as a preliminary for review. I might mention that though it is not featured in the online illustration set, I will suggest an option of a “bromo” blue glass for the actual boat in the Surfside logo. Reason? Bromo blue is a much stronger brilliance than any of the other glass blues. Thus, as a “Bromo” unit, the boat would add a third eye catching element to the display and truly feature that specific imaged item.
.     We have a portable luminous tube display for sharing any and all the available colors for client final review.
.     Make yourself at home and share it with your group as you like. I personally believe that it will be a landmark sign compatible to the Levitz sign across the street. Virtually everyone who has traveled Dobson over the years know of that sign. Similarly so many know of the “Courtesy Chevrolet” sign here in Phoenix.
.     I suspect David will have his work completed sometime tomorrow. Once that is ready we will get that to you at once electronically.

. Footnote: Signs are actually "moving targets. Thus the tree, though it should be trimmed up somewhat, it will really not be a major obstruction. Passers by will see the sign for a long time before they are perpendicular to it. And then only for a second or tow. :- )

. And as a 2nd footnote, as I shared Saturday, since an individual letter sign does have "neon" to illuminate it, the advantage of exposed neon beyond what has previously been outlined, is, the "neon" has a much better R.O.I. and impact when exposed. Especially with great colors. :- )

Click "Grand Opening" image below or HERE to the SMW preliminary presentation opening page. > > >
Thank you. M.S. Cell 602-367-6277