Steel, sports, and stunning architecture, Pittsburgh is a cultural powerhouse. This city’s rich heritage is reflected in signage that is recognized worldwide. The Heinz logo, Pittsburgh Steelers’ Acrisure stadium, and Pittsburgh’s unique Wayfinder System capture how the city has evolved since the 1800s.
While it has a storied past, Pittsburgh is on the move. As old businesses make room for emerging entrepreneurs, so are signs. In this blog, we will learn about Pittsburgh’s hottest signage trends and how history and contemporary signage are blending into something new.
Historic Pittsburgh Signage and Iconic Landmarks
Pittsburgh’s historic signage is a pivotal part of the city’s architecture. Iconic symbols, such as the Heinz logo and the Duquesne Brewery clock, blur the lines between signage and architecture. These historic signs have welcomed visitors for years, as they offer a glimpse into Pittsburgh’s past.
The city’s residents have long recognized the importance of signage. They are not just advertisements but rather landmarks that reflect the city’s industrial roots. The Pittsburgh Wayfinder System may be a tad young to be considered historic, but this Pittsburgh urban development signage has already become an intrinsic part of the city’s decor. It is a wide-ranging project that includes lamp post signage, directory signs, and directional arrows. While the familiar ketchup bottle harkened to the city’s industrial past, these new signs recognize its current relevance as a cultural center.
Commercial District Signage Trends
Pittsburgh’s downtown and wider business districts have seen tremendous evolution over the years. As businesses have ebbed and flowed, so have their signs. Gone are the days of the eye-catching Westinghouse Sign and the Wiener World sign.
Now, the city’s streets are lined with all manner of attractive metal signs. From the brass-look to embossed hanging signs, these signs intertwine history with modernity. The top commercial district signage trend, however, is large, colorful signage. For example, the BNY Mellon sign is a large, channel letter sign with changeable colors, which make it eye-catching and vibrant. Similarly, UPMC’s LED upgrade got a lot of attention, too. Regardless of the approach taken, businesses are embracing the reliability, customizability, and energy efficiency of LED signs to generate visibility and awareness.
Artistic Signage in Pittsburgh: Public Installations and Artwork
Besides commercial signage, the city is home to stunning artwork too. Artistic signage in Pittsburgh ranges from stunning murals to colorful public art. What’s more, artistic vinyl banners have been installed on lamp posts and streetlights to elevate visual appeal and foster a creative mood.
Such is the influence of signage that the Pittsburgh Brewing Co. chose to update their beer sign instead of taking it down. In keeping with the movement to encourage responsible drinking, the brewery replaced its Iron City Beer sign with Iron City Light.
Emerging Digital and Technological Signage Innovations
Pittsburgh’s iconic signage has been making waves since the late 19th century. Since then, signage has undergone numerous revolutions. Lighting, neon, acrylic, and vinyl signs have all left their mark on the city.
Now, it’s time for LED (light-emitting diodes) and digital panels in the spotlight. Here’s how businesses are leveraging technological signage innovations for advertising, marketing, and branding efforts:
- Unlocking Efficiencies: Lower operating costs and reduced maintenance requirements are two of the biggest advantages of LED lighting. LEDs are approximately eight times more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs and can perform flawlessly for decades.
- Improving Performance: The UPMC LED upgrade demonstrates one of the top benefits of LED lighting: reliability. LEDs can provide a consistent level of lighting regardless of temperature, whereas the older UPMC neon-lit signs could be ‘uncomfortably bright’ under certain lighting situations. LEDs ensure a sign remains legible without causing eye strain.
- Changing It Up: BNY Mellon’s brave choice of a color-changing sign shows businesses are adapting to customer demand. Instead of a static sign that always looks the same, businesses are leveraging the capabilities that LED lighting offers.
- Exploring New Advertising Opportunities: The large digital display in the Steelers’ stadium captures the power of digital panels best. You can change the messaging, display videos, animate graphics, and so much more at the click of a button.
Did you know that studies have found digital signage increases customer linger times, proving digital signs are far more engaging than traditional signs? They’re a great way to unlock advertising revenue, too.
On the ground level, interactive digital signs are having even more of an impact. Businesses are tying together digital and physical marketing campaigns with engaging elements, such as QR codes.
Sustainable Signage Practices in Pittsburgh
As consumer priorities have shifted to more environmentally conscious choices, signage options have followed suit. Businesses are adopting sustainable signage practices in Pittsburgh to meet these new expectations, such as reducing operating costs and waste.
As mentioned above, LED lighting can help reduce operating costs tremendously. Some establishments are taking it a step further. The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, for instance, has added solar panels, giving it the potential to operate its signage without the need for grid power.
Signage companies are offering sustainable choices too. Excel Signworks, for instance, gives customers the option to choose long-lasting materials, such as aluminum and vinyl, to reduce the need for new signage. Moreover, modern construction methods minimize waste during manufacturing processes. That said, these environmentally conscious practices aren’t consistent across all signage partners, which is why businesses should seek out sign companies that align with their values, like Excel Signworks.
Pittsburgh Urban Development Signage Requirements
We’ve discussed the steps involved in applying for and getting a sign permit in Pittsburgh, which you can read here. The city requires a permit for commercial signs if you are:
- Installing a new sign
- Modifying an existing sign
- Renovating or repairing an existing sign
Zoning, mobility, and infrastructure regulations are some other factors that can affect what signs you can install and where. The Zoning Development Review (ZDR) determines if you can install a sign and how large it can be. Plus, you will have to approach the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) if your sign overhangs a public right of way.
Gain a Competitive Edge with the Right Signage Partner
Make your signage an impactful part of your marketing strategy. Discover how you can boost brand awareness and unlock advertising opportunities by scheduling a free consultation. You will speak to one of our signage professionals who will tell you all about Pittsburgh signage trends and how we can deliver value for your business.