ARCHIVE: Category Archive for: Others

Who Doesn’t Love a Good Challenge?

Here at Metro, we’ve developed a reputation for overcoming challenges. In 2020, the pandemic required us to rethink our approach to projects and conduct much of our collaboration in a remote environment. Government buildings closed for weeks, which presented another challenge for obtaining signage permits and staying on deadline with project installations. Clients saw initial project budgets shrink, so our team worked with them to devise alternative signage options—in design, materials, or both. At Metro, we love a good challenge. Challenges make us better because they require us to grow and innovate—and that benefits our clients and our partners, especially when we’re faced with a new “problem” we’ve not encountered before. And let’s face it. It isn’t just us signage

You’d think a parking garage would be a fairly cut and dry project, with color-coded signs for each level, arrows to direct traffic flow, ADA signage, elevator occupancy signs, and indications pointing out stairwells, right? Well, like the posted 5 mph speed limit, not so fast. A lot more planning and coordination goes into designing, manufacturing, and installing signs for a parking deck than it first appears. Metro began work on the Hamilton Canal Innovation District Parking Structure in collaboration with general contractor Shawmut Design and Construction of Boston, MA. In addition to providing signage for the brand new parking structure, future plans for this project include creating and installing signs for the office building yet to come. Collaboration and

As much as we love making new signs, sometimes we mourn the loss of one more long-standing neon landmark from our youth. So when the good folks at Lombardo’s Meetings & Occasions approached us about updating their iconic parking lot sign, we knew exactly how the family felt. Over 35 years, many of us have passed the sign towering above Highway 28 in Randolph, Massachusetts; a beacon of big events from weddings to work conferences. That’s why we shared a few tears with the elder Lombardos watching a part of the original sign come down with cranes earlier this year. New Sign Design The decision to update wasn’t easy; with two generations of family members weighing in. The consensus

Bette Davis once said, “I’d luv ta kiss ya, but I just washed my hair.” The tough-talking, Academy Award-winning actress was born at 22 Chester Street in Lowell, Massachusetts. As one of the oldest cities in the Commonwealth, Lowell has been home to many notable and quotable people not only in entertainment but politics, military, law, academics, sports, science, arts and literature. That’s why it was only fitting that Thorndike Exchange in historic downtown Lowell take motivational quotes from famous past residents as a starting point for their interior and exterior signage. A Sal Lupoli residential project, Thorndike Exchange is a refurbished old mill building transformed into a mixed-use destination with contemporary commercial space and a posh multi-story residential

The Cohoes Music Hall is the 4th oldest operational music hall in the United States. Built in 1874, the Cohoes Music Hall is more than just a music hall to the locals. It signifies the culture and closeness of the entire community and provides a gathering place for various events. This historic music hall just received a significant upgrade to the outside of the building with the installation of an impressive sign that reflects its Victorian character, as well as its history, while adding a modern aspect. More Than Just A Sign For Cohoes Residents The new dazzling Cohoes Music Hall marquee blade sign is one of the most unique signs you will see. This projecting sign stands 15-feet tall

Awning enclosures are a great addition to any business or restaurant. Not only do awnings provide an aesthetically pleasing upgrade the outside of your storefront, they can also save your business money when it comes to businesses maintenance expenses and heating and cooling costs. Besides the advertising boost an awning or enclosure provides, investing in an awning, canopy or other type of enclosure often means gaining several operational advantages that can help you grow your business. Below we highlight some of the operational advantages of awnings, canopies and enclosures. How Awnings Enhance Safety Whatever the weather, having an awning installed outside your business can improve safety and comfort for both your customers and employees. Awnings and enclosures provide a barrier

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has many requirements for bringing current signs into compliance or when you create new ones. How can you bring your brand to ADA signage when creating new signs or bringing your current ones into compliance? While ADA signage requirements are first and foremost intended to improve safety and accessibility for customers and building visitors, many companies are pleasantly surprised at how the required signage can also support branding. We’ve helped large and small companies get a better understanding of ADA signage and to see how they can incorporate it into their interior design and include branding elements. What is ADA Signage? ADA signage is designed in accordance to the regulations of the Americans with

We’ve followed LEED and related architectural and design concepts for years, and always operated with a goal of finding the most efficient operational methods that are effective while having the lowest impact on natural and other resources. Expect to hear more from us on the subject in the coming months. In the meantime, we’d love to hear from our clients and partners, how are you working to make the most efficient use of time and materials?

Sign Materials Matter: When Plastic is Greener than Wood, and other Environmental Impact Issues

Plastics often get a bad rap, but many are environmentally friendly. High-density urethane (HDU) and expanded polystyrene (EPS) are prime examples. In fact, over a sign’s life cycle, some plastics are greener than wood. Because HDU and EPS suppliers know having minimal environmental impact is a competitive advantage, they manage their manufacturing processes to reduce waste. Also, many manufacturers use a high percentage of post-consumer recycled materials in their products. Financial and Environmental Benefits of HDU and other Plastic Signage Materials In addition, from a construction, financial, and environmental viewpoint, the new materials offer tremendous advantages. For example, HDU weighs less than wood, yet is longer-lasting and requires virtually no maintenance. Unlike wood, the new plastics are impervious to water and insects.

Working on and around Boston’s infrastructure and services is always exciting, and participating in the South Boston Waterfront Transportation Center has been very rewarding. Recently, we completed the fabrication and installation of about 600+ wayfinding and ADA signs there. South Boston Waterfront Wayfinding and ADA Signage Project Completed Designing, fabricating and installing 600+ wayfinding and ADA signs on a tight schedule is much easier when your partners are as professional as those at Skanska Group. We salute Metro Project Manager John Durant, who did an outstanding job overseeing the work, and we can honestly say that everyone on our team went above and beyond. In the end, we were delighted to hear from Skanska Project Manager Mike Pugh that his team also