Beginning this weekend, wayfinding signs will be installed in Downtown Raleigh.

The signs will help direct visitors to downtown from Raleigh's major entryways and direct them to locations within downtown, such as parking areas and attractions. Signs for both pedestrians and motorists will be used.

The City of Raleigh hired Corbin Design, based in Michigan, to help evaluate the City's former downtown public signage and to design a new wayfinding system. Corbin Design is well known for its experience and success in designing wayfinding systems for downtowns in other cities, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Kansas City and Indianapolis. Architectural Graphics fabricated the 132 wayfinding signs being installed in Downtown Raleigh. Davis Sign Company is overseeing the sign installation, which is expected to be complete by early April.

The Raleigh City Council undertook developing a downtown wayfinding system because Downtown Raleigh is undergoing a renaissance of public and private development that is attracting more visitors to the area. The new attractions include the Raleigh Convention Center, a four-star Marriott hotel, a redesigned Fayetteville Street that was reopened to vehicular traffic in 2006, and additional quality housing, dining and entertainment establishments. In addition, the City Plaza is expected to open in October. The plaza will be a public gathering place configured to accommodate a number of public events, including parades, markets and shows.

Working with the City of Raleigh on developing the downtown wayfinding system were Downtown Raleigh Alliance and the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau.