Despite an investment in directional signage and kiosks made prior to the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, the current signage in Downtown and Midtown is insufficient.

The overall system is inconsistent and confusing as a result of numerous independent governmental and private initiatives to fill the void of missing signs. Many layers of signs have now been installed by various government entities irrespective of other programs.

Key elements of the wayfinding signage system will include: uniform, attractive, geographically oriented maps, signs and kiosks, which should incorporate where possible the 1996 Olympic signage program. Emphasis will also be placed on well-designed, graphic wayfinding elements that can serve all modes of transportation to, from and around the study area. These modes include, but are not limited to, private autos, commercial vehicles, rail transit, bus transit, walking (including accessibility issues), Segways and bicycles. The audience for the wayfinding signage project will include not only local, regional and international visitors to Atlanta, but also area residents, workers and students.

The project area includes virtually all of Downtown and Midtown and several adjacent areas including the Auburn Avenue corridor and the Government Walk area in the south central business district. In general, the project area runs from Brookwood Station on the north to Turner Field on the south and from Boulevard on the east to Northside Drive on the west.

The Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA), Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and the City of Atlanta will be actively involved in the project. ARC, GRTA and GDOT view this development of a comprehensive wayfinding signage system in Downtown and Midtown Atlanta as a potential model for wayfinding throughout the Atlanta region.

The Wayfinding Signage Project consists of three phases followed by implementation. The first phase includes an existing conditions analysis and recommendations for the signage typology. The second phase will produce a schematic design that includes sign locations, messaging and estimated costs. The third phase encompasses production of necessary engineering documents.

Project funding is anticipated to come from the state bond funding via the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority, with the required local match provided by the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District and the Midtown Improvement District.

Related Information:

"A single voice," by Jeffry Corbin and Wayne Hunt
American City & County, Mar 1, 2003
Article on signage written by our consultants