Citywide Wayfinding Program
Phased Implementation
In 2010, the City of Alexandria completed development of a citywide Wayfinding Design Guidelines Manual to guide implementation of a comprehensive citywide signage system. The wayfinding system will project a consistent image for the entire city; reduce visual clutter; and promote walking, bicycling, and use of mass transit. A Wayfinding Stakeholder Advisory Group established by the City Manager provided input to the City and consultant team and served as a liaison to the community regarding the project as it developed. Membership of the group was made up of representatives from business/civic groups and City commissions and boards.
On September 7, 2010, Planning Commission approved the Wayfinding Design Guidelines Manual. Implementation and maintenance of the Wayfinding Program will be led by the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services with support from the Department of Planning & Zoning. The signage program will be implemented in phases as budgeted in the Capital Improvement Program. Phase 1, slated for completion in Fall 2013, included parking related wayfinding signs in Old Town. Phase 2, slated for completion in 2014, will consist of pedestrian oriented signage in Old Town.
For detailed information on funding and phasing, please visit the City's budget webpage, and navigate to the current year's approved Capital Improvement Program, Community Development Section.
FY2013 Approved Capital Improvement Program (webpage)
Questions regarding implementation should be directed to Matt Melkerson, TES, Transportation Division, at 703-746-4101.
Design Guidelines
On September 7, 2010, Planning Commission approved the City of Alexandria Wayfinding
Design Guidelines Manual, with a minor revision to page 92 in Part 3-Appendix. The
approved manual as revised is posted below in sections for ease of access.
Background on the planning process
In September 2010, the City of Alexandria completed the development of a citywide Wayfinding Design Guidelines Manual that will guide the implementation of a comprehensive citywide signage system. The wayfinding system will project a consistent image for the entire city; reduce visual clutter; and promote walking, bicycling, and use of mass transit. A Wayfinding Stakeholder Advisory Group was established by the City Manager to provide input to the City and consultant team and to serve as a liaison to the community regarding the project as it develops. Membership of the group was made up of representatives from business/civic groups and City commissions and boards.
Wayfinding Goals and Objectives
The purpose of the project is to develop a comprehensive wayfinding signage system for the City that will be installed following a phased implementation plan. Project objectives include:
- Develop a vehicular and pedestrian wayfinding system for destinations throughout the City with a focus on the Old Town core of the City;
- Develop a wayfinding system that will create an overall identity for the City, that is compatible with its historic character, and that will also help to differentiate existing and emerging districts;
- Provide signage that will direct visitors to parking lots and garages;
- Provide trailblazer signage for interstate, state roads, and primary bicycle trails, as well as major destinations just outside City boundaries (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Mount Vernon);
- Reduce visual clutter and increase consistency of City signage;
- Promote walking, bicycling, and use of mass transit;
- Support the developing regional interpretive trail system and reinforce historical and regional trail themes by incorporating regional trails and historic sites into City interpretive signage;
- Integrate Alexandria Heritage Trail interpretive signage (designed previously and partially installed); and
- Address ADA guidelines and considerations in the design of the program.
The comprehensive wayfinding signage system will consist of the following parts:
- City Gateways
- Commercial District Gateways
- Destination Directional Signs (to include historic districts and sites)
- Destination Identity Signs
- Parking Directional Signs
- Parking Identity Signs
- Pedestrian Directional Signs
- Trailblazer Signs
- Interpretive Signs (to include integration of previously developed Alexandria Heritage Trail signage)
- Interpretive Kiosks (Old Town and at 4 Metro Stations (King Street, Braddock Road, Van Dorn Street, and Eisenhower Avenue)
Stakeholder Advisory Group
- Membership list (updated January 25, 2010)
- Attendance: While business at Stakeholder Advisory Group meetings is generally limited to members of the Stakeholder Advisory Group, the public is welcome at all Advisory Group meetings, and public comment is invited at the end of the meeting.
Planning Process and Meeting Materials
September 7, 2010 Planning Commission Hearing: PC approved the City of Alexandria Wayfinding
Design Guidelines Manual, with a minor revision to page 92 in Part 3-Appendix. The revised
approved manual is posted above in sections for ease of access.
June 30, 2010, Wayfinding Open House and Stakeholder Advisory Group Meeting
June 16, 2010 Old and Historic District Board of Architectural Review Hearing
Mockups Evaluation Phase and Draft Design Guidelines Manual Public Review and Comment Period Complete (May 14 - May 31, 2010)
May 19, 2010 6-7:30pm, BAR Joint Work Session -- Staff solicited the BAR's comments on the mockups, the sign program overall, and building mounted parking garage signs.
January 26, 2010. Stakeholder Advisory Group Meeting
April 7, 2009 Presentation to National Park Service on proposed Washington Street sign elements
April 7, 2009 Planning Commission hearing on conceptual approval of Phase 1 signs
April 1, 2009 O&HD BAR public hearing on conceptual approval of Phase 1 signs
March 25, 2009 Stakeholder Advisory Group Meeting
March 18, 2009 O&HD BAR work session
February 18, 2009 Joint BAR work session
February 2, 2009 City Council work session
January 6. 2009 Planning Commission and Boards of Architectural Review Joint work session
January 5, 2009 Community Open House
November 6, 2008 Stakeholder Advisory Group Meeting
September 24, 2008 Stakeholder Advisory Group Meeting
June 19, 2008 Stakeholder Advisory Group Collaborative Community Workshop
May 29, 2008 Stakeholder Advisory Group Joint Community Meeting
April 24, 2008 Stakeholder Advisory Group Meeting
February 27, 2008 Stakeholder Advisory Group Meeting
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