On January 2, 2003, the Department of Community Development entered into contract with Square Peg Design of Emeryville to undertake preliminary design of a wayfinding system for Downtown Sunnyvale. The consultants will present alternative design concepts to the City Council, Planning Commission, and Heritage Preservation Commission in Joint Study Session.

Downtown Sunnyvale is presently identified by a variety of signs which have been erected over a long period of time. The replacement of these signs with an integrated wayfinding system based upon a single theme and design will do much to unify the Downtown area and present a positive image to residents and visitors. Staff envisions a three-tier identification system. The first tier would direct motorists from the major arterials into Downtown (from Mathilda southbound, from El Camino Real east and westbound, and from Mathilda and Sunnyvale northbound). Once in Downtown, motorists would be directed by the second tier of signs to the parking areas serving their desired destination. The third tier would identify entrances to parking lots and structures.

Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) were mailed to 15 sign design consultants. Square Peg Design of Emeryville was selected following interviews of the top three firms by a panel of staff managers. A contract was negotiated in the amount of $32,600 for conceptual design only; final design will be undertaken when funds are available for implementation of the program. It is anticipated that Redevelopment Funds will be utilized to fabricate and erect the signs.

Invitations were mailed to 33 businesses and residents to participate in a focus group to advise the consultants (see attached invitation list). Two meetings were held with the consultants, on January 31, 2003, and on March 6, 2003, following which the designs were refined to reflect the input of the residents and businesses.

At the Joint Study Session, the consultants will discuss the elements of a wayfinding system and present several alternative conceptual designs for consideration. Based upon the discussion at the Study Session, the consultants will then document a recommended conceptual design for the Downtown Sunnyvale wayfinding system.

Prepared by:
Robert Paternoster
Director, Community Development

Approved by:
Robert S. LaSala
City Manager