Detroit has a new landmark sign to welcome travelers to the City of Detroit, and the popularity of the new landmark is only beginning to grow. The reviews of the sign and its design are mixed, but many of the elements of the sign were considered to appeal to most folks that see it.
The view of the DETROIT Sign from overhead.
The large, iconic Sign, which spells out "D-E-T-R-O-I-T", welcomes visitors and residents alike to the City of Detroit. It is highly-visible to travelers entering the city along I-94 Eastbound, and is much like many that you might see around the world in the cities that they are placed.
Already in the time it has been here, it has been often photographed by passers-by and is a prominent landmark. It already serves as a symbol of pride and identity for the city and its residents, as well as serving as a visual representation of Detroit's rich history, culture, and significance as a major metropolitan area.
The view of the Sign from Central Ave Overpass
The DETROIT sign along EB I-94 is just one of the many landmarks and symbols that contribute to the identity and character of the city. It stands as a symbol of Detroit's resilience, creativity, and vibrant spirit.
The sign here is one of at least six planned across the Metro Detroit area to welcome visitors and residents to the City proper. It is an example of how things have improved for the city and is an example of Detroit now being a brighter place than it has been, and will be even brighter and better in the future.
The signs themselves have been planned for awhile, but the City decided to install this one ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft events held in Late April 2024 as many visitors will be traveling to Downtown Detroit from Metro Airport in Romulus.
Beginning the Installation of the Letters - April 9, 2024
The installation of the seven 8-foot-tall letters spelling "D-E-T-R-O-I-T" on eastbound I-94 embankment was completed on Tuesday April 9th, 2024
Completing the Installation of the Letters - April 9, 2024
Smaller versions of the sign like this one are planned for several other "entry-point" locations around the city including:
I-75 at 8 Mile
I-96 at Telegraph
I-94 at Moross
Southfield at 8 Mile
Southfield at Ford Rd.
The Font of the Sign is "Helvetica" and the signs are made of Steel, mounted on 2-foot-tall concrete blocks. The color for the metal of the letters is similar to the green that the city uses for other logos and color-based identifiers, such as the Spirit of Detroit Statue along Woodward near Jefferson in Downtown.
City of Detroit Logo
The City reviewed several bids for the project but ultimately utilized a local sign company for creating and installing the sign and the cost of all the signs was approx $425,000.
The view of the Sign from Tarnow Street Pedestrian Bridge (east of the sign)
The City worked with the community on the project, including feedback from the residents and businesses, in relation to the design and precise location along the highway. Planning for the Signs has been ongoing for approximately the last 10 years.
The daytime view of the Sign from WB Service Drive at Proctor St.
As of the 17th of April, 2024, the LED lighting installation has now been completed and the sign shines brightly after dark to all those who pass by.
Surrounding landscaping will include flowers and other well-suited features around the sign here, as well as surrounding the other signs when they are completed.
The night view of the Sign from WB Service Drive at Proctor St.
IT is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that anyone wishing to take "Selfies" with the I-94 EB DETROIT Sign to please visit one of the best places to view the sign, which is along the Westbound I-94 Service Drive near Proctor Ave. The next-exit past the sign, followed by a left-turn, and another left-turn, will allow you access to the westbound Service Drive.
This option is much safer than stopping on the Freeway or climbing anything to grab the "perfect selfie" with the sign.
The residents near the sign are very much aware of the amount of visitors this newly-added Landmark along the freeway will bring, and most will enjoy the attention to their neighborhood that the new Sign brings.
THE STARTING POINT/FIRST STAGE is likely
the BEST place to take a "SELFIE" with the Sign.
This GEOCACHE is a multi-stage setup and as always,
BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS 24x7.