Wa y find ing Analy sis and Re commendations Document fo r

Ann Arbor, Michigan

| Developed by for t h e A n n A r b o r D o w n t o w n D e v e l o p m e n t A u t h o r i t y

F i r s t P r e s e n t a t i o n | March 19, 2007

Revised & Updated | March 30, 2007

 Updated March 30, 2007

Introduction T h e A n n A r b o r Wa y f i n d i n g P r o j e c t Te a m Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s
Consistently ranked highly on lists of top places to visit, live, and work, Ann Arbor is a brilliant The Ann Arbor Wayfinding Project Team comprises the following members of the
collection of cultural to-dos and to-sees that constantly attracts new visitors and old friends. Project Advisory Committee (PAC) and wayfinding design consultants from Corbin Design. Introduction....................................................................................................... 2
Plays, films, demonstrations, exhibits, cuisine, shopping, lectures, and park space energize the
people who experience Ann Arbor, and they return the favor back to the City. Project Advisory Committee (PAC) Seven Steps to Highly Effective Wayfinding....................................................... 3
DDA Members:
Visitors in the “old friends” category­—former residents, regional day tourists, and foodies who Susan Pollay – Executive Director Goals of the Ann Arbor Wayfinding System........................................................ 4
never miss a stop-through on their travels—often know Ann Arbor quite well. They know how Sandi Smith – Board Chair
to reach Downtown, where to ditch their cars, and where to satisfy their cravings for good Fred Beal – Chair, Capital Improvements Organizing the Presentation of Information within the Wayfinding System........ 4
eats. Old friends with extra time on their hands enjoy exploring a little further, looking for new Lindsay-Jean Hard – Intern
shops, sights, and restaurants, and actually relish moments of getting lost around town and Russ Collins Wayfinding Elements........................................................................................ 10
making new discoveries. Rene Greff
Jennifer Hall Nomenclature................................................................................................... 11
For a first-time visitor, however, getting lost can be quite a distressing experience. Roger Hewitt
In Downtown, complexities such as one-way streets, diagonal street intersections at entrances John Splitt The Experience of Getting to Ann Arbor Today................................................. 12
to Downtown, and an interwoven university-town relationship can make a confusing affair of
navigating the City. Everyone has been truly lost in a new place, and the sensations of that Other PAC Members: Exploring Ann Arbor......................................................................................... 14
experience are generally uncomfortable—frustration, fear and anxiety. Even after we get our Sue Gott – University Planner, University of Michigan
bearings, our sense of the place is often shadowed by that first experience of being lost—in Mary Kerr – Executive Director, Ann Arbor Convention and Visitors Bureau System Management Processes........................................................................ 16
our mind the place was fun but confusing, lively but “I don’t know if I can find it again.” Peter Pollack – Pollack Design Associates
Wendy Rampson – City of Ann Arbor Systems Planning Strategic Implementation Plan......................................................................... 16
A wayfinding system helps solve this issue by giving visitors unfamiliar with an area the
information they need to avoid getting lost in the first place. A wayfinding system tailored to Corbin Design, wayfinding design consultants Concept Exploration Opportunities.................................................................. 16
the City of Ann Arbor must be designed to clarify the presentation of information to help new Mark VanderKlipp, President, Senior Designer
visitors find their way, and then stand back to let the City’s vibrant offerings shine through and Jim Harper, Vice President, Senior Designer Working Site Plan............................................................................................. 17
add to Ann Arbor’s character. The system’s success will be determined by the degree to which Shaunna Cahill, Designer
it empowers first-time visitors to navigate the City comfortably, while not distracting from the Heidi Jones, Project Manager MDOT-Existing Signage..................................................................................... 18
city experience for residents and old friends.
Throughout the process of developing the wayfinding system, Corbin Design will meet periodi-
Further, the system can create synergies for residents and visitors who may have been cally with the PAC to share progress and receive direction.
unaware of the location (or even the existence) of that next adventure; it can open doors
to entirely new discoveries for those who know Ann Arbor well, and are open to knowing it
better. This wayfinding system will provide tools for all audiences to connect and engage with
the core of this dynamic City.

Corbin Design looks forward to this opportunity to develop a wayfinding system for the City
of Ann Arbor DDA. Our intention is for new visitors to be empowered to explore more of the
City than they may have first intended, and for residents and old friends to go on enjoying Ann
Arbor as usual. This document serves to kick off the process of exploration, questioning, and
creation.

We enthusiastically welcome the occasion to work with the DDA’s Wayfinding Project
Advisory Committee, and the community at large, as we design this system together.

“This document sets out the foundation thinking for the subsequent
tasks of visual design and detailed wayfinding planning.”

Wa y f i n d i n g A n a l y s i s a nd Recommendations Document for | Developed by for the Ann Arbor D o w n t o w n D e v e l o p m e n t A u t h o r i t y | Pa g e 

Ann Arbor, Michigan
 Updated March 30, 2007

S e v e n S t e p s t o H i g h l y E f f e c t i v e Wa y f i n d i n g 6) Thoughtfully Define Destinations

It is important to call places by names that can be easily recognized by the
We at Corbin Design are the first to say that each environment we study presents its own public and that are as “mutually exclusive” as possible. We put as much
unique set of patterns, strengths and challenges. That said, throughout our years of expe- effort into developing an information vocabulary for wayfinding destinations
rience, we have established a set of guidelines that have consistently proven helpful to as we do into developing a visual vocabulary for the signage system that
developing a thoughtfully designed and highly effective wayfinding system. Our Corbin Design conveys that information. Many of the terms used may derive from the local
team will keep these seven steps top-of-mind throughout this project, and we invite the PAC culture while others may have to be “coined.” In either case, agreement
to track along with us: on terminology is of paramount importance, as is a consistent use of the
3) Support Intuition terminology once adopted.
Formal wayfinding systems work best when they recognize and build
on routes and terms that are intuitive. This is particularly important to Any terminology inconsistent with the history, spirit and culture of the
1) Ensure User Participation
consider in the case of cities such as Ann Arbor, where residents and City will be seen as such by these perceptive and passionate audiences.
It is important that the interested stakeholders in the City have the Community input in this case will be paramount in avoiding the use of
old friends are fiercely loyal to tradition. Relying on the existing fabric
opportunity to provide input into the design of the new wayfinding such inconsistent terminology. Finally, all communications devices, whether
and culture of the City for inspiration is usually more successful than
system. We heartily support the creation of the PAC and look forward written or verbal, must make use of the same nomenclature.
imposing artificial or arbitrary solutions.
to engaging them as our primary interface regarding day-to-day
design and technical issues. In preliminary discussions we learned When determining which destinations should be displayed on vehicular
of the PAC’s priority to involve the public in evaluating visual design guide signage, it is important to understand that generally only destina-
concepts for the wayfinding program. We will assist the PAC in devel- 4) Structure Information
tions accessible by all the public (as opposed to private enterprises or purely
oping recommended agendas and materials both for meetings of the Because of the number and variety of destinations in a downtown commercial messages) are considered. This is due to the fact that vehicular
PAC and for all public meetings. area, it is always necessary to establish an information hierarchy to guide signage will generally be located in the public right-of-way on state
organize the wayfinding experience. Such a hierarchy can work to routes. Any sign that carries a commercial message is considered by city,
Each community we’ve served has presented opportunities for direct visitors first to an area of the downtown (or specific parking state and federal codes to be an advertising sign, and as such, is prohibited
unique working relationships. We recognize that political factors can venues), then to their desired destination. Corbin Design has cham- from being located in the public right-of-way.
often be the most challenging aspects of these projects; however, by pioned this concept in wayfinding programs for numerous cities and
encouraging broad participation, our shared research, analysis and campuses where such logic has proved appropriate. The following criteria are typically used to evaluate whether or not a public
testing of the system concepts and objectives will work to create destination should be included on vehicular wayfinding:
consensus. The wayfinding system will clearly communicate logical routes
through the City to a given destination, making the directions for • The destination should be opened to the public.
drivers and pedestrians apparent when they need it, and transparent
2) Design for the First-Time Visitor when they don’t. • The destination should have parking available nearby.
We often say the shortest distance between two points may not be
By providing information at key decision points in their journey, we
a straight line. This is particularly true for the first-time visitor, when • The destination should meet certain minimum attendance requirements
help visitors to remain in motion on the path to their destination
assuring that the ease of finding one’s intended destination may take on an annual basis.
rather than overwhelming them with too much information.
precedence over the time required to get there. The important points
to consider are to welcome the visitor, clearly define the area or • The destination should have funds available to participate in an annual
district, and provide directions to high-traffic-generating destinations maintenance assessment for the Wayfinding Program.
from multiple approaches, as well as directions to public parking and 5) Control Circulation
all other destinations of public interest, both for the driver and the By controlling how visitors move into Ann Arbor as well as through On pedestrian guide and orientation map elements these types of restric-
pedestrian. it, we can minimize the confusion brought on by street geometry tions generally do not apply. There may be the possibility of allowing any
and one-way streets, alleviating congestion along the more heavily and all public commercial enterprises to have a presence on selected
Our experience shows that 10 to 15 percent of the destinations in trafficked thoroughfares. Security issues can be addressed as well by elements at the pedestrian level of experience. However, in all cases vari-
a downtown area typically generate 85 percent of the visitor traffic. determining the safest or most controlled routes to each destination. ables of legibility, message length, amount of verbiage and letter heights
Therefore, it is important to identify these destinations and design A properly designed wayfinding system can accomplish many objec- will be taken into account.
the system to deal effectively with their unique wayfinding needs. tives by carefully controlling circulation, including minimizing traffic
through more pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods, which is always an
Our experience in designing wayfinding programs for numerous cities important consideration. 7) Test the System
and towns has given us a familiarity with the needs and expecta- We suggest that once the wayfinding system has been defined
tions of a variety of visitors, whether they’re city residents, suburban and the signage elements designed schematically, mock-ups of the
residents or out-of-staters. We look forward to learning more about various sign types and wayfinding elements be built and installed in
the visitors who experience Ann Arbor regularly. selected areas for evaluation by the PAC as well as the community at
large. We regularly employ such formal means of evaluation to assure
that the system, as proposed, will function effectively and is aestheti-
cally appropriate. This activity also helps build consensus within
the community as well as a sense of ownership among the project
participants.

Wa y f i n d i n g A n a l y s i s a nd Recommendations Document for | Developed by for the Ann Arbor D o w n t o w n D e v e l o p m e n t A u t h o r i t y | Pa g e 

Ann Arbor, Michigan
 Updated March 30, 2007

Goals of the Organizing the Presentation of Information

A n n A r b o r Wa y f i n d i n g S y s t e m w i t h i n t h e Wa y f i n d i n g S y s t e m
First-time visitors feel comfortable getting to where they know Successful wayfinding depends a great deal on the simplifying of the information presented, so
they want to go. that visitors are not confused or put off by excessive and unnecessary information. We identify
Will be supported by these efforts: the decision points visitors will be faced with throughout their experience, and determine what
layer of information is necessary at each decision point. This simplified layering of informa-
• Clarified confusing vehicular experiences such as difficult intersections (Washtenaw Ave./E. tion leads visitors along a journey to their destination, allowing them to easily recognize and
Stadium Blvd. and Broadway St./Depot St./Beakes St.), diagonal streets intersecting gridded interpret messages.
street patterns, and one-way streets.
Such a process should support the following sequence of events within a city experience:
• Entry and exit to the City made quick and simple for those who need it most (medical
campus visitors, stadium traffic) by guiding drivers along the most convenient routes. 1 Provide directional information along preferred routes
(identifying the area at hand along the way)
• A unified presence of wayfinding information via consistency in nomenclature from MDOT
highway signage to pedestrian signage and mapping to print/Web/word of mouth commu- 2 Inform visitors that they have arrived by defining entering experiences
nication; a fully supported journey.
3 Direct first to the area of one’s desired destination
• Awareness of being within a defined Area and/or District.
4 Guide to the most convenient parking in the area, close to the destination
All visitors become aware of more offerings throughout the City—they
feel comfortable in getting to where they just learned they want to go. 5 Orient visitors as pedestrians once they’ve left their cars
Will be supported by these efforts:
6 Direct visitors back to their cars
• “Cross-pollination” between geographic areas and Districts made recognizable and easy to
7 Provide “away from Downtown” information about accessing major regional routes as
find—visitors feel empowered to explore on their own.
drivers are leaving the area.
• Driving visitors park their cars and become pedestrians (the “Park Once” model).
This information layering at each event in the sequence should be supported by a coordinated
family of wayfinding elements. Later, we’ll discuss what those elements might be, and their
• A unified presence of wayfinding information via consistent nomenclature
functions.
throughout the system.

• Downtown Ann Arbor’s public image is enhanced through the system’s distinct, helpful
Challenge | Organize the information visitors will need, and layer it in a
graphics.
simplified, easy-to-follow sequence; not all at once.
The visual components of the wayfinding system complement
the physical and cultural character of the City. Solution Opportunity | Arrange the information presentation in a hierar-
Will be supported by these efforts: chical sequence, categorized for vehicular and pedestrian audiences.

• Corbin Design researches established aesthetics in the City. 1. First, we will organize the information presentation for driving visitors.
who enter the City from surrounding freeways.
• Public input is sought by the PAC during the design process. 2. Then we will organize the information presentation for pedestrian visi-
tors, who have become pedestrians by parking their cars in Downtown
• Wayfinding elements are designed to be no larger than necessary, and occur no more often Ann Arbor.
than necessary, replacing or incorporating selected existing signage where feasible.
The following sections of this document explain this organization.
• The visual design can transcend a “trendy” or an “of the moment” character,
yet be compelling and remain so.

• The design seems to belong nowhere else but in Ann Arbor.

Wa y f i n d i n g A n a l y s i s a nd Recommendations Document for | Developed by for the Ann Arbor D o w n t o w n D e v e l o p m e n t A u t h o r i t y | Pa g e 

Ann Arbor, Michigan
 Updated March 30, 2007
D R I V I N G
Two Levels of
Information
Encountered
Ann Arbor
by a Driver:

+ THESE STAND-ALONE "SUPER DESTINATIONS"

WORTHY OF DEVELOPMENT,
A BLENDED EXPERIENCE
Arboretum Nature Area/ Cleary Crisler Huron Hills Michigan UM Washtenaw BUT OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF THIS PROJECT
Nichols Arboretum University Arena Golf Course Stadium Medical Center Community College
LEVEL 1 The first information
encountered.
Downtown UM Campus
Ave Maria Concordia Gallup Park Leslie Park UM Matthaei VA Yost
Huron River Pathway
(an Area) (an Area) School of Law University Golf Course Botanical Gardens Health Care System Arena
(an Area)
(Relocating to Florida in 2009) Gerald R Ford
Library

Kerrytown District Exhibit Museum Arboretum Nature

The Area/
Experiences Main Street District Hill Auditorium Nichols Arboretum
of
Emphasis State Street District Kelsey Museum Bandemer Park

South University District Mendelssohn Barton Nature Area

Theatre
Bird Hills
The Ark Michigan League Nature Area

Blake Transit Michigan Broadway Park

Center Union
Cedar Bend
Chamber of Museum of Art Nature Area
Commerce
Power Center Concordia
City Center University
Building Public Parking
Venues (Various) Fuller Park
Convention &
Visitors Bureau Rackham Fuller Pool
Auditorium
County Furstenberg
Administration Nature Area
Building
These destinations are Gallup Park
encountered within County
LEVEL 2 the context of
Courthouse Huron Hills
the larger Areas. Golf Course
Crisler Arena
Island Park
District Library
Kuebler Langford
Farmers/Artisans Nature Area
Market
Riverside Park
Federal Building/
Post Office Ruthven
Nature Area
Greyhound
Station South Pond
Nature Area
Hands On
Museum
Kerrytown
Concert House
Kerrytown Shops

Michigan Theater

Michigan Stadium Analysis & Recommendations

Municipal Building:
- City Hall
- Police Station The City of Ann Arbor
Nickels Arcade Wayfinding System Organization Chart
Performance
Network DRIVING
Public Parking Support of commercial enterprises will require careful evaluation and consideration against limits
Venues (Various) imposed by federal and state DOT guidelines for display of commercial venues on signage
in the public right-of-way.
Post Office Branch

State Theater 109 East Front Suite 304

Traverse City, MI 49684
Yost Arena
231 947.1236
Zingerman’s

Wa y f i n d i n g A n a l y s i s a nd Recommendations Document for | Developed by for the Ann Arbor D o w n t o w n D e v e l o p m e n t A u t h o r i t y | Pa g e 

Ann Arbor, Michigan
 Updated March 30, 2007
Ave Maria School of Law
(Relocating to Florida in 2009) Cleary University

:M>I)
For Driving Visitors— Leslie Park Golf Course
mo
uth
R d

Barton Nature Area Ply

Information Presentation at Level 1: Areas

At Level 1 of information presentation,
Bird Hills Nature Area
for driving visitors, are the Areas: Large geographic It is recognized that several “SuperDestinations” will receive vehicular wayfinding support at These would be:
regions that are “speakable” collections of destinations. For some visitors, an Area could be a Level 1. These are stand-alone, drive-to, destinations, some at locations near the bounding Highway or Downtown

destination in itself—”Let’s go Downtown and look around for a few hours.” In many cases, freeways (and as such supported via MDOT signage) and others more closely related to the Arboretum Nature Area/ Nichols Arboretum D
:M>I( Downtown experience.
visitors come to downtown targeting a specific destination Kuebler Langfordwithin a Level 1 Area.
Nature Area Bandemer
Ave Maria School of Law (relocating to Florida in 2009) H
Park R d UM Matthaei Botanical Gardens
uth Cleary University H
mo
We propose that the wayfinding system identify three two Level 1 Areas by the following Ply
Concordia University H
names:
Crisler Arena D
1 Downtown
2 UM Campus Gallup Park D
3 Huron River Pathway Gerald R. Ford Library H

N Main St
(The opportunity to develop the Huron River Pathway is outside the scope of this current project) Rd
th
ou UM North Campus Huron Hills Golf Course H
lym
P
Downtown, as the cultural, business, and governmental center of the City, receives a large Leslie Park Golf Course H
Cedar Bend Nature Area
number of visitors and could attract even more if visitors are clearly guided there. Michigan Stadium H+D
Island Park
UM Matthaei Botanical Gardens D
Huron River Pathway UM Medical Center H+D
(an Area) Fuller Park
Dep
ot S
Gerald R Ford Library VA Health Care System H+D
t
Fuller Pool Washtenaw Community College H
Broadway Park Fuller Rd
Riverside Park
Rd Yost Arena D
sS
t ler
Mi ke Ful
lle B ea
rA
Kerrytown District

ve Kerrytown
Kerrytown Shops VA Ann Arbor Health Care System
Concert House
Zingerman’s

Downtown Farmers/Artisans
Market
S State St

County
(an Area) Administration UM Medical Campus
State Street District

Building
County Municipal Building:

W Huron St
Convention &
Visitors Bureau
Courthouse - City Hall
- Police Station Arboretum Nature Area/
:M>I(.
Greyhound
Station Hands On E Huron St Nichols Arboretum

'(
Museum Rackham Power
Performance City Auditorium
Network Center
Center Fu
lle

Ave
Building
rR
Main Street District

Michigan State
Mendelssohn
Federal Theater Theater
Theatre d

Washtenaw
The Ark Building/ Ruthven
Post Office E Liberty St Michigan
Furstenberg Nature Area
Nature Area
Liberty Street Connectivity League Exhibit
Blake Transit Hill Museum
Center District Auditorium
Nickels
Library Arcade
Gedde
s Rd
Student Diag
Chamber of Activities
Commerce Building Kelsey
Museum
S Main St

Museum
of Art South University District Gallup Park
S University Ave Post Office
Branch Concordia University
Michigan
UM Campus
W

Union
as
ht

(an Area)
en
aw
Av
e

Huron Hills Golf Course

S Main St

Yost
Michigan Arena South Pond Nature Area
Stadium
S State St

Crisler
Arena

Washtenaw Community College

UM South Campus
E St
Pa

W Stadium Blvd adi

um
ck

B lvd
ar

W
as
d
St

ht
en
aw
Av
e

E Stadium Blvd

Wash
tenaw
The Downtown Area Ave

:M>I(,

Wa y f i n d i n g A n a l y s i s a nd Recommendations Document for | Developed by for the Ann Arbor D o w n t o w n D e v e l o p m e n t A u t h o r i t y | Pa g e 

Ann Arbor, Michigan
 :M>I)'

:M>I)*

Updated March 30, 2007

'(

Huron River Pathway as an Area

&)
We recognize the opportunity for consideration of the Huron River Pathway as :M>I)&

a programmed Area of the Ann Arbor wayfinding system is beyond the defined
focus of this specific project. Its consideration, study and general discussion Ave Maria School of Law
(Relocating to Florida in 2009) Cleary University

of opportunity will not be pursued at this time. :M>I)

Leslie Park Golf Course
mo
uth
Rd

Barton Nature Area Ply

Challenge | Collect the disparate northern destinations into a speakable

Bird Hills Nature Area

geographic Area. :M>I(

Kuebler Langford
Nature Area Bandemer
Park R d UM Matthaei Botanical Gardens
:M>I' uth
mo
Ply

Solution Opportunity | Develop a geographic Area designation related to

the Huron River—this east-to-west presence comfortably collects a northerly

N Main St
spread of destinations. Additionally, it serves to call attention to the pres- ou
th
Rd
UM North Campus
ym
ence of the river to visitors. Currently, the Huron River is practically Pl

Cedar Bend Nature Area

“hidden” to many visitors who target Downtown and UM Destinations: Island Park

Even though it is quite wide and borders several

:M>I&,& local &)parks, many visitors Huron River Pathway
(an Area)
are not aware of it at all. Announcing its presence via the Area name on ve- Dep
ot S
t
Fuller Park
Gerald R Ford Library

hicular wayfinding signage, maps, etc. would increase.)awareness of the river Broadway Park
Riverside Park
Fuller Pool
Fuller Rd

Rd
and the subsequent tourism opportunities (mostly recreational) that it offers. Mil
ler Be
a ke
sS
t
Ful
ler

Ave
We have suggested the name of Huron River Pathway here for the purpose
Kerrytown
Dex Kerrytown Shops
ter Av Concert House VA Ann Arbor Health Care System
e Zingerman’s

of discussing it in this document, although it may be renamed by the PAC. Downtown Farmers/Artisans
Market

S State St
County
(an Area) Administration UM Medical Campus
Building
County Municipal Building:

W Huron St
Convention &
Visitors Bureau
Courthouse - City Hall
- Police Station Arboretum Nature Area/
:M>I(.
Jack
Greyhound
Station Hands On E Huron St Nichols Arboretum
son
'(
Museum Rackham Power
:M>I&,' Rd Performance City
Network Center
Auditorium Center Fu
lle

Ave
Building Michigan State
Mendelssohn rR
Federal Theater Theater
Theatre d

Washtenaw
The Ark Building/ Ruthven
Post Office E Liberty St Michigan
Furstenberg Nature Area
Nature Area
League Exhibit
Blake Transit Hill Museum
Center District Auditorium
Nickels
Library Arcade
Geddes
Rd
Student Diag
Chamber of Activities
Commerce Building Kelsey
Museum

S Main St
Museum
of Art
Gallup Park
S University Ave Post Office
Branch Concordia University
Michigan
UM Central Campus

W
Union

as
ht
ty St (an Area)

en
Liber

aw
W

Av
e
Huron Hills Golf Course

S Main St
Yost
Michigan Arena South Pond Nature Area
Stadium

S State St
Crisler
Arena

Washtenaw Community College

UM South Campus
E St

Pa
W Stadium Blvd adiu
mB

ck
lvd

W
rd

as
St

ht
en
aw
Av
e
E Stadium Blvd

The Huron River Pathway Area

Washt
enaw
.) Ave

:M>I(,

Pa
ck
S State St

ar
dS
t
d
eR
in
l
Sa
r-
bo
Ar
n
An

:M>I&,*

Wa y f i n d i n g A n a l y s i s a nd Recommendations Document for :M>I&,, | Developed by for the Ann Arbor D o w n t o w n D e v e l o p m e n t A u t h o r i t y | Pa g e 

d

.)
Ann Arbor, Michigan
eR
inl
Sa
r-
bo
Ar

'(
n
An
 R

N Main
th
ou
UM North Campus
ym
Pl
Updated March 30, 2007
Cedar Bend Nature Area

Island Park

The UM holds a strong presence in Ann Arbor. We propose calling out only the Central Campus As we develop this custom Downtown wayfinding program, we will rely upon, and reinforce where As the Wayfinding System Organization Chart indicated, vehicular wayfinding
Huron River Pathway appropriate, the existing UM system of campus Boundary Markers, Building Identifiers as well as
as an Area (“UM Campus”), including its destinations
(an Area) relevant Fuller
to the visitor’s experience elements would be strategically located to guide driving visitors to, between and
Park
of Downtown; theDepremaining
ot S campuses (UM East, UM North, and UM South) are controlled recently
Gerald R Ford Libraryimplemented Trail Markers. This will parallel our efforts working with the MDOT green and
throughout the Areas.
t
within the wayfinding systemBroadway
of the UM itself. Fuller Pool white signage.
Park Fuller Rd
Riverside Park

rR
d Information Presentation at Level 1: Destinations
St l e
es Ful
ler Be
ak Certain Destinations should be presented on vehicular guide elements directly
Ave
as driving visitors enter Ann Arbor. There are two reasons for this:
Kerrytown
Kerrytown Shops VA Ann Arbor Health Care System
Concert House
Zingerman’s

owntown Farmers/Artisans

an Area) County
Administration
Market
S State St
UM Medical Campus
1) Some Destinations in this category (such as Michigan Stadium) generate
such high attendance that they should be listed at the first level to best serve
Building
County Municipal Building:
Convention &
Visitors Bureau
Courthouse - City Hall
:M>I(.
Huron St
Greyhound
Station Hands On
- Police Station
E Huron St
Arboretum Nature Area/
Nichols Arboretum visitors to the City. These Destinations potentially attract as many visitors as
'(
Museum Rackham
entire Areas do. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) even
Power
Performance City Auditorium
Network Center
Center Fu
lle

Ave
Building Michigan State rR
Federal Theater Theater Mendelssohn
Theatre d classifies some of these Destinations as “Super Destinations,” and identifies

Washtenaw
The Ark Building/ Ruthven
Post Office E Liberty St Michigan
Furstenberg Nature Area
them on local highway exits. It makes sense then to pick up routing to these
Exhibit Nature Area
League
Blake Transit Hill Museum
Center District Auditorium
Library
Nickels
Arcade
Gedde
Destinations from the highways to their front doors.
s Rd
Student Diag
Chamber of Activities
2) Some Destinations in this category, due to their geographic location, do not
Commerce Building Kelsey
Museum
S Main St

Museum
of Art
Gallup Park fit comfortably into any Area (such as UM Mattaei Botanical Gardens). Some
S University Ave Post Office
Branch Concordia University of them are located quite far away from other concentrations of Destinations,
Michigan
UM Campus some immediately off of highway ramps. Again, visitors would be served best
W

Union
as
ht

(an Area) to see these Destinations listed on guide signage at level one.
en
aw
Av
e

Huron Hills Golf Course

Information Presentation at Level 2: Destinations within
Areas
S Main St

At level two of information presentation are the remaining Destinations, which

are located within Areas. The Wayfinding System Organization Chart indicates
Yost
Michigan
Stadium
Arena South Pond Nature Area
how routing to these destinations would be displayed to driving visitors:
S State St

Crisler
Arena
1) At Level One, directly off highways, visitors would follow guide signage to
UM South Campus
the appropriate Area;
Washtenaw Community College

E St
Pa

adi
um
ck

B lvd
2) at Level Two, as the visitor entered and/or navigated throughout the Area,
ar

W
as
d
St

ht

they would see signage begin to guide to the Destinations within.

en
aw
Av
e

E Stadium Blvd
When visitors park their cars and become pedestrians, they would also
encounter a system of wayfinding elements developed uniquely suited to their
Wash situation and needs. We will elaborate on the character of these elements
The UM Campus Area tenaw
Ave
further in this document.
:M>I(,
Temporary or Special Event Routing/Destinations
Corbin Design anticipates that the wayfinding solution will need to accom-
modate a limited amount of temporary and/or changing messaging related to
“event” destinations that occur at or near named destinations. The Art Fair is a
prominent example of this. Both at the vehicular and pedestrian level, certain
wayfinding elements in the system will have to incorporate this changeable/
Pa

updatable message capability.

ck
S State St

a
rd
St

Wa y f i n d i n g A n a l y s i s a nd Recommendations Document for | Developed by for the Ann Arbor D o w n t o w n D e v e l o p m e n t A u t h o r i t y | Pa g e 

Ann Arbor, Michigan

:M>I&,,
 Updated March 30, 2007

Fo r Pe d e s t r i a n V i s i t o r s —
Information presentation for pedestrian visitors begins within each Area
at any public parking location—drivers become pedestrians by parking
their cars. Just one level of information presentation exists for pedestrian
visitors, where wayfinding elements guide them to nearby Destinations.
Within the Downtown Area, wayfinding elements will also highlight and
guide to the Districts.

Park Once, Then Walk

WAYFINDING WILL PROMOTE EASE OF PEDESTRIAN ACCESS BETWEEN AREAS

Downtown Area UM Campus Area

South
Kerrytown University
District
District
WAYFINDING WILL PROMOTE
EASE OF PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
AMONG ALL DISTRICTS

State Diag
Main Street
Street District
Exhibit Museum
District Hill Auditorium

Kelsey Museum
Mendelssohn
Chamber of Convention & Theatre
The Ark
Commerce Visitors Bureau
Michigan League
Blake Transit
Center Farmers/Artisans Michigan
City Center Market Union
Building
County Museum of Art
Administration
Building Federal Building/
Crisler Arena Post Office Power Center

County Rackham
Courthouse District Library Michigan Theater Auditorium
WAYFINDING WILL PROMOTE EASE OF PEDESTRIAN ACCESS AMONG DESTINATIONS
State Theater
Greyhound Kerrytown Michigan Stadium
Station Concert House Student
Activities
Hands On Performance Building
Museum Kerrytown Shops Network
Analysis & Recommendations

Municipal Building: Yost Arena

- City Hall
- Police Station
Nickels Arcade
Zingerman’s
The City of Ann Arbor
Post Office Wayfinding System Organization Chart
PEDESTRIAN

109 East Front Suite 304

Traverse City, MI 49684
231 947.1236

Wa y f i n d i n g A n a l y s i s a nd Recommendations Document for | Developed by for the Ann Arbor D o w n t o w n D e v e l o p m e n t A u t h o r i t y | Pa g e 

Ann Arbor, Michigan
 Updated March 30, 2007

Wa y f i n d i n g E l e m e n t s In exploring what opportunities there may be in revisiting/reinforcing or augmenting the

Challenge | Properly and consistently identify Downtown Ann Arbor from
MDOT standard signage, we would offer these recommendations with regard to what is 1)
Practical, 2) Feasible and/or 3) Desirable. area highways and thoroughfares.
As we mentioned earlier, the decision points visitors will face in their experience of Ann Arbor
should be supported by wayfinding elements that lead them seamlessly to their intended
destinations. Through our work on wayfinding and signage systems, we’ve identified a family 1) Practical
Work with (propose to) MDOT to reinforce (“fill-in”) messages and signs within its existing Solution Opportunity | Standard MDOT signage is in place, but may need
of elements that work effectively together to achieve this goal:
signage system along I-94, US-23 and M-14. to be updated and/or augmented. As one example, the term “Downtown”
is a part of current MDOT terminology supported in a very limited way on
Regional DOT Signage (MDOT):
a. Introduce the term“Downtown” into messaging on I-94 and US-23 (it currently is limited a few signs. We would recommend more use of “Downtown” in additional
It is important to properly identify Ann Arbor from area highways and thoroughfares.
to appearances on M-14, north of Ann Arbor). MDOT guide signs.
Standard MDOT signage in place works well, but could benefit by some further examination
of messaging used, to carry consistent nomenclature. Additional MDOT signage might be Corbin Design will propose messaging and layouts in standard MDOT for-
suggested to consistently support all major destination routes. b. Further emphasize the exit options, and offer route reinforcement at the terminus points mats, and will provide a package of detailed documentation sufficient for
of the exit ramps off the three major entry arteries (I-94, US-23, M-14), for access to: seeking MDOT’s approval. Our documentation will include a discussion of
As stated, at the outermost approaches into Ann Arbor, via I-94, M-14 and US-23, the system “Michigan Stadium” circulation concerns, and a “business case” argument for our recommenda-
of green and white MDOT signs offer a logical and effective vocabulary to guide the first-time “Univ of Mich” tions. Soon after Corbin Design’s initial visual design presentation in April,
visitor into Ann Arbor. Of significance in this existing system is the effort to route and/or other- “Downtown Ann Arbor” we suggest establishing a dialog with the local MDOT office, bringing them
wise call out uniquely, and by formal naming: in as early as possible. This will allow us to remain somewhat flexible with
2) Feasible respect to their feedback.
Downtown All of #1 above plus:
Univ of Mich Introduction, within the established MDOT and MUTCD visual sign type language, of selec-
Michigan Stadium tive exit ramp and trailblazing routing to: Boundary Markers or Gateway Identifiers:
Huron River These elements highlight the perimeter of the City and tell visitors they’ve arrived in Ann Arbor,
“Kerrytown District” providing a welcoming entryway. They also help to create anticipatory value in the system by
Additionally it is noted that the UM has reinforced the standard MDOT “Blue H” hospital sign “Main Street District” displaying design elements that visitors will see later in their journey. Currently in Ann Arbor,
with their own version that brands the “H” with “U of M” beneath it. “State Street District” there are a few of these signs in the MDOT style, displaying sister cities and paying homage to
“South University District” the original boundaries of “Annarbour.” Our recommendation will be to create a new Gateway
Identification element, honoring the aesthetics of the new wayfinding system, that possibly
integrates these existing elements.
3) Desirable
Item #1b above plus:
Introduction onto the state routes M-14 and US23 (before exiting into Ann Arbor) of selected
custom vehicular guide signage as will be designed in this program.

MDOT governs what can and cannot be placed within the public right-of-way along state
and/or federal highways. Relating to this project those highways would be I-94, US-23 and
M-14 most significantly. Ultimately the type of custom designed vehicular guide signage that
will emerge from our efforts will be required to be evaluated by MDOT for its design-intent
compliance with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), the standard for
federal and, in varying forms, many state guidelines for highway signage.

It is Corbin Design’s desire that a satisfactory agreement can be reached with MDOT to
acknowledge the exceptions, variances and/or modified conditions necessary to introduce a
resulting custom-designed wayfinding system’s visual design vocabulary into certain road-
ways that define the central and immediately surrounding areas of Downtown Ann Arbor.

Within the precisely defined visual sign type vocabulary of the MUTCD Corbin Design sees
great opportunity to default to certain of those visual standards. In other instances, the
degree of desired customized design will likely fall outside MUTCD guidelines but still comply
with all ADA considerations as well as established legibility criteria in exterior environments. Existing “Village of Annarbour” signs

Wa y f i n d i n g A n a l y s i s a nd Recommendations Document for | Developed by for the Ann Arbor D o w n t o w n D e v e l o p m e n t A u t h o r i t y | Pa g e 1 0

Ann Arbor, Michigan
 Updated March 30, 2007

Vehicular Guide Signs: Pedestrian Guide Signs:

These signs support wayfinding to parking and destinations in the vicinity of the sign location. A Pedestrian Guide Sign functions much like a Vehicular Guide sign to navigate the pedestrian
Nomenclature
Super destinations may appear on guide signs that are farther away from the destination, from parking areas to destinations within walking distance, while guiding the pedestrian along
Consistent nomenclature is one of the most important supporting features of a successful
leading drivers in from regional entrances. In the sequence of encounter, guide signs lead defined routes.
wayfinding system. We make the assumption that destinations included in the wayfinding
visitors first to the vicinity of their destination, then to the destination, then to nearby parking.
system (stadiums, theatres, medical centers, etc.) have taken care of consistency at both
Pedestrian Kiosks:
extreme ends of the wayfinding experience spectrum—naming presented on their owned
Parking Identification Signs: Kiosks serve to orient pedestrians to their position within the larger area and often provide
brochures, advertising materials, and Web sites matches naming presented in the environment
When drivers near their destination, it is important that they immediately recognize avail- additional location and/or information of general interest. They incorporate a map element,
itself on building and parking identification signage.
able parking. Public parking needs to be clearly identified so that drivers may park as close oriented to the visitor’s position when facing the map, with an easily understood “You Are
as possible to their desired destination. Existing public parking in Ann Arbor is generally quite Here” marker. Super destinations and other key destinations are identified on the map, along
As the project moves forward Corbin Design will want the team to confirm the names of all
clearly identified, and signage incorporates the universal circle “P” symbol. We will recom- with parking venues. As noted, kiosks can also be a source for added information about the
destinations for both formal identification as well as functional (i.e., sometimes abbreviated)
mend that the new system maintain these positive qualities, and that a consistent graphic area, such as historical facts and seasonal events.
but consistent use in wayfinding messaging. As an example, The University of Michigan will of
identity be considered to unite all of the public parking venues and possibly offer a means to
necessity have to be reduced substantially in how it is identified on vehicular guide messaging.
convey relevant District . District and/or Area Identification:
Equally, throughout this working document we have been using the term “District” as it
It is expected that the design solutions proposed for the above-described primary wayfinding
relates to the four designated areas of focus in the project. It is quite possible that the term
elements will graphically acknowledge Districts or Areas, both in relation to where the sign
“District” will not become part of the formal nomenclature (e.g., is it “Kerrytown” or can it be
resides as well as in relation to guide or mapping information conveyed by the sign. Whether
“Kerrytown District”?).
by name alone (as in “Kerrytown”) or additionally with color, typography and defining iconog-
raphy (logo, branding), this will be a significant part of our solution explorations.
The next point where naming is presented is on the more distant green & white highway
signage. It is important to be aware of naming presented on signage provided by MDOT.
In addition, we want to explore opportunities for elements which simply mark or identify the
location. These may include street name signs that integrate the District or Area name/brand
(the existing treatment for the Old Fourth Ward historic area, while elegant, could be better Challenge | Aim for nomenclature consistency from start (visitor
integrated with the street name sign), building corner-mounted street identifiers with District learns about Downtown Ann Arbor, about a certain destination) to finish
or Area name/brand, sidewalk embedment identifiers. The existing historic information panels (arrival at destination).
(both the freestanding transparent units and the facade-mounted 1, 2, and 3 panel sets) are
quite inviting, adding to the overall experience of Downtown, but they are few in number and
do not easily identify the District. Solution Opportunity | Concentrate on information on highways and
leave custom aesthetic development for the portion of wayfinding signage
within the City. Develop a program report of proposed informational addi-
tions and/or corrections. These would be made within the standard MDOT
highway sign aesthetic vocabulary (i.e. green rectangular panel with white
lettering). Present to local MDOT officials with focus on strengthening
informational presentation. When within the City, develop a vehicular and
pedestrian wayfinding system that supports MDOT’s presentation and relies
on consistent nomenclature across the spectrum of wayfinding elements.

Existing Parking Identification and Guide Signs

Wa y f i n d i n g A n a l y s i s a nd Recommendations Document for | Developed by for the Ann Arbor D o w n t o w n D e v e l o p m e n t A u t h o r i t y | Pa g e 1 1
Ann Arbor, Michigan
 Updated March 30, 2007

Visitors to Ann Arbor are coming for a wide variety of reasons: Tourists are coming for entertain- Katya
The Experience of Getting to ment and shopping, relatives are visiting family, patients are visiting the hospital, some have Age: 31
A n n A r b o r To d a y business at Governmental centers, others are bound for the University – the destinations and From: Minneapolis, MN
intentions are numerous and sometimes not mutually exclusive. Visitors from each audience Intent: Katya flew in this morning to Detroit Metro Airport from Minneapolis, and
Who is visiting Ann Arbor, and why? group are in different mindsets, experiencing different levels of stress and comfort. A successful is driving her rental car into Ann Arbor to meet with a potential employer for a
It is important to qualify and quantify the audience of visitors to Ann Arbor: Who is coming to wayfinding system will address the desires and experiences of each audience, and will minimize lunch interview.
Ann Arbor, and what are they doing here? the element of fear about an unfamiliar environment. Make it easy and intuitive for everyone to
get around, and you’ll keep them coming back!
The Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau keeps tabs on visitor demographics, and
provided the following helpful data: To illustrate the journey our various audiences will experience, we’d like to introduce a cast Luke, Jaime and Max
of characters who will help us approach the project through their unique perspectives. They Age: 30, 28, and 6
A “visitor” to Ann Arbor is defined as someone coming from outside a 50-mile radius. were chosen from a large pool of contenders because they represent a good cross-section of From: Traverse City, MI
Annually, Ann Arbor welcomes 4 million visitors. first-time vehicular and pedestrian experiences we’ve identified. We welcome your input (and Intent: Luke, Jaime and their son Max are staying with Jaime’s
stories!) as together we create an overview of the visitor’s journey to and through Ann Arbor: cousins in Whitmore Lake for a week in summer. They have
• Ann Arbor is primarily a regional destination, with an exaggerated beyond-regional audi- heard good things about Ann Arbor from their friends in
ence due to the presence of the UM. Traverse City, and decided to include a day trip during
their vacation.
• 40 percent of visitors are business travelers (for meetings and conferences, primarily related Ann and Linda
to the University and Integrated Park). Age: 71 and 43
From: Fowlerville, MI
• 49 percent of visitors come to visit relatives or friends; this audience is largely generated by Intent: Ann is driving her daughter Linda to University Hospital
the University population. These visitors often access entertainment venues as part of their for an oncology appointment. Linda is fatigued and not feeling
visit. well, so Ann plans to drive in for the 11:15 AM appointment and
return home immediately afterward.
• 28 percent of visitors stay overnight, averaging 3 nights; most of these are visiting relatives. From Home to the Highway
Visitors’ experiences navigating Ann Arbor begin far earlier than when they begin to see land-
• Most hotels are located outside of Downtown—only a couple of B&Bs and hotels are marks of the City from their car windows, and sometimes even before they hop in the car.
located near the UM campus. Most visitors drive from their hotel to Downtown, rather than Cherie and Tim It is important to realize that a comprehensive wayfinding system should consider the navi-
taking the bus. Age: 52 and 58 gational experience beyond immediate physical geography and the abundance of information
From: Grosse Pointe, MI visitors may receive from various sources.
• Some visitors hold the perception that it’s difficult to park Downtown, and choose to shop Intent: Cherie and Tim drove into town for the weekend to visit
in the malls south of town. their daughter Mallory, a first-year undergraduate student at the Let’s follow our characters as they make their way to Ann Arbor:
University of Michigan (UM). Mallory has polled her friends over
• Touring performance events visiting in Michigan are sometimes booked exclusively to Ann the past week for the best restaurants on Main Street to hit when
Arbor rather than surrounding large venues, due to its college campus environment. her parents are in town, and looks forward to indulging a bit with
Mom and Dad.
• Since Ann Arbor is the county seat, many visitors come to for governmental-related
business.
Sid and Howard
• UM home football games are the largest attendance-generator in Ann Arbor. Age: 39 and 41
From: Chicago, IL
• The Ann Arbor Art Fairs are the second-largest attendance generator. Intent: Sid and Howard remain friends since they met as dorm
roommates at Northwestern University. Ever Wildcat fans, they
• The UM Medical Center is a large draw for overnight visitors, reserving about 60 local hotel are making their way to Ann Arbor to watch a volatile match at
rooms nightly, plus 30 in-house rooms at the Med-Inn. the Big House at 3:30 PM. Sid’s wife Nina is a Michigan alum
who persuaded the guys to try dinner tonight at the Brown Jug.
• Tourists come to Ann Arbor primarily for entertainment: dining, music, cultural events,
weddings, special events, and athletic events (football, basketball, hockey, gymnastics,
swimming, baseball, softball).

• 50 percent of visitors shop while in Ann Arbor (although this is generally not their primary
reason for visiting).

Wa y f i n d i n g A n a l y s i s a nd Recommendations Document for | Developed by for the Ann Arbor D o w n t o w n D e v e l o p m e n t A u t h o r i t y | Pa g e 12

Ann Arbor, Michigan
 Updated March 30, 2007

Ann and Linda

Ann received a printed map brochure from UM Health System in the mail
last week, and feels confident about her short drive down US-23 to the Luke, Jaime and Max
University Hospital. She and Linda leave Fowlerville just over an hour Luke calls out to Jaime to take Exit 3 to head into Ann Arbor for lunch. The highway exit identifier
before Linda’s appointment time. sign confirms that “DOWNTOWN Ann Arbor” can be found via that exit, and they coast along. They
pass a long stretch of old, run-down buildings on their left, and a hill of rough brush and foliage on
Cherie and Tim their right. Luke wonders aloud, “Are we here?” and Jaime’s stomach growls. They pass under a rusty
Cherie used an online mapping tool to find directions to Mallory’s dorm, train trestle as Max cries, “Can we swim in there today?”—he has spotted the wide Huron River to
which she printed out for the trip. She and Tim leave their home mid- their left, often difficult for drivers to notice. After another two minutes, Jaime notices the charming
morning for Ann Arbor, hoping to visit Mallory at her dorm room before wood houses and then they hit the Downtown experience they were
taking her out to lunch. expecting—taller buildings, streetscaping, and pedestrians out
walking and biking.
Sid and Howard Exiting the Highway and Entering Ann Arbor
Sid picked up a map of Michigan from his AAA branch and has high- '( &)
Visitors exiting the surrounding highways have reached the
lighted the path that he’ll drive with Howard to Michigan Stadium. They &)
threshold of where they begin to see evidence of and take :M>I)'
have a simple drive east on I-94 to exit 175, which Sid noticed from the :M>I)*
impressions of the character of Ann Arbor:
map was closest in proximity to the Stadium. He picks Howard up at 8 AM
for the 3:30 PM game and they make their way from the western Chicago '(

suburbs to I-94. :M>I)&

Sid and Howard &)

A few miles before their exit, Sid and Howard encounter :M>I)
Katya
slow-moving, bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-94. They roll
Katya’s flight arrived on time this morning just before noon, and she has picked
down their windows and absorb the energy of the crowd; :M>I' :M>I(
up her rental car at the airport. The clerk at the rental counter highlighted the
Howard pops in a CD of the Northwestern marching band to
route to Main Street in Downtown on one of their map handouts.
make their loyalties known to U of M-flag-waving vehicles :M>I&,&
on their sides. Soon they see a green-and-white MDOT
Luke, Jaime and Max &)
sign noting “Michigan Stadium: Exits 172 & 175.” Sid
Jaime’s cousin verbalized the directions to Ann Arbor over breakfast this .)
re-checks his directions, which called for exiting via
morning. Luke navigates via their Michigan highways map as Jaime
number 175. He wonders in the midst of the traffic if '(
drives south down US-23 into the City. :M>I&,'
he should take 172, which comes up quickly, or wait. After :M>I(.
several more minutes, they reach exit 175 and slowly depart
from the highway. They follow the long stream of cars along
Ann Arbor-Saline Road as it changes from a commercial
thoroughfare into the residential Main Street. Finally they see
Michigan Stadium looming up ahead and choose a lawn to
park on for the day.
.)
:M>I(,
As the Convention and Visitors Bureau defines a visitor to Ann Arbor as someone coming
from outside a 50-mile radius, most if not all visitors will enter the City from a surrounding
highway. Ann Arbor is located in the midst of three surrounding highways:
:M>I&,*
• I-94: Runs east and west and borders the southwest side of the City
:M>I&,,
• US-23: Runs north and south and borders the east side of the City .)
'(

• M-14: Runs east and west and borders the north side of the City, sprouting from I-94
to the west :M>I(*
:M>I&-% .)

'(

The Surrounding Highways and Their Exits to Ann Arbor

Wa y f i n d i n g A n a l y s i s a nd Recommendations Document for | Developed by for the Ann Arbor D o w n t o w n D e v e l o p m e n t A u t h o r i t y | Pa g e 1 3

Ann Arbor, Michigan
 Updated March 30, 2007

Exploring Ann Arbor Characteristics beget “Character” Downtown’s Character

These are the definable environmental (spatial, architectural) characteristics that can either What creates the impression of Downtown Ann Arbor in the mind of the visitor? What gives
It could happen to you. You’re planning to spend one, two or a few days in a town you’ve enhance or conflict with a place’s character: the visitor a sense of being “downtown” as they may have imagined it? There are many adjec-
not been to. There may be a degree of anticipation; expectations of what the town, the area, tives, phrases, and statements which might capture that sense. We want to try and narrow
should be; recommendations from others (friends, literature, the internet) of what to see, do, • Humanity down a potentially long list to a few key concepts:
where to eat, stay. You’re nearly an empty canvas on which the experience will be the painter.
• Pedestrian/car interface • Walkable (small, 300’, street blocks, including to the UM Central Campus Area)
While Ann Arbor is defined by a comparatively large geographic area, to the majority of visitors
it is what we would call “Downtown” that would be of most interest. “Downtown” is gener- • Views & vistas of public spaces • Good balance - small shops, restaurants, businesses
ally limited by the trestle bridge on North Main Street near M-14, Stadium Blvd. at South Main
Street, where Huron becomes Jackson Road and roughly South Seventh Street to the west. Not • Architectural distinctiveness • Well-preserved architecture
terribly large. All four of the defined operational Districts fall within this area as does much of
the “Huron River Pathway” area. • Linked (or linkable) series • An “after-hours” life

In the main, a healthy individual could walk this area in a day’s visit, or easily explore it • Street lighting • The “Center” of things
via bike or Segway. Walkability is a highly valued characteristic of a downtown
experience. • Architectural heritage • Older architecture, well re-purposed

• Development Cues • Clean

• Building setbacks • “Main Street”

• Foliage • Vibrant

• Color, pattern, material • Eclectic

• Street furniture • Something of interest in every block

• Hard/soft, active/passive areas • Enough of what I expected, to not be threatening

• Variety/diversity • A college town atmosphere

• Nodes, edges, paths, districts, and landmarks • Comfortable; safe

• Street block length (only 300’ here; critical in promoting pedestrian experience • A good starting point for a visitor

• Presence of pedestrians out and about is a cue to “Downtown” • Contemporary, with an attractive patina of age

These metrics for Ann Arbor’s Downtown tend to work together to create the character
desired. The introduction of a comprehensive wayfinding signage and graphic
system would, by definition, want to resonate well with these variables. Street Renovations: Huron, Fifth, Division
The current streetscape redesign work of Albert Kahn’s and Beckett & Raeder’s offices for
the Huron Street and the Fifth & Division Streets, respectively, should introduce elements
of“softening” of these heavy vehicular corridors, to make them more pedestrian-friendly.

With the University’s planned student housing project at State and Huron there will likely
be a strengthening of the natural pedestrian experience further north along State to Huron
(historically visitors along State Street remained concentrated a block south of Huron as shops,
restaurants and generally an engaging streetscape experience didn’t continue much further
north from that). With Huron Street’s renovation extending this far east there should be further
occurrences of busy pedestrian traffic here. Lastly, Huron Street’s renovation work should
also enhance the pedestrian’s ability to cross Huron at Fourth Street and continue northward
directly into Kerrytown.

Wa y f i n d i n g A n a l y s i s a nd Recommendations Document for | Developed by for the Ann Arbor D o w n t o w n D e v e l o p m e n t A u t h o r i t y | Pa g e 14

Ann Arbor, Michigan
 Updated March 30, 2007

The Districts; The Areas Liberty Street: A 5th District or a “Link Corridor”? Similarities & Differences
One of the primary efforts of the wayfinding program is to promote and make easy the experi- At a pedestrian level it becomes apparent that the ability to walk between the heart of Ann All four Districts share many, if not all, of the environmental characteristics describing
ence of getting from one District or Area to another as well as navigation within the District or Arbor’s Downtown and the University of Michigan’s Campus, all within 10 minutes, is a signifi- Downtown (as we recognize Kerrytown and the Main Street Districts are linked and to
Area, particularly as a pedestrian, after parking your car. cant characteristic of Ann Arbor. many people define the core experience of Ann Arbor’s Downtown).

The four primary Districts are: This comfortable integration between campus and town parallels those found in Bloomington, Each District presents a certain nuance of character or the “sense” of a place. All four
Indiana and Madison, Wisconsin, to name two cities that have benefited from such pedestrian have short, easy-to-remember names. For three, the names reinforce the District’s
Kerrytown District linkage. geographic location (street naming). These three street-named Districts have a domi-
Main Street District nant linear spine (their street) with limited extensions of their experiences off the spine.
State Street District It has historically been Liberty and Washington Streets that provided the most efficient & Kerrytown’s lack of this linearity may subtly reinforce linking its name to its experience
South University District enjoyable walking routes, because of their mid-locations entering either Main Street or State (i.e. the expanse of a “town”, not the linearity of a “street”); a positive advantage.
Street (the western boundary of Campus) Districts. And Liberty Street seemingly captured
Weaving around, through or into these, are the two primary “Areas”: a slightly greater degree of the pedestrian east/west traffic than Washington Street (again, While all four Districts are equally walkable, there is a size difference that the visitor likely
possibly due to its very central point along each terminus District). recognizes. However, the size disparities are comparatively small and we do not believe
Downtown they impact visitor perceptions, either positively or negatively. Of more importance from
UM Campus From a pedestrian wayfinding standpoint there is a good argument for this Liberty Street a pedestrian wayfinding standpoint will be the value to a visitor of knowing how far the
corridor to be promoted as “THE” pedestrian linking experience. Possibly we would want to walk is from the District they are in to other Districts and to nearby Areas and primary
explore, in nomenclature, a “Link Corridor” in order to emphasize a very specific linking route destinations. This shall be a significant objective of the wayfinding solution.
such as Liberty Street.
The culture and atmosphere varies among Districts. Kerrytown and Main Street do not
possess as strong a “campus” flavor as the other two, reflecting more of a sophisticated
small-town sense. Equally, the State Street and South University Districts exude a domi-
nant university/student culture and sensibility.

Linking and Cross-Pollination

A primary objective of the wayfinding is to enhance and dramatically encourage explora-
tion by visitors into all Districts. This is likely to be most successfully accomplished via
pedestrian wayfinding, particularly at the visitor’s interface with parking venues.

We will explore solutions which establish at primary visitor “capture points” (parking,
respite/congregating locations) strong informational (orientation mapping, landmark
“learning”) and arrow-based guide solutions that speak to the visitor and efficiently
inform them of and route them to Districts other than the one they are in. Making the
network or “interconnectivity” much more understandable & apparent among all four
Districts will, by default, promote an awareness of the whole of Downtown Ann Arbor.

Wa y f i n d i n g A n a l y s i s a nd Recommendations Document for | Developed by for the Ann Arbor D o w n t o w n D e v e l o p m e n t A u t h o r i t y | Pa g e 15

Ann Arbor, Michigan
 Updated March 30, 2007

Concept Exploration Opportunities System Management Processes Strategic Implementation Plan

As a result of our analysis and with the conclusions thus far drawn, as well as through input Once a program is finally implemented it will be critical to establish an effective mechanism for These are the tasks which must be completed over the course of the next several months.
of the Project Advisory Committee, Corbin Design sees several opportunities emerging that we overseeing the maintenance and upkeep of the components. Responsibility is shared between Corbin Design and the team, with the team’s responsibility
expect to pursue. These ideas will be expanded in the visualization process and shared with falling to reviews and final approvals.
the team in preliminary sketch concept form in April. A budget should be in place to handle maintenance and updating. We have found in our work
with other city programs that if certain destinations successfully leverage for inclusion in the • Confirmation of primary vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns
Gateway wayfinding signage system, it is possible to negotiate with them to carry some of the cost
• design as part of resulting custom system the existing MDOT “Annarbour” boundary of changing or adding a sign. However, we often find that the likelihood of these requests • Refinement of the destination list
identifiers coming at a time when other changes or updates need to be made is so great that it is not
• design treatment of repetitive series (rather than a single sign) identifying Downtown as practical to expect a single destination to carry the total financial burden. An ongoing mainte- • Approval of all information and logic aspects of the program
you enter nance budget should be established before promoting the funding process itself. This budget
• design treatment identifying entry into (or presence within) a District. can be supported by contributions made by venues appearing in the system messaging (based • Development and review of initial design concepts
on frequency of name occurrence for example). Corbin Design will be able to assist the team
Vehicular Guide in establishing these budgets prior to implementation. • Design direction selection and further design development
• Freestanding?
• Attached to existing structure? Elements of the wayfinding system should be designed to accommodate changes over time. • Development and refinement of the sign message schedule and sign location plan
• Flexibility in messaging for temporal “event” destinations While the majority of destinations are not expected to change (particularly super destinations),
additions and changes to existing signage should be cost-effective, as should system mainte- Once approvals have been given on the above, the following activities are required to
Parking Venue Identifier nance over time. Additionally, certain time-sensitive, event-driven destinations (games at the complete the implementation of the wayfinding system:
Potential of augmenting existing, strongly identified parking venues with a common, inexpen- stadium, art fairs, etc.) will require that the wayfinding system adequately support change-
sive, graphic device that ability to meet their needs. • Development of detailed fabrication specifications for pricing and fabrication
1.) associates to relevant District(s) and/or
2.) relevance to primary local destinations. Given the nature of the destinations that will appear on signage, changes should be infre- • Bidding
• Freestanding? quent, and will probably for the most part be driven by repair/refurbish needs (i.e. damage
• Attached to existing structure? by vehicle). A good rule of thumb for inspections seems to be every two to three years. Fully • Fabrication period (phased, if required)
damaged or vandalized units need to be dealt with immediately. We recommend that the City
Pedestrian Mapping keep a stock of blank sign panels that can be updated quickly if a sign is damaged and needs • Installation period (phased, if required)
• Integral to an information kiosk? to be replaced. More complex signs, such as pedestrian kiosks, will have a longer lead time
• Only the map element? when updates or replacements are needed. • Preparation of the final signage standards manual
• Freestanding?
• Attached to existing structure? We recommend aligning with a local fabricator for updating message copy as needed.
• Dimensional (slight relief) - “Hill” concept However, if design or wayfinding changes need to be incorporated into the system, we
• Capable of defining temporal “event” destinations recommend contacting Corbin Design to maintain the integrity of the wayfinding system and
design intent. Our Design Intent Manual containing all sign types in the system will be made
Landmark Learning available following fabrication and installation. The drawings will be bid-ready and will aid in
There are strong existing landmarks (Michigan & State Theatres, Stadium) and potential new the ordering of additional signs; the fabricator’s shop drawings should also be referenced for
significant landmarks (something within the redesigned Huron streetscape experience?) which construction details.
could be “captured” by a wayfinding solution to advance or enhance both vehicular and
pedestrian wayfinding. Sign maintenance instructions are supplied by the fabricator upon final installation. Typically,
Corbin Design requests that fabricators provide a written five-year full-replacement warranty
Pedestrian Guide on craftsmanship and materials.
• Freestanding?
• Attached to existing structure? A central point of control should be designated for all signage changes and additions. We
• Flexibility in messaging for temporal “event” destinations also recommend having a plan in place for the anticipated updating, as well as sign additions,
repairs and changes. As part of communication and training to all staff involved, it should be
Building Corner-Mounted District Identifier emphasized that all signage must work as a cohesive system, and that procedures must be
• A custom dimensional element that combines into a single structure both the street names followed to ensure signage conforms to the standards as a part of a larger wayfinding system.
and the relevant District.
• Could equally be used to more fully integrate historical area markers (Old Fourth Ward)
with street identification.
• By avoiding integration onto existing street signs or sign posts, there is greater flexibility in
how/where bldg. corner identifier occurs.

Sidewalk-embedment District Identifier

• A cast panel integrated into the sidewalk finishes

Wa y f i n d i n g A n a l y s i s a nd Recommendations Document for | Developed by for the Ann Arbor D o w n t o w n D e v e l o p m e n t A u t h o r i t y | Pa g e 16

Ann Arbor, Michigan
 Updated March 30, 2007
23 14

14

23

14

14

94

23

94

Wo r k i n g S i t e P l a n
The full-size version of this is available as a downloadable
PDF graphic file from Corbin Design.

Analysis & Recommendations

The City of Ann Arbor

Wayfinding System Site Plan
94

23

109 East Front Suite 304

Traverse City, MI 49684
231 947.1236
94

Wa y f i n d i n g A n a l y s i s a nd Recommendations Document for | Developed by for the Ann Arbor D o w n t o w n D e v e l o p m e n t A u t h o r i t y | Pa g e 1 7

Ann Arbor, Michigan
 Updated March 30, 2007

M D O T- E x i s t i n g S i g n a g e
The full-size version of this is available as a downloadable
PDF graphic file from Corbin Design.

Wa y f i n d i n g A n a l y s i s a nd Recommendations Document for | Developed by for the Ann Arbor D o w n t o w n D e v e l o p m e n t A u t h o r i t y | Pa g e 18

Ann Arbor, Michigan