Corner of 7 mile and Haggerty; Livonia, MI
The Challenge
On the edge of Schoolcraft College’s expansive 150-acre campus lies one of the busiest intersections in southeast Michigan. The corner of 7 Mile and Haggerty sees thousands of cars passing by each day, making it a prime location for high-impact advertising. Previously, a modest monument sign occupied the space, but Schoolcraft College sought to maximize this valuable real estate with something far more impressive.
For over 20 years, Johnson Sign Company (formerly as Huron Sign) has been crafting distinctive, custom signage for Schoolcraft College. The institution consistently opts for innovative, standout designs rather than ordinary, box-style signs. This time, they aimed to make a bold statement—one that would reinforce Schoolcraft’s reputation as one of the Midwest’s premier colleges.
The vision was clear: create a grand, eye-catching sign at the intersection of the campus’s two main roads. The existing sign was visually appealing but lacked the scale and presence needed for such a prominent location. A statement piece needed to be big—really big.
The design process began with multiple 3D-rendered concepts, each incorporating various lighting options. At approximately 800 square feet—the size of a small house—every proposed design was massive. After weeks of deliberation, the final design was selected: a striking structure featuring two wing walls and a curved center section.
With the design locked in, the next challenge emerged—how do you build something of this magnitude?
The Solution
Engineering & Construction Challenges
Given the sign’s scale and location, installation required careful planning and execution. Positioned off the road, the site’s accessibility was a challenge, requiring the use of a pump truck to pour 30 yards of concrete. Excavation work included digging an 80-foot-long trench footing.
Innovative Construction Approach
While we typically fabricate signs using aluminum with a steel substructure, this design pushed the boundaries of our standard process. The client loved the stone finish, and since this sign was meant to cement their reputation—cast concrete was the perfect material choice. To achieve the desired aesthetic, we leveraged our long-standing relationship with a national cast concrete supplier to manufacture 18 large panels, ranging in size from 8 feet by 4 feet to a massive 13 feet by 4 feet, each weighing over 1000 pounds.
Seamless Integration & Execution
With a solid plan in place, execution became the next challenge. The school’s landscaping team was responsible for regrading the corner and installing stepped blocks, requiring close coordination to ensure the foundation, landscaping, electrical components and retaining wall surrounding the sign aligned perfectly.
Each of the 33-foot-long wing walls and the 13-foot-tall curved center section was welded onto steel poles embedded in concrete footings. The cast concrete sections featured embedded steel plates, which were securely welded to our poles for structural stability. The fabricated aluminum halo-lit letters and the striking 7-foot-diameter logo were carefully wired through the cast stone sections, connecting seamlessly to the power supplies discreetly positioned on the back of the sign.
The result? A stunning, large-scale landmark that not only enhances Schoolcraft College’s presence but also showcases expert craftsmanship and innovative engineering.
The Result
A true Grand Statement! With approximately 20,000 vehicles passing by daily, this sign is impossible to miss. Perched high above the road, it commands attention, fulfilling its purpose with bold presence. And at night, when fully illuminated, it becomes even more striking—a beacon for Schoolcraft College.
