When Great Lakes Land Co. reached out to us about an entrance sign for the Dockery Hills residential community, we knew it had to be unique. The property, located between Acme and Kalkaska on Dockery Road off of M-72, consists of estate-sized lots with minimal development to preserve the rolling hills and mature hardwoods of the area. It was essential for the sign to be a reflection of the acreage’s natural setting.
An artistic approach was taken with the structural design. Elements from nature are weaved with fabricated metal, creating a sign that is both organic and functional. Sprawling across twenty feet, the composition uses depth between sign segments to play on the natural light and shadows of the space. The refined look of the brushed aluminum letters contrasts with the Corten steel background, mimicking the sophistication of the Dockery Hills neighborhood in its environment.
Design and structure aren’t the only unique factors in the build of this sign. We took an atypical approach to installation. Most sign installations start with a base that is anchored into the ground, and sign panels are then attached to it. This sign is built more like a sculpture. The fabricated sign elements evolve directly from the posts, which are secured underground with steel plates.
