HOLYOKE, MA –
The City of Holyoke, under the direction of the City’s Office of Planning and Economic Development, has recently begun working with consulting firm Stantec to develop a wayfinding plan for the downtown area. The goal of the plan is to establish an approach for a new wayfinding signage system that could replace the existing (City-owned) signs over a period of time. The new system would create a more navigable downtown for users of all travel modes using a simple but distinct and cohesive signage strategy. The City will be using this wayfinding plan to develop and fabricate signs in the near future for downtown Holyoke.
On February 26, 2025, the City will host the first of two public meetings to discuss the process and progress of a comprehensive Wayfinding Signage Study for the Downtown, which began in October and continues through the spring. The meeting, to be held at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute, 164 Race St, begins at 5:30 PM and will feature information about Downtown Holyoke’s existing wayfinding signage inventory while providing an opportunity for attendees to share comments and provide input about how best to ensure that the signage supports navigation to key downtown destinations for visitors using different modes and is designed to accurately reflect the character of Holyoke’s community.
The workshop is designed to be interactive but will also feature a presentation by members of the project team. The City of Holyoke plans to make materials from the meeting available online for those that cannot attend in-person.
The City of Holyoke is committed to facilitating a robust process of community engagement relating to its Downtown wayfinding strategy, including in-person and virtual options for stakeholders to provide feedback. Also beginning on February 26th, an online survey will be available for residents, visitors, business owners, and employees to provide information relating to wayfinding signage that may inform the development of design-related components of the signs. A second public meeting will be identified later this spring to present the proposed wayfinding sign designs and overall strategy.
Effective and distinct wayfinding signage plays an important role in supporting Downtown Holyoke’s economy and vitality. The perspectives of those that make Downtown Holyoke a cultural and business hub are vital to the success of this project.
“We are excited about working with the community to develop, design and the implementation of new Wayfinding signs in the city that express who we are as a community and to make it easier to navigate the city for residents and visitors”, said OPED director Aaron Vega adding “It’s exciting to see this move forward in concert with our tourism efforts and the updating of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.”