Council favors metal‑pylon monument concept after streetscape update; tall pylons estimated at $150K–$175K each

Kendrick Wyman and city staff presented updated right‑of‑way streetscape standards and two families of entry‑monument concepts designed to create a consistent visual identity for Thornton City and to use durable, low‑maintenance materials.

Staff described Concept 1 as tall Corten/patina steel pylons on a rammed‑earth base with black steel lettering and illuminated logo boxes, and Concept 2 as a more contemporary, colored acrylic element around a black steel pillar. Both families were shown as a kit of parts that can be scaled and combined for site‑appropriate installations.

Wyman told council the two tallest pylons — the most expensive elements — are estimated at roughly $150,000–$175,000 apiece for installation, including traffic control, materials and labor, and that the initial funding would come from remaining median‑improvement capital funds. He said Arapahoe Sign Arts is contracted to finalize site‑specific construction documents.

Council members debated aesthetics, scale and cost. "I like concept 1 except for I would like to see the lettering bill," one council member said, asking staff to refine the Thornton lettering detail. Others preferred Concept 2’s playful, internally lit acrylic; several councilors argued for consistency with existing patina metal art near City Hall and Thornton Parkway.

After discussion, council reached consensus to proceed with Concept 1 as the lead approach while directing staff to refine lettering, analyze scaled or lower‑cost variants from the kit‑of‑parts, and plan a phased rollout rather than replacing all 14 existing monuments at once.

What happens next: staff will refine designs and bring back construction-level documents and cost refinements; installation of any tall pylon would be funded from the capital median‑improvements balance that remains for this project, and any broader rollout will be considered through future capital prioritization.