Children’s Minnesota and Spectrum Sign Systems have been working together for many years. When Children’s Minnesota went through a brand refresh, they looked to us to help them implement it at all of their locations.
The update of its logo required the removal of existing signs and the installation of new signage at their two hospitals and 6 of their clinics and specialty centers.
Site survey: Key to understanding the scope of the project
We conducted site surveys at each of the locations gathering information, making sure we had all the correct details, looking for optimal placement and recording repair work that was needed. We took into account site lines, utilities, right of way and city ordinances. Because the hospitals and clinics were located in multiple cities, city codes needed to be researched to see what would be allowed. Based on this, we created a sign inventory.
Some uniques aspects of the project
St. Paul Hospital required the most coordination because of the location of the three large LED illuminated letter sets. One being above the main entrance to the hospital, and the other two having access issues because of their location on the hospital.
We worked closely with the Children’s Minnesota facilities team to access the letter set above the main entrance with our crane truck, without disrupting traffic flow for the hospital. The other two large letter sets required swing stages to be set-up for installation. A swing stage is when the installers are suspended from the top of the building on scaffolding. Think window washer platform.
The Minneapolis Campus required updates to the wall, freestanding and directional signs for the hospital, emergency department, specialty center and parking ramp. The main challenge was understanding traffic flow around the campus because of the one-way on 26th Street.
We met with the marketing and facilities teams onsite and also did several walkthroughs around the area to really understand how to get patients to their correct destination. The hospital, specialty center, emergency department and parking ramp identification signs were all updated to highlight entrances and the corresponding directional signs were also updated to accurately guide patients and visitors.
The Children’s Minnesota logo above the St. Paul Hospital entrance had a unique attachment to the wall. Because it was installed on a radius wall a custom aluminum frame needed to be built. Their old logo was installed using a similar frame and connected back to the building with a series of steel plates to a structure tied into the building. Our new logo needed to match the plate locations and dimensions exactly for a successful install.
Getting to the emergency department at the Minneapolis hospital is a bit tricky due to several one way roads. After reviewing the area and analyzing traffic flow, we strategically placed wayfinding and directional signs to get people to the emergency department as quickly and as efficiently as possible. We also created a new monument sign and redid all of the other wayfinding.
Healthcare institutions have unique install requirements
Healthcare institutions have unique circumstances when it comes time for installation. People are constantly coming into the hospitals and clinics 24 hours a day. Blocking off corridors or roads in order to get equipment or manpower to these sites, can really disrupt traffic flow.
Communication and coordination with that facilities team was essential. Our project management team needed to be in constant communication to make sure all the right people knew who was doing what, what they were doing and where. When we are drilling into walls that could have electrical, oxygen and other gasses running through them or need to block off a road to get equipment in, we need to work hand in hand with the Children's facility team. Together, we created plans that would cause the least amount of disruption to patients and staff.
The End Result?
We loved helping Children’s showcase their new brand and continue to partner with them on future projects.
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