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Municipal construction projects depend on dozens of specialized trades working together to bring a building from concept to completion. While signage is often one of the final pieces installed, it plays an important role in helping a facility become fully functional, meet ADA requirements, and support the building's day-to-day operations.

Over the past year, we partnered separately with Samet Construction, Brawley Construction, and D.R. Reynolds Construction to complete signage for three North Carolina coastal fire stations. While each project had its own unique requirements, our goal remained the same: support our construction partners by delivering signage solutions that met each project's needs, reflected the community it serves, and kept construction moving from start to finish.

Understanding the Construction Process

Construction projects rarely follow a perfectly straight path. Schedules shift, specifications evolve, budgets change, and multiple trades must coordinate their work to keep everything moving forward. Municipal projects also bring additional layers of coordination, approvals, and compliance, along with strict ADA requirements, public safety standards, and the need for long-term durability.

A signage partner needs to understand its role within that process by communicating proactively, remaining flexible as projects evolve, and coordinating effectively with contractors throughout construction. Those principles guided our work on each of the following fire station projects.

Wilmington's Fire Station 6

Construction Partner: Samet Construction

Located in Wilmington's Riverlights community, this new fire station required a signage program that balanced functionality with the neighborhood's distinctive architectural character. While the station needed clear exterior identification, the signage also had to complement the community's overall aesthetic.

We fabricated flat-cut aluminum lettering that was stud mounted to the building. We also refined the station identification and engine number through several design revisions, reducing the scale of the lettering and matching the community's unique color specifications to complement Riverlights' overall aesthetic. "Riverlights is a very up-and-coming community, and they have a clear vision for how they want everything to look. We worked within those parameters to make sure the signage complemented the neighborhood instead of competing with it," said Emily Howard, Project Manager at Port City Signs.

In addition, the project included a complete ADA-compliant interior signage package featuring an interchangeable room identification system. Rather than replacing an entire sign when room information changes, the permanent frame remains in place while only the insert is updated. This helps meet LEED goals by reducing plastic waste and extending the life of the signage.

Throughout the project, we coordinated closely with Samet Construction to ensure fabrication and installation aligned with the construction schedule. The result was a cohesive signage program that serves the station's daily operations while fitting seamlessly into both the building and the surrounding community.

North Topsail Beach Fire Station 2

Construction Partner: Brawley Construction

As part of the complete overhaul of North Topsail Beach Fire Station 2, we installed the exterior building identification signage while developing, fabricating, and installing a complete interior ADA-compliant signage package. Working closely with Brawley Construction, we ensured the interior signage system met the functional and accessibility requirements of the new facility while adapting to the project's evolving needs. From offices to operational areas, the room identification and wayfinding signs support the station's day-to-day operations by helping firefighters and staff quickly navigate the building. As our designer Casey Blair pointed out, while many of the signs identified standard spaces, others required custom pictograms designed specifically for the fire station, including signs identifying combined toilet and shower facilities used by firefighters returning from emergency calls.

"Port City Signs took the initiative, got things done, and was always willing to figure out a solution and keep things moving," said Matt Ribakow, Project Manager with Brawley Construction. "I'll use them again anytime I can."

For a public building like the North Topsail Beach Fire Station 2, signage plays an important role in helping the facility better serve the people who depend on it. As Ribakow explained, "It's a massive project and a marquee building for this town, but people were driving by not knowing what it was. Once those beautiful red letters went up, they really helped people understand what this landmark is for the community."

Surf City Fire Station

Construction Partner: D.R. Reynolds Construction

For the new Surf City Fire Station, we partnered with D.R. Reynolds Construction to fabricate and install a complete illuminated exterior signage package. The project included custom lit channel letters spelling "Surf City" and "Fire Department 25," along with illuminated cabinets featuring both the Town of Surf City and Surf City Fire Department logos. Throughout the design process, the signage evolved from a more basic concept into a fully illuminated system that gives the station a strong presence both during the day and at night.

Installing the signage required careful planning and precise execution. Because of the building's heavy masonry construction, our installation team had to drill multiple holes through approximately 12 inches of brick to route wiring and securely mount the illuminated signs. Successfully completing that installation required close coordination with D.R. Reynolds Construction, ensuring the finished installation was both structurally sound and visually seamless.

For emergency services, signage serves a purpose far beyond identifying a building. It helps residents quickly locate the station when every second counts while also reflecting the identity of the department it serves. As D.R. Reynolds Project Manager Nathen Stroven explained, "For the fire department, they want people to know where they're located in case of any kind of emergency. But also, they're proud of their seal or their crest and their town."

Building Stronger Fire Station and Municipal Construction Projects Together

Although the Riverlights, North Topsail Beach, and Surf City fire stations each had their own goals, schedules, and challenges, they all highlighted what construction companies value most in a signage partner. And with ADA signage now produced in-house using our advanced printing technology, we're able to deliver faster turnaround times, maintain greater quality control, and quickly produce additional signs when project needs change.

Whether you're working on a fire station, another type of municipal facility, or commercial building, contact us to learn how our experience, in-house capabilities, and commitment to quality can support your next build.