Blog

As a general contractor, your days are packed with timelines, budgets, and endless moving pieces. With so many details to manage, it’s easy for signage to fall to the end of the list. But even when it’s one of the last things to go in, it’s often one of the first things people notice. That’s why it needs to be right, and why working with a signage partner who understands construction is key.

At Port City Signs & Graphics, we work directly with GCs to provide professional, turnkey signage packages that keep your projects moving and your clients happy. Whether you’re bidding on a new build or need a sign installed fast to get that CO, we’re here to help.

From Start to Sign: What We Handle For You

When you bring us in, you get a partner who can handle it all, from the moment you break ground to the day your client opens their doors.

Here’s what we can take off your plate:

• Construction Site Signage: Hard hat decals, safety signs, site banners, directional signage
• Fleet Graphics: Vehicle wraps and decals for trucks, trailers, and equipment
• Interior Signage: ADA-compliant signage, room IDs, wayfinding, window graphics, wall murals
• Exterior Signage: Monument signs, dimensional lettering, illuminated channel letters, address numbers

You can count on us to handle everything or just the parts that make sense for your scope. Either way, our job is to help make your life easier and your finished project stand out.

Real-World Results: Signage Projects With GCs

We know it’s one thing to say we do great work and another to show you. Below are a few examples of how we’ve partnered with general contractors to deliver signage solutions that solved real challenges, fit the build, and helped projects come together smoothly.

ICON (with Chambliss & Rabil)
This project was a great example of what happens when a GC brings us in early and trusts us with the full scope. ICON was relocating to a new space in Wilmington and needed everything, from ADA-compliant interior signage and branded window graphics to framed posters, and a prominent exterior sign. The catch? They’re an Ireland-based company, so many of their brand standards called for very specific materials and finishes that aren’t readily available in the U.S. We worked closely with both the GC and the client to source what they needed, solve the spec challenges, and meet their tight timeline. It took time and a lot of coordination, but the result was a cohesive, professional look that met their global standards and made everyone proud.

Cygnus Technologies (with Environments Unlimited)
Cygnus came to us directly, then looped in their contractor, giving us the opportunity to work collaboratively with the GC from the early stages. This was a multi-faceted project that included ADA signage, lit and non-lit exterior signs, and beautiful interior branding elements. The highlight? A custom-designed display in the lobby, inspired by the Cygnus constellation, which is a swan. We fabricated an acrylic panel with backlighting and a custom-printed overlay that brought the constellation to life. It was one of those projects where trust and collaboration allowed us to push the creative envelope, and the result was something truly unique that reflected the client’s brand.

Wilmington Surgical & Dimock Weinberg and Cherry (with Adams Southeastern Construction)
In both of these projects, the end user brought us in first, and then we coordinated directly with Southeastern Construction to deliver illuminated signage that enhanced the visibility and branding of each building. At Wilmington Surgical, we addressed unique lighting challenges tied to the building’s structure and design. While at Dimock, Weinberg & Cherry, we installed sleek, modern illuminated channel letters and navigated a challenging logo to elevate the building’s exterior. In both cases, the GC appreciated our ability to take ownership and handle the details of the signage.

Monteith Construction (Multiple Projects including Wilmington International Airport)
Monteith first came to us for job site signage, vehicle wraps, and decals, and from there, the relationship grew into much more. We've since worked on several end-user projects with them, including signage at the Wilmington International Airport. That site is complex, with overlapping stakeholders including the airport authority and a design firm. We’ve worked across all three groups to coordinate specs, branding, and placement and have handled both temporary and permanent signage as construction phases progress. It's the kind of long-term, layered partnership that we love, where we get to be part of both the day-to-day work and the big-picture finish.

City of Wilmington Fire Station (Riverlights)
This one had a long runway. We originally bid the project two or three years before it was ready to move forward. Along the way, the plans shifted significantly; some originally specified elements were removed due to HOA restrictions or budget constraints, and others were reworked. We ended up providing exterior building identification signage and ADA-compliant interior signs. It’s a great example of how we stay flexible and responsive even when projects evolve over time.

Our Specialty: Final Branding Signage That Makes a Statement

We handle it all, but if there’s one thing we want to be known for, it’s delivering standout signage that puts the finishing touch on your build. This is where we shine:

• Illuminated channel letters
• Monument signs
• Dimensional logos
• Wall graphics, murals, and interior branding features
• Fully custom fabrications

We fabricate in-house and work closely with you or your client to make sure the final product exceeds expectations.

Common Signage Challenges and How We Help You Avoid Them

We’re happy to work with you at any point in your projects, but the earlier you bring us in, the better. We’ll help you:

• Spot gaps or inconsistencies in architectural specs
• Translate drawings into current, buildable materials
• Survey to ensure signage fits as expected
• Coordinate permits, lighting, and install logistics

Getting ahead of these details can make a big difference in avoiding delays and keeping things on track.

How to Work With Us

We’re flexible in how we get involved. Some general contractors find us through:

• ConstructConnect and other bid platforms
• Direct outreach (yes, you can call us any time!)
• End-user clients who ask for us and loop you in

Whether you’re bidding, already on-site, or navigating client changes mid-build, we’re ready to jump in and help.

Let’s Build Something Together

If you’re looking for a signage partner who understands how construction projects really work, brings creative solutions to the table, and communicates every step of the way, we’d love to connect.

Reach out for a free quote or consultation. We’d love to help make signage the easiest part of your next build.