Temporary Wayfinding Signage at Hillcrest Retirement Community
A Community Rich in History and Care
Hillcrest Retirement Community in La Verne, California, has been serving seniors for more than 75 years. The campus began in 1947 with just a few cottages, a chapel, and a common manor. Today, it has grown into a vibrant village that feels like a small city. Residents enjoy walking paths, wellness centers, cafes, salons, arts and crafts spaces, and a welcoming chapel.
Hillcrest values independence, diversity, and inclusion. It is also an LGBT-friendly retirement community where seniors can live, grow, and age beautifully together. With so much to offer, clear navigation across the campus is essential for residents, visitors, and staff. This is where temporary wayfinding signage plays a key role.
Why Wayfinding Matters in Retirement Communities
A retirement community is more than housing. It is a home where residents thrive, visitors connect, and activities bring people together. For this reason, wayfinding signs for retirement communities must do more than point in a direction. They need to guide, reassure, and enhance the overall experience.
There are four main types of wayfinding signs:
- Identification signs mark important locations.
- Directional signs guide people from one place to another.
- Informational signs provide helpful details.
- Regulatory signs promote safety and order.
Together, these signs form a comprehensive wayfinding system. They combine visual design, clear language, and placement to reduce confusion and build confidence for anyone navigating a large space.
Hillcrest’s Need for Updated Signage
Over the years, Hillcrest’s campus expanded. With more buildings and more activities, their original signs no longer met the needs of residents or visitors. The community wanted signs that were vibrant, modern, and easier to read.
Instead of rushing into permanent installations, Hillcrest partnered with HMC Architects for their creative designs and worked with A&I to bring those ideas to life. A&I supported the process by attending client meetings, printing the temporary wayfinding signage, and providing professional installation.
This step allowed board members, residents, and staff to test new designs, colors, and layouts before committing to a final solution. Temporary signs provided an opportunity to gather feedback and make improvements without unnecessary expense.
The Benefits of Temporary Wayfinding Signage
Temporary signage offers flexibility and practicality for organizations of all sizes. For Hillcrest, the temporary signs served as a “trial run” for the permanent system. This approach gave everyone time to:
- Evaluate new design options.
- Confirm that the signs were placed at the right height and location.
- Ensure messages were clear and easy to follow.
- Compare old signs with new ones while reusing existing structures.
Printed on durable aluminum composite material (ACM), the temporary signs looked professional and permanent. Yet, they could still be adjusted if needed. For example, some signs required taller placement, while others needed to be resized to completely cover the existing frames. The ability to adapt made this solution cost-effective and innovative.
Meeting the Deadline with Careful Planning
A&I worked closely with Hillcrest to meet a strict deadline. The temporary wayfinding signage had to be installed before the Resident Forum Meeting, where the community would vote on the new system. The signs were placed directly over the originals, attached with hardware or adhesive. This saved time and reduced costs since no new poles or structures were required.
Even with unique challenges, such as the non-standard shape of the cutting garden sign, the team found creative solutions. The result was a set of temporary signs that appeared permanent, helping residents visualize the future of their campus.
Broader Uses for Temporary Signage
Hillcrest’s project is only one example of how temporary signage can be utilized. Across many industries, temporary signs provide direction, share updates, or advertise short-term events. They are especially popular for:
- Construction sites
- Special events and festivals
- Retail sales and promotions
- Road safety and traffic control
- Hospitals and large buildings
- Wedding venues, churches, and schools
These signs are versatile and can be made from lightweight, durable materials. They are easy to install, easy to remove, and typically do not require permits. Temporary signage is not only flexible but also cost-effective, making it an excellent option for businesses and organizations seeking to test, promote, or inform their audience.
Hillcrest’s Positive Step Forward
By choosing temporary wayfinding signage, Hillcrest Retirement Community gave its residents and leadership a voice in shaping their environment. This project reflects their commitment to clarity, accessibility, and thoughtful planning. Residents could explore the new look, provide input, and confidently move toward a final decision that will enhance their community for years to come.
