The 1998 East Falls Riverfront Master Plan emphasized the importance of traffic calming, walkability, and the establishment of highly visible Gateways to announce arrival in East Falls.

 The East Falls Business District had no identifying signage; in fact, the landmark entry to the community was the Sunoco Station. In order to create a prominent, pedestrian-friendly entrance to East Falls, EFDC embarked on a study and planning process to create a pedestrian island, crosswalks, and signage to tame traffic, provide safer passage for bikers and pedestrians, and more. The pedestrian Island would also help to establish East Falls’ key role as a Trailhead along the Schuylkill River trail systems and Gateway to the neighborhood.

As envisioned in the Master Plan, the gateway island and associated signage would let visitors know they were entering the East Falls riverfront business district, and tame a “wild west” convergence of 9 road/driveways at one busy intersection at Kelly Drive and Midvale Avenue.

EFDC established a Signage Committee to prioritize the various types of signage appropriate for the District’s needs, and begin development of an an identifying “East Falls” brand icon that could be used on the various signs as well as transferred to banners, promotional materials, and other graphic elements.

In 2022, as part of EFDC’s on-going commitment to the maintenance of the Gateway Island, we engaged in a replanting process as well as updated and improved the lighting connected to the sign.

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