To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JANE CHUNG, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
TITLE
title
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING FINAL DESIGN OF THE KING HARBOR GATEWAY SIGN REPLACEMENT
end
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On November 4, 2025, staff presented design options for the replacement of the King Harbor Gateway Sign to the City Council. Following the presentation, City Council directed staff to consult with Stellen Design LLC to help finalize the preferred design, incorporating the feedback provided at the meeting, and to return for final approval prior to initiating sign procurement.
BACKGROUND
Per City Council direction, staff worked with Stellen Design LLC to develop refined design options for both the main gateway sign and the lower signage wording, which are attached to this report for consideration. For the lower signage wording, Stellen Design LLC recommended selecting a design option that utilizes a character count ranging from 53 to 57.
To further help inform the design consideration, staff examined the history of the King Harbor Gateway Sign, which has undergone several changes and replacements over its history. Prior to the current version, there were iterations dating back to the late 1920s, 1941, and 1969. Images of these earlier versions are included as an attachment to the report. The arched gateway sign was originally funded by the King Harbor Lessees Association through an agreement with the City to install it on public land. In 2003, the City assumed full responsibility for the sign, after it required major repairs from a windstorm that the Lessees Association could not afford.
Following this transition, the sign was updated when the structural poles were repaired and repainted by the City. In the 2010s, the plastic components of the sign were replaced, resulting in the version that remains in place today. It is important to note that the sign must be replaced regardless of the graphic or wording ultimately selected to ensure safety, durability, and continued gateway visibility.
Following selection of the final design, staff will initiate a bidding process to secure a sign manufacturer/installer and a painting contractor. Installation of the replacement sign and painting is expected to begin in early 2026, with anticipated completion by mid-2026. The schedule would need to consider the anticipated weather patterns due to the exposed exterior painting effort. Traffic control plans have been prepared by the City for the contractor to implement, which include intermittent closure of the left-hand turn lane at 190th/Anita Street and Pacific Coast Highway. Stellen Design LLC would remain involved throughout the process, to provide design oversight and review proofs in collaboration with the selected sign manufacturer.
COORDINATION
The City Manager’s Office prepared this report.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost to refurbish the King Harbor Gateway Sign is included in the Capital Improvement Program Budget as part of the Repainting King Harbor Gateway Sign Project Account #41400.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• King Harbor Gateway and Lower Signage Final Design Options
• Historical Archive of the King Harbor Gateway Sign