Building on the theme to celebrate the peninsula and to bring more of the park into the district, the project team developed a series of gateway features to identify and announce the Presque Isle Gateway District. The goal was to design a family or system of built landmarks for the Presque Isle Gateway District that both demarcates the area and reminds visitors and locals that it's a special place. Although several design concepts were considered, the “Truss” design was selected and is presented below.

The Truss concept touches on the greater Erie area's industrial history. Revealing the structural trusses that span the arch articulates confidence and strength. The poles are also rooted in tradition with their staunch plinths and small globes that cap them. The structures are envisioned to be black powder-coated steel with or without cutout letters. Color can be added in small doses to provide contrast and highlight emblems and key messages.

powder-coated steel with or without cutout letters. Color can be added in small doses to provide contrast and highlight emblems and key messages.

The Truss gateway package should be implemented strategically in the Presque Isle Gateway District. The gateway location map (Figure 21) identifies general locations where the gateway treatments should be considered. However, the map does not contain an exhaustive list of potential locations and the included locations are meant to be approximate. The Township should determine exact locations for gateway features during design and implementation. PennDOT, adjacent property owners, and other stakeholders will likely want to weigh in on specific locations and final design.

DISTRICT THEMES AND GATEWAYS