Proposed LED signage at Outlets may change landscape
Proposed signage changes at the Outlets in Castle Rock may dramatically change the view of the shopping complex from I-25. Pictured above are renderings of the existing signage as well as what the proposed LED signage may look like from vehicles traveling along I-25.
by Elizabeth Wood West
The Outlets at Castle Rock is considering replacing its current stone and steel sign with a new state-of-the-art LED (light emitting diodes) sign, the first of its kind in Castle Rock. The new larger sign will use the same logo and construction materials as the existing sign with the addition of an LED screen.
The Outlets General Manager Allison Towe said, “[The change in signage] is an investment that will provide more visibility and a future increase in sales for tenants; the sign will also be beneficial for our community.” According to Towe, the new sign will rotate different images of the mall’s stores, advertising announcements, community events, and “Amber Alerts.”
LED lighting is part of a new and fast-growing trend in environmentalism. LED bulbs use less energy, last longer, are more visible than conventional lighting, and require less maintenance.
However, LED lighting is not without controversy. Critics cite the unusual brightness and the changing messages as potentially hazardous distractions to drivers; residential communities complain they put out more light pollution in the night sky.
The Town of Castle Rock (Town) recently updated its sign ordinance to include LED signs. Town Project Manager Jason Reynolds said that there will be no scrolling or animation, and that there must be a 10-second rotation between images on the LED screen.
“The Outlets’ sign will require unique sign rules and a final Plan Development Site Plan. They must make an application to the Town, have it reviewed and approved by the Town’s Planning Commission, and finally by the town council. This could take between 90 to 120 days,” said Reynolds. The Outlets has not submitted an application as of yet.
Surrounding communities and businesses, including Castle Pines Homes Association, Happy Canyon Homeowners’ Association, Silver Heights, the Town of Castle Rock Economic Development Council, and The Meadows developers, were invited to attend a public informational meeting in April, and will be notified of any public hearings when the Outlets submits an application to the Town.
For more information, contact Reynolds at 720-733-3537 or Towe at 303-688-2800.
