The horizon of Detroit has a new addition that's attracting looks and lighting up the gateway to the city. Motorists driving into Detroit are now greeted by a dazzlingly lit sign spelling out "DETROIT" in towering letters—a visual drumroll to the city's revitalization efforts and a signal to visitors and residents alike of the city's warm welcome.

In a move to dress the city in its finest for the upcoming NFL Draft, Detroit officials took the initiative and in August 2023, laid out a plan for six new signs, launching a competitive bid that has come to fruition. According to a statement obtained by the City of Detroit's official website, the highlight of this project is the grand Gateway sign, a creation by Fairmont Sign Company—the same Detroit-based family business behind the iconic Fox Theatre signage. Not just a sign, but a heartfelt project, its completion was supported and cheered on by Detroiters, including many who helped build it.

Fairmont isn't new to the game—they've been crafting Detroit's visual history for 50 years. The project employed a host of local talents, who can now see their labor of love shining bright alongside the I-94. As District 6 Manager Eva Torres—a native to the Gateway sign's neighborhood—puts it, "community engagement" was key to ensuring these new landmarks would reflect the spirit of the people and the pride of Detroit.

The city administration extended their gratitude to the City Council for their strong backing, voting unanimously for the sign project contract—a win marked by a 9-0 vote that ruled out any possibility of a second guessing. The cost, coming in at $425,434, was pulled from Detroit's own coffers. The primary DETROIT sign alone commands a price tag of $269,275, while its five smaller siblings, set to be installed at strategic entry points around the city, cost $135,900 collectively.

The additional "Welcome to Detroit" signs will soon mark territory at SB M-39 at 8 Mile Rd., NB M-39 at Ford Rd., SB I-75 at 8 Mile Rd., EB I-96 at Telegraph, and WB I-94 at Moross. This project wasn't just an aesthetic endeavor but a collaborative effort meeting the rigorous standards of DTE, MDOT, and the Federal Highway Administration to ensure they enhance, without impeding, the safety of Detroit's streets and highways. With these signs, Detroit isn't just saying hello—it's showing that it's a place of pride and progress, a city with its arms wide open.