Encinitas Gateway Sign Set for Major Upgrade with LED Lighting

The iconic gateway sign welcoming travelers to downtown Encinitas is poised for an upgrade. A funding request presented at the City Council meeting on March 6, 2024, seeks to replace the corroded “ENCINITAS” letters and convert the lighting system to energy-efficient LED technology.

Installed in November 2001, the sign has served as a symbol of the city’s coastal culture and history for over two decades. Despite only receiving minor repairs and annual cleaning since 2014, records indicate that the sign’s condition has deteriorated. The cost to replace the lettering is estimated at approximately $47,600, while the LED conversion project is projected to be around $123,400. Future maintenance expenses are expected to amount to $28,800 annually, according to a city staff report prepared for the meeting.

Benefits of the Upgrade

The proposed conversion to LED lighting promises numerous advantages. According to the city staff report, the new system will enhance energy efficiency and reduce ongoing maintenance costs, while also improving visibility and overall attractiveness. LED lights consume less power and have a significantly longer lifespan, with an anticipated duration of approximately 14 years, operating an average of 11 hours per day.

The selected contractor for the project, YESCO, is a well-established company that has been in operation for over a century. Known for creating the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign in the 1950s, YESCO determined that installing new letters would be more cost-effective than refurbishing the existing ones.

A Historic Installation

When the gateway sign was first installed in November 2001, it drew considerable attention. Local media reported a crowd of onlookers gathering to witness the moment, with many expressing concern over the sign’s durability as it was attached to a new support system. A year prior, an attempt to install the sign using a cable system had to be abandoned after strong winds posed a risk, leading to its removal after just one month.

Despite the initial challenges, the installation was celebrated as a historic event for Encinitas. As reported by journalist Spencer Soper from the former North County Times, the sign represents a replica of a similar structure that adorned the coastal highway in the 1920s and 1930s, coinciding with the early development of downtown Encinitas.

As the City Council considers this funding request, the proposed upgrade not only aims to restore the sign’s physical appearance but also to maintain its role as a cherished landmark for residents and visitors alike.