Grand Center Arts District

Grand Center Arts District(GCAD), located in St. Louis’ midtown, is the landmark destination for arts and culture organizations, creative entrepreneurs, and businesses in St. Louis and the Midwest. From North to South, East to West, this 145-acre district has many unique destinations that reflect this dynamic arts community.

Arcturis collaborated with GCAD’s engaged and diverse stakeholder group to develop a comprehensive signage, wayfinding, and placemaking plan. Our design challenge was to give visitors the visual cues to walk or drive to explore these areas. Working with Grand Center, Inc. and its many, passionate stakeholders, our goal was to create an identity, sense of place, and reasons to explore. 

Through a series of different sign types and comprehensive banner system, we were able to integrate the GCAD brand identity into the built environment and unify the urban aesthetic. This will assist visitors to move easily throughout the district - whether dining out, shopping, or seeing a show. Wayfinding maps and directionals are strategically placed at the pedestrian level near key destinations and decision-making points throughout the district.

Bold colors and graphics inspired by the district’s architecture and artistic vibe were designed to create a unique visual language. These graphics and signage elements compliment the neighborhood comprised of eclectic venues offering everything from Broadway shows to Black Box Theater, Bebop to Beethoven, street art to galleries, and sushi to soul food. From the moment you enter the district, you are greeted with fresh, energetic, and vibrant visuals.

Arcturis applied this placemaking identity and developed promotional motion graphics to help create awareness and raise funds for the project through GCAD’s social media channels.

We had an excellent experience working with Arcturis on the design of the new signage and wayfinding system for the Grand Center Arts District. The design work produced by the Arcturis team was indicative of an ability to listen and adapt but also to be innovative and creative. Communication was clear and consistent. And the end product was beyond our hopes. A very rewarding experience!

Rich Simmons
Executive Director, Grand Center Inc.