The document provides guidelines for signage design along the New York State Canal System to help establish a consistent and high-quality visitor experience, including specifications for various types of wayfinding signs, exhibit panels, and kiosks as well as approved typefaces, colors, and fabrication details. The guidelines are intended to be used systemwide for all canal waterfront, trail, and community projects.
2. UNLOCKING THE LEGEND
SIGNAGE DESIGN GUIDELINES
NEW YORK STATE CANAL SYSTEM
MARCH 1999
3. NEW YORK STATE CANAL SYSTEM
SIGNAGE DESIGN GUIDELINES
New York State Canal Corporation
New Y State Canals
ork
George E. Pataki
Governor
Howard Steinberg
Chairman
Board of Directors:
William Warren III
Nancy Carey
John R. Platt
Executive Director
Matthew P. Behrmann
Director
Canal System Signage Committee :
John DiMura - NYS Canal Corporation: Project Manager
John Cardillo - NYS Thruway Authority
Karen Engelke - Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor Commission
Marcia Kees - NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Linda Pomeroy - NYS Canal Corporation
Prepared by Christopher Chadbourne and Associates, Inc.
DATE:
March 1999
PAGE #
One
4. NEW YORK STATE CANAL SYSTEM
SIGNAGE DESIGN GUIDELINES
New Y State Canals
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 3
Typefaces 4
Colors 5
Wayfinding Signs 6
Wayside Exhibits / Kiosks 16
Fabrication Drawings 25
Contractor Requirements 31
DATE:
March 1999
PAGE #
Two
5. NEW YORK STATE CANAL SYSTEM
SIGNAGE DESIGN GUIDELINES
INTRODUCTION New Y State Canals
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The New York State Canal System is a resource of national significance. As a
transportation and commerce corridor the Canal System was extremely impor-
tant to the development of the United States. So great was the prosperity gener-
ated by the Canal System in the mid-nineteenth century that New York became
known as the "Empire State." Forgotten for a great deal of the twentieth centu-
ry, the canals are once again the focus of national and statewide attention. Major
redevelopment efforts such as the Canal Revitalization Program and several
federal initiatives promise to make the Canal System an economic engine for
New York State in the 21st centur y.
Inquiries can be
addressed to:
As we strive to transform the Canal System into a world class recreation and
tourist destination, it is critical that the design guidelines presented in this docu- The Director of Canal
ment be used systemwide. These guidelines will help establish a consistent and Operations
NYS Canal Corporation
high-quality visitor environment along the entire length of the Canal System.
200 Southern Blvd.
Albany, NY 12209
The signage design guidelines were developed for use on canal waterfront and
trail projects and in canal communities. Each of the many products and tools
provided herein has a prescribed use and function. It is important to the success
of this program to adhere to all specifications. Please do not change or modify
these specifications without prior written consent from the New York State
Canal Corporation.
DATE:
March 1999
PAGE #
Three
6. ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
NewY State Canals
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Cheltenham BT Bold TASK:
3A
TITLE:
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Typefaces
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Adobe Garamond Regular
NOTES:
Typefaces approved for
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ use. No substitute will be
accepted.
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz Normal kerning unless
specified otherwise.
Adobe Garamond Italic National Symbols:
They can be ordered @
Society for Environmental
Graphic Design (SEGD)
401 F Street NW, Suite 333
Washington, D.C. 20001
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Tel:(202)638-5555
Fax:(202)638-0891
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Adobe Garamond Bold
DATE:
March 1999
PAGE #
Four
7. NewYork State Canals
TASK:
Pantone 281 C 3B
TITLE:
Colors
Pantone 124 C NOTES:
For NY colors, refer to
State of New York Color
Selector.
Each sign in Task 3C &
3D are developed in color
according to this
schedule.
Pantone 621 C
DATE:
March1999
PAGE #
Five
8. NewYork State Canals
TASK:
3C
TITLE:
Outdoor Wayfinding
Signage
SCALE:
First convention for
woman’s rights
➔ Saratoga
Battlefield Park 3/8”= 1’- 0”
was held on this corner in
1848
Stillwater ➔ Saratoga
Battlefield Park Standard height is 5’-0”
above grade except when
Erie Canal Lock 32
Lock -7 Canal Park
Glens Falls Stillwater ➔ Saratoga
Battlefield Park
positioning on site
Docking for over 48 hours
BY PERMIT ONLY
requires adherence to
Violators will be <None>
A.D.A.
Typical Historical Marker Typical Site Identifier Typical Building Identifier Typical Regulatory Sign Typical Auto Wayfinding Typical Trail Marker
DATE:
page 7 page 8 page 9 page 10 page page 15
March 1999
PAGE #
Six
9. NewY State Canals
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TASK:
3C
13” Cheltenham BT Bold.
TITLE:
144/196 points, centered
Typical Historical Mar ker
30”
First convention for SCALE:
1 1/2”= 1’- 0”
13”
women’s rights Cheltenham BT Bold.
216/240 points, centered
NOTES:
Sign is single sided, or
double sided with support
was held on this corner in frame behind. See page
twelve for detail.
1848
Sign to be made of 1/8”
aluminum or approved
equal.
For on-road use:
Post is Unistrut painted
with N.Y. 27 D.O.T. chrome
yellow or powder coated
36” with matching yellow.
For off-road use:
Post is wood painted with
N.Y. 27 D.O.T. chrome
yellow.
DATE:
March 1999
PAGE #
Seven
10. NewY State Canals
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TASK:
13” 3C
TITLE:
Typical Site Identifier
30”
13” Erie Canal SCALE:
1 1/2”= 1’- 0”
NOTES:
Sign is single sided, or
Lock -7 Cheltenham BT Bold.
260/308 points, centered
double sided with suppor t
frame behind. See page
twelve for detail.
Sign to be made of 1/8”
aluminum or approved
equal.
For on-road use:
Post is Unistrut painted
with N.Y. 27 D.O.T. chrome
yellow or powder coated
with matching yellow.
36”
For off-road use:
Post is wood painted with
N.Y. 27 D.O.T. chrome
yellow.
DATE:
March 1999
PAGE #
Eight
11. NewY State Canals
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12” TASK:
3C
TITLE:
Typical Building
28” Identifier
12”
Lock 32 Cheltenham BT Bold.
240/284 points, centered SCALE:
1 1/2”= 1’- 0”
Canal Park NOTES:
Sign is single sided, or
double sided with suppor t
frame behind. See page
twelve for detail.
Sign to be made of 1/8”
aluminum or approved
equal.
For on-road use:
Post is Unistrut painted
30” with N.Y. 27 D.O.T. chrome
yellow or powder coated
with matching yellow.
For off-road use:
Post is wood painted with
N.Y. 27 D.O.T. chrome
yellow.
DATE:
March 1999
PAGE #
Nine
12. 18”
NewY State Canals
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TASK:
3C
5 1/4” TITLE:
Typical Regulatory Sign
12”
5 1/4”
Docking for over 48 hours Cheltenham BT Bold.
96/112 points, centered
SCALE:
3”= 1’- 0”
NOTES:
Cheltenham BT Bold.
BY PERMIT ONLY Capital letters
Sign is single sided, or
double sided with support
96/160 points, centered frame behind. See page
twelve for detail.
Violators will be prosecuted NYSCC
Sign to be made of 1/8”
aluminum or approved
equal.
For on-road use:
Post is Unistrut painted
Cheltenham BT Bold. with N.Y. 27 D.O.T. chrome
Cheltenham BT Bold. Capital letters yellow or powder coated
36/44 points 36/44 points with matching yellow.
For off-road use:
Post is wood painted with
N.Y. 27 D.O.T. chrome
yellow.
DATE:
March 1999
PAGE #
Ten
13. 36” 36” 36”
NewY State Canals
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TASK:
3C
TITLE:
28” Typical Directional
52”
➔ Saratoga
Battlefield Park
40”
➔ Battlefield Park
Saratoga
➔ Saratoga
Battlefield Park SCALE:
1”= 1’- 0”
NOTES:
Stillwater Stillwater Single message unit
Sign is single sided, or
double sided with suppor t
frame behind. See page
twelve for detail.
Sign to be made of 1/8”
aluminum or approved
Glens Falls Double message unit
equal.
For on-road use:
4 1/2” Post is Unistrut painted
➔
with N.Y. 27 D.O.T. chrome
yellow or powder coated
with matching yellow.
Triple message unit For off-road use:
Post is wood painted with
N.Y. 27 D.O.T. chrome
yellow.
DATE:
March 1999
PAGE #
Eleven
15. 45” 45” 45”
NewYork State Canals
TASK:
3C
TITLE:
40” Typical Highway
Signage
➔ Saratoga
➔ Saratoga
➔ Saratoga
50”
65” Battlefield Park Battlefield Park Battlefield Park SCALE:
3/4”= 1’- 0”
NOTES:
Stillwater Stillwater Single message unit
Sign is single sided, or
double sided with suppor t
frame behind. See page
twelve for detail.
Sign to be made of 1/8”
aluminum or approved
Glens Falls Double message unit
equal.
For on-road use:
Post is Unistrut painted
with N.Y. 27 D.O.T. chrome
yellow or powder coated
with matching yellow.
Triple message unit For off-road use:
Post is wood painted with
N.Y. 27 D.O.T. chrome
yellow.
DATE:
March 1999
PAGE #
Thirteen
17. 6”
1” Chamfer
5”
1” groove on all faces
2” NewY State Canals
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2” TASK:
3C
TITLE:
Typical Trail Marker
18”
SCALE:
1 1/2”= 1’- 0”
NOTES:
Sign is single sided, or
double sided.
2”
Sign to be made of 1/8”
aluminium or approved
8” equal.
For on road use:
Post is an unistrut painted
with N.Y. 27 D.O.T. chrome
yellow or powder coated
with matching yellow.
14” For off-road use:
Post is wood painted with
N.Y. 27 D.O.T. chrome
yellow
DATE:
March 1999
PAGE #
Fifteen
19. 36”
Gateway to the West
NewY State Canals
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Prior to the Erie Canal, travelers going west from TASK:
Waterford had one major obstacle in their way: 3D
the 70-foot rock cliff of the Cohoes Falls. Beyond TITLE:
that, the Mohawk River provided a water-level Typical Horizontal
Wayside Exhibit
route directly through the mountains that separat-
ed the eastern seaboard from the heart of the
American continent.
SCALE:
3”= 1’- 0”
The Champlain Canal side cut shown before construction
24” of the Barge System. Large wooden barns alongside the
side cut housed mules that were used to pull the canal boats
along the waterway. Courtesy of Mr. James LeFabvre
The Side Cut Locks
In 1823 a side cut with three locks connected the
Champlain Canal to the Hudson River for boats
heading to the City of Troy. Other side cuts in upper
A canal packet boat, captain poses with his family at Lock 18 in Cohoes.
Courtesy of Canal Society of New York State
and lower Watervliet provided access for boats that
were not intending to stop in the busy waterfront
harbor at Albany.
The “Sixteens” The Barge Canal System
In the 1800s, canal boats on the Erie Canal climbed New technology such as concrete lock chambers and mechan- The side cut was used until 1915 when the Barge
Canal System was opened. Although they are no
through 16 locks in the City of Cohoes to get above the ical lock doors made it possible to replace the “Sixteens” with longer used for navigation, the side cut locks still
falls. Known as the Sixteens, these locks wer e only five locks when the New York State Barge Canal was stand today next to lock E-2.
frequently the scene of arguments and accidents. realigned through Waterford, 1915.
Navigation was so difficult that extra tenders were needed The “Waterford Flight” is the greatest series of lift locks in the
to guide the boats into each lock chamber. Only the best world. Their combined lift of 169 feet is double that of the
pilots could navigate all sixteen locks without a scratch. entire Panama Canal! The flight reduced
On average it took 10 hours to pass through all the locks. the average time to bypass the Cohoes Falls to only
two and one-half hours – without the dangers of the
old “Sixteens.”
DATE:
March 1999
PAGE #
Seventeen
20. Subhead: Headline: Sidebar Headline:
Adobe Garamond Bold Cheltenham BT Bold Adobe Garamond Bold NewYork State Canals
40/60 points 160/192 points 36/44 points TASK:
3D
36” TITLE:
Typical Horizontal
Interpretive Wayside
2 1/2” Grid
SCALE:
Captions: NTS
Adobe Garamond
24” NOTES:
Regular and Italic Actual grid based on
18/22 points National Park Service grid,
with some modifications.
3”
5/8” Subtitle: Main Text: Sidebar Text:
5/8” 3/8” 5 1/2” Adobe Garamond Bold Adobe Garamond Bold Adobe Garamond Bold
40/48 points 32/39 points 24/29 points
DATE:
March 1999
PAGE #
Eighteen
21. 36”
Building a Nation NewY State Canals
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TASK:
Although the original Erie Canal was only 40 The building of the Erie Canal was a
feet wide and four feet deep it made travel sig- political, commercial and engineering 3D
nificantly faster, safer and less expensive than revolution. By connecting the East
TITLE:
by land. By establishing a waterway connec- Coast and the Midwest the canal
tion between the East Coast and the Midwest
the canal transformed New York State and New
transformed New York State and New
York City and helped shape the
Typical Vertical Wayside
York City and helped shape the American American nation. Population flow Exhibit
nation. from New England to Upstate New
York and on to the Midwest increased
steadily after completion of the canal.
This cultural tie was important in
binding the Midwest to the North and
shaped the sectional divisions that cul -
minated in the Civil War.
SCALE:
NTS
48”
The Erie Canal is arguably the
best connection between the
Mohawk Valley and the nation’s
historical memory and popular
culture. The original 1825
"Clinton’s Ditch" and later canal
improvements propelled the
national economy, and they trans-
formed the landscape of the valley,
fueling growth and spreading
prosperity.
DATE:
March 1999
PAGE #
Nineteen
22. Headline:
Cheltenham BT Bold
36” 160/192 points
NewY State Canals
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TASK:
3” 3D
1 1/2” Subhead: Subtitle: TITLE:
Adobe Garamond Bold Adobe Garamond Bold Typical Vertical
56/68 points 40/48 points Interpretive Wayside
3/8” Grid
3” Main Text:
Adobe Garamond Bold SCALE:
36/44 points NTS
48”
NOTES:
Actual grid based on
Captions: National Park Service Grid,
Adobe Garamond with some modifications.
Regular and Italic
18/22 points Sidebar Text:
Adobe Garamond Bold
48/60 points
1 1/2”
1”
5/8” 5 1/2” 3/8”
Sidebar Headline:
Adobe Garamond Bold
28/36 points
DATE:
March 1999
PAGE #
Twenty
23. 3’-0”
NewY State Canals
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Unlock the legend TASK:
The Canal Welcome to the New York State Canal System- one of the world’s premier inland waterways. The 524-
mile Canal System includes the legendary Erie Canal and the Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca
4
System canals. The waterways travel through New York’s heartland, gliding past lush farmland, famous battle -
fields, charming canal towns and thriving wildlife preserves. Landlubbers can enjoy the canals on more
than 200 miles of Canalway Trail and at numerous parks and picnic areas across the system.
Along this historic corridor, pleasure boaters, paddlers, hikers and byciclists alike will delight in unlock - TITLE:
ing the legend of New York’s canals.
Dockside Orientation
2’-0”
SCALE:
As noted
NOTES:
6’-0”
The New York State Canal System is operated and maintained by the New York State Canal
Corporation, a subsidiary of the New York State Thruway Authority.
For more information call 1-800-4-CANAL-4 or visit our website at: http//www.canals.State.ny.us
The New York State Canal System is operated and maintained by the N ew York State Canal Corporation,
a subsidiary of the New York State Thruway Authority.
For more information call 1-800-4-CANAL-4 or visit our website at: http//www.canals.State.ny.us
Scale: 1 1/2” =1’- 0”
New York State Thruway Authority / Canal Corporation
State of New York1998
George E. Pataki Howard E. Steinberg
Governor Chairman
DATE:
Scale: 1” =1’- 0”
March 1999
PAGE #
Twenty-One
24. 3’-0”
NewYork State Canals
Waterford A community built around water
TASK:
4
TITLE:
Welcome to Waterford, Eastern Gateway to the New
York State Canal System. Dockside Orientation
A community built around water Dutch fur traders settled here in the 1630s, where Mohican families once forded the Mohawk
River below the Cohoes Falls. By the late 1700s, sea captains brought their sloops up the
Welcome to Waterford, Eastern Gateway to the New Hudson River to trade at this flourishing port. The completion of the Champlain Canal in
York State Canal System. 1823 linked Waterford merchants with Lake Champlain and Canadian commerce. By 1825
Dutch fur traders settled here in the 1630s, where Mohican families once forded the
canal boats were able to travel westward along the Erie Canal, the Great Lakes and the interi -
Mohawk River below the Cohoes Falls. By the late 1700s, sea captains brought their sloops or of America.
up the Hudson River to trade at this flourishing port. The completion of the Champlain
Canal in 1823 linked Waterford merchants with Lake Champlain and Canadian commerce.
By 1825 canal boats were able to travel westward along the Erie Canal, the Great Lakes and
the interior of America.
2’-0” The historic village center, only a few blocks from the Waterfront, reflected the wealth that
river and canal trade brought to this area. Many local industries were canal-related, such as
The historic village center, only a few blocks from the Waterfront, reflected the wealth that boat-building and barrel-making, but local workers also produced shirts, collars, long under -
river and canal trade brought to this area. Many local industries were canal-related, such as
boat-building and barrel-making, but local workers also produced shirts, collars, long under -
wear, stoves and Button Fire Engines. SCALE:
wear, stoves and Button Fire Engines.
As noted
6’-0” NOTES:
i National Symbols:
i They can be ordered @
Society for Environmental
Graphic Design (SEGD)
401 F Street NW, Suite 333
Washington, D.C. 20001
Tel:(202)638-5555
Scale: 1 1/2” =1’- 0” Fax:(202)638-0891
Scale: 1” =1’- 0” DATE:
March 1999
PAGE #
Twenty-Two
25. 3’-0”
NewY State Canals
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TASK:
A B C D E F G H I
1 A B C D E F G H I 4
TITLE:
1
2
Dockside Orientation
3 2
4
1’-6” 3
SCALE:
Restaurants •Broad Street Cafe...........................F2 Antiques 233-0603 •Dunn Hardware.............................B4 235-5044
•Geno’s Pasta and Pizza..................C4 91 Broad Street •Waterford Village Antiques............G2 •Bechard’s Copy Center...................F2 42 Saratoga Avenue •Allison’s........................................G3
33 Saratoga Avenue 235-3563 57 Broad Street 108 Broad Street 238-1213 50 Broad Street
235-8930
• Sun Rise Restaurant.......................F3
64 Broad Street
237-4307
•Pizza Plus......................................F1
•McDonald’s ...................................A4
42 Saratoga Avenue
235-7231
Groceries / Delis
•Stewart’s ........................................H1
235-2235
•Erin Marie’s Antiques....................G4
31 Saratoga Avenue
238-1213
•Deal’s Antiques..............................F3
•Nature’s way Taxidermy, Bait.........G2
51 Broad Street
237-8569
•Universal Office Products...............G3
43 Broad Street
• Bob’s Sports World.........................F3
42 Saratoga Avenue
238-2308
• Waterford Clock............................. B4
152 Saratoga Avenue
233-7314
•Louise’s Hair Boutique..................G3
24 Broad Street
235-0583
Automotive, Mechanical
As noted
282 Middletown Road 105 Hudson River Road 60 Broad Street 238-1315 235-6596 •Dave Fusco Autobody ....................H1
233-0481 235-7231 235-1672 Retail •Runway Fashions ...........................G3 75 Hudson River Road
•Vinnie’s New York Pizzeria............G3
72 Broad Street
235-3715
•Colonial Deli Mart.........................F1
280 Middletown Road
233-1310
•Past Treasure’s...............................G2
47 Broad Street
233-0030
•Batto’s Wine & Liquor................... B4
35 Saratoga Avenue
237-6362
31 Broad Street
•Maloney’s Flower shop...................G3
73 Broad Street
235-5386
•Warren Tire Co. ............................C4
75 Saratoga Avenue
4 NOTES:
• Old Village Tavern.........................B5 •Paulie’s ConvenienceMart ..............F2 Miscellaneous Services • Red Rooster Country Shop............G3 237-4622 233-1480
6’-0”
41 Broad Street 12 Washington Avenue •Key Bank of Waterford...................F3 58 Broad Street • Bill’s Card Shaq.............................F2 •Kelt’s Automotive ..........................G1
237-9719 235-5472 74 Broad Street 237-2114 97 Broad Street 74 Hudson River Road
•Don and Paul’s...............................F3 •Mr. B’s...........................................F2 237-0400 • Ursula of S witzerland Factor y S tor e.E 3 Hair care 237-3121
66-68 Broad Street •One Day Sign’s.............................. F2 • Lookin Good Hair Design..............C4 •B&J Auto Supply...........................C4
Map has grid for easy
66 Third Street 31 Mohawk Avenue
233-1040 238-2824 105 Broad Street 237-2580 29 Saratoga Avenue 27 Saratoga Avenue
•Marce’s Tavern ..............................G3 •Grand Union Supermarket .............B4 237-5774 •Waterford Floor Covering...............G3 237-8670 237-7551
26 Broad Street 30 Saratoga Avenue •The Shipping Room....................... B4 54 Broad Street • Village Headliners.........................G3 •Sunoco...........................................F2
235-2750 237-4357 152 Saratoga Avenue 237-5392 33 Broad Street 110 Broad Street
location of services.
Scale: 1 1/2” =1’- 0”
DATE:
Scale: 1” =1’- 0”
March 1999
PAGE #
Twenty-Three