The Iconic Masonic Temple Detroit Sign: A Phillips Sign & Lighting Case Study

Detroit’s Masonic Temple (The Masonic) is the largest building of its kind in the world. The cornerstone was laid in 1922 during a ceremony attended by thousands of Detroiters, with a trowel previously used by George Washington during the construction of the U.S. Capitol. Since then, it has become one of Detroit’s premier venues for concerts, comedy shows, weddings, graduations, and more.

A Landmark Project: The Masonic Temple of Detroit

The Masonic Temple stands as a testament to Detroit’s rich history and architectural grandeur. As a hub for diverse events, from intimate performances to large-scale conventions, this historic landmark faced a unique challenge: how to effectively communicate its multitude of simultaneous events to a broad audience. This demanded a signage solution that was not only visually striking but also highly functional and befitting of such a prestigious venue.

The Challenge: Designing a High-Impact Sign for a Historic Venue

The project presented several distinct design requirements that needed innovative solutions from our expert team at Phillips Sign & Lighting Co.

Maximizing Visibility with a V-Shaped Design

First, the sign had to be seen from several streets, maximizing its overall visibility. To accomplish this, we created a V-shaped design to be seen from multiple angles, ensuring maximum exposure for the Temple’s events from various approaches.

Showcasing Multiple Events with State-of-the-Art LED Displays

Second, we had to address the multitude of events for the numerous theaters located within The Masonic Temple. Having worked with many similar venues, we knew exactly what they would need: an advanced digital display system. An LED digital display could show multiple slides featuring event promotions at 10-second intervals. After 10 seconds, the next event promotion is showcased, and so on. But this was The Masonic Temple, and not just any LED display was going to do. We opted to use two Watchfire 6MM HD digital displays. Currently, these are among the highest-resolution outdoor LED displays in the City of Detroit, offering unparalleled clarity and vibrancy.

The Illuminating Centerpiece: ‘Masonic Temple’ Letters

Finally, the sign needed a centerpiece where both digital displays would meet. Our fabrication team routed the “Masonic Temple” letters out of the aluminum cabinet and placed acrylic panels behind them so they could be illuminated by the internal LED lights, creating a stunning and prominent focal point.

From Fabrication to Flawless Installation: Our Process in Action

Our commitment to precision and quality extends beyond design to every stage of the project.

The sign mockup was created in our shop to assure proper fitting, and the two giant poles were placed precisely into a concrete footing at the site. The sign mockup ensured that the installation went smoothly and every element aligned perfectly. We wired the LED displays and activated them to showcase the game-changing resolution this sign produces. We were impressed, but more importantly, the client was truly delighted! That’s the most satisfying and important part of what we do here at Phillips Sign & Lighting: ensuring our clients are happy with quality custom signage.

Partnering with Phillips Sign & Lighting: Quality & Client Satisfaction

In closing, it was an honor to work with The Masonic Temple of Detroit. Our years of experience providing custom-fabricated signage paved the way for us to work on some of Michigan’s most iconic projects, helping businesses and landmarks alike achieve their visibility goals.

Ready to discuss how custom signage can transform your business’s visibility? Contact Phillips Sign & Lighting today for a FREE consultation!