Project Case Study
A Modern Monument for First Baptist Church
Rochester Hills, Michigan
The Transformation
From a dated display to an architectural landmark
Project Overview
An architectural sign design for a lasting impression
First Baptist Church needed a new monument sign that would do more than identify its campus. The sign needed to attract attention from the roadway, reflect the architecture of the church, and present the organization as modern, welcoming, and professionally established.
The existing sign had served a functional purpose, but its appearance no longer matched the character of the property or the church’s desired image. The project called for a completely new visual statement—one that integrates the surroundinglandscape and building materials while remaining highly visible day and night.
Everyone here at the church is loving our new road sign. It fits in perfectly with our community and our existing buildings. Thanks to you and your craftsmen who created this design and made it come to life.
We continue to get very favorable comments from our congregation for the new road sign. Thanks again for a great job.
The Challenge
Creating a sign that felt like part of the property
The primary challenge was to create a substantial monument sign that felt architecturally connected to the church rather than appearing like a separate roadside fixture. The design needed to complement the building’s warm, natural exterior palette while maintaining a clean, contemporary appearance.
Nighttime visibility was equally important. The church wanted its primary identification to remain clear after dark without creating an overly bright or distracting display.
Design & Planning
Translating architecture into a custom sign
Metro Signs & Lighting designed a custom, internally illuminated monument sign specifically for the First Baptist Church property. The angled profile gives the display a contemporary appearance while establishing a visual relationship with the adjoining stone structure.
The cabinet was finished in dark bronze to coordinate with the architectural trim of the church building. An L-shaped masonry base provided a permanent foundation and helped the monument feel like an intentional extension of the site.
Materials & Construction
Built for visibility, durability, and continuity
Concrete Footing
A permanent structural foundation designed to securely support the monument assembly.
Natural Stone Base
An L-shaped masonry structure selected to complement the exterior architecture of the church.
Painted Aluminum Cabinet
A custom-shaped cabinet finished in dark bronze to coordinate with the building’s trim and exterior palette.
Push-Through Acrylic
Router-cut white acrylic lettering creates clean dimensional depth and consistent illumination.
White LED Illumination
Energy-efficient LEDs provide bright, even lighting for the cabinet lettering and halo-lit cross.
Applied White Vinyl
The church website was added as clear secondary copy without competing with the primary identification.
Custom Fabrication
Engineering and Assembly
Metro’s fabrication team assembled the custom-shaped aluminum sign cabinet and router-cut its face to accept the precise push-through acrylic lettering.
The cabinet was painted with a dark bronze finish and outfitted internally with rows of white LED modules. The LED layout was carefully arranged to provide consistent illumination across the lettering and minimize visible hot spots.
The church website was produced in white vinyl and applied along the lower portion of the cabinet, preserving a clear visual hierarchy between the church name, location, and supporting information.
Installation
Coordinated from foundation to final illumination
Site Preparation
The installation area was prepared and the concrete footing was completed to provide structural support.
Masonry Construction
The L-shaped stone base was constructed to align with the approved design and architectural palette.
Crane Placement
Metro’s installation team used a crane truck to lift and carefully position the completed cabinet.
Electrical Connection
The internal lighting and halo-lit cross were wired, tested, and powered on for final inspection.
The Result
A polished identity by day and a memorable presence after dark
The completed monument sign gives First Baptist Church a distinctive and professional presence at the entrance to its property. The stonework, dark bronze finish, dimensional lettering, and illuminated cross create continuity with the church architecture while improving visibility from the road.
During the day, the sign presents a clean, contemporary identity. At night, the internally illuminated lettering and halo-lit cross extend its visual impact well beyond daylight hours.
The church was so pleased with the finished project that photos of the new sign were quickly featured on its website. For Metro Signs & Lighting, the project demonstrates how thoughtful design, custom fabrication, architectural materials, and professional installation can transform a sign into a lasting part of a property’s identity.