Downey prepares to seek bids for downtown gateway sign

A rendering shows the proposed Downtown Downey gateway sign at Firestone Boulevard and Downey Avenue. The City Council will consider authorizing construction bids Tuesday, with construction expected to begin in January and finish by April 2027.

DOWNEY — The city is preparing to solicit construction bids for an overhead gateway sign at Firestone Boulevard and Downey Avenue, with installation expected to begin in January and finish by April 2027.

The City Council on Tuesday will consider approving the project’s completed plans and specifications and authorizing staff to seek bids. City officials anticipate opening the bidding process in October.

The sign would mark the entrance to Downtown Downey on the north side of the intersection, which currently lacks an entry monument identifying the downtown area, according to a Public Works staff report.

The project’s estimated cost is $376,034, including $186,880 for installation, $154,700 for materials and $34,454 for contingencies.

The adopted budget provides $253,365 from the city’s Art in Public Places Special Fund and $122,669 from its Senate Bill 1 fund. No general fund money is listed in the project’s funding plan.

When the council reviewed conceptual designs in March 2025, fabrication and installation were estimated to cost between $250,000 and $300,000. Staff cautioned then that costs could rise depending on the foundation design needed to accommodate underground utilities.

In addition to installing the overhead sign, the project includes reinforced concrete foundations, sidewalk restoration, new pavers, tree removal, rerouting irrigation lines and traffic control during construction.

Tuesday’s proposed action would allow the city to advertise for bids; it would not award a construction contract.

Staff will provide an updated cost estimate when the project returns for a contract award, based on the bids received. Although sufficient funding is currently budgeted for the estimated cost, additional money could be requested at that time if necessary, according to the report.