History Is Not Forgotten

Print Shop: Westmount Signs | westmountsigns.com
Location: Kitchener, Ontario
Tools and Supplies: Roland DG TrueVIS VG2 series wide-format digital printer/cutter, Avery DOL 1460Z gloss cast laminate, Avery MPI 1105 SuperCast LTR Easy Apply RS with matching cast laminate, and painted aluminum composite panels supplied as part of the construction of the building.

ZEHR LEVESQUE, the developer of a new condominium building in downtown Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, needed exterior graphics to represent the heritage of the previous building on the site, which was part of Kitchener’s famous garment factories. They called upon Westmount Signs who then collaborated with local artist Stephanie Scott.

“This design for the Garment Street development in Downtown Kitchener is a playful interpretation of clothing manufacturing,” says Scott. “It is made up of scraps and remnants that are created as a by-product of the garment construction process. It features an assortment of notions, such as loose thread, buttons, metal rings, zippers, bobbins, and lace. These are scattered amongst fabric scraps of all different colors and textures. The organic composition contrasts with the geometric lines of the building, and the blank pieces of the design encourage the viewer to fill in the gaps with their own imagination.”

“The artist’s unique designs incorporated a wide range of color, and we were able to match even the many shades of red and orange perfectly with the wide color gamut available on our Roland DG TrueVIS VG2 printer,” says Tim Bezner, owner, Westmount Signs. “The design really helped bring this contemporary building into harmony with the area’s history.”

With a winter storm fast approaching, the installation window was rapidly closing. “It was in November, and we were in a race against time to install the graphics before the onset of winter weather,” says Bezner. “In fact, our installers had to deal with strong wind gusts, rain, and snow during installation. The major challenge for this job was simply performing the installation in a busy downtown location. Fortunately, our staff is very experienced, and we have the proper equipment to handle an installation of this scale.” The graphics – totaling 662 square feet – were installed using an Elliott M43 HighReach aerial work platform and standard vinyl installation tools.