Custom metal plaques are aesthetic marvels built to last virtually forever, preserving history for future generations
LA GRANGE, Ill., March 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Commemorating the people and places that make up the rich tapestry of American history is an important facet of Impact Architectural Signs' (www.impactsigns.com) work. Two recent projects, the Gaiety Theatre in Boston and Beacon Field Airport in Alexandria, Virginia, highlight the potential of metal plaques as historical markers and even as an opportunity for civic education.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140325/PH89603-a )
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140325/PH89603-b )
In the nation's urban areas, dynamic growth sometimes means the loss of properties that have a compelling story to tell, a story well worth saving. This is the function of commemorative metal plaques from Impact! Signs.
Co-founder Shabbir Moosabhoy explained the important role played by historical markers: "History is everywhere we look, especially in the nation's cities. But sometimes the past is forgotten as developers rush toward the future. At Impact! Signs, we're thrilled to participate, in our own small way, in keeping the fascinating history of unique locales alive and helping communities maintain a connection to their own past. Both Beacon Field Airport and Boston's Gaiety Theatre were important sites in the twentieth century at the local and national level."
In Alexandria, Virginia, the Beacon Field Airport stainless steel photo plaque demonstrates the versatility and impeccable crafting of the design studio at Impact! Signs. The company worked together with general contractor Whiting Turner and wholesaler Costco to create a fitting historic monument for the airport, which had been absorbed by suburban sprawl since its closure in 1959. Beacon Field was one of the first private airports in the country, and it functioned as a training area for World War II pilots. Nearly Hybla Valley was intended as a destination for transatlantic zeppelin flights before that mode of transportation fell out of favor.
Today, the evocative series of stainless steel photo plaques at the former Beacon Field location are helping to preserve a piece of early aviation history that might otherwise have been lost. From a design perspective, the photorealism of the plaques is their most striking aspect.
Razed in 2005, Boston's Gaiety Theatre provided another opportunity for Impact! Signs to showcase its durable, attractive, custom metal plaques. With the assistance of Linda Ziemba of Trace Designs, the company produced an etched bronze plaque to grace the former location of the theatre. The plaque displays an exterior view of the building, along with a short description of its historical significance and physical characteristics.
The Gaiety Theatre was constructed in 1908 and experienced its heyday during the Jazz Age. While its early days tapped into a Vaudeville tradition, the 1920s saw the theatre become a northern outpost of the Harlem Renaissance. For this reason, the Gaiety Theatre came to occupy an essential position in early 20th century African American history. The freedom and the progressiveness of the theatre and its community of patrons did not last; with the onset of the Great Depression, the crowds shrank and became less diverse, but the theatre's place in history was already established.
Moosabhoy concluded: "Our commitment to quality and professionalism has helped make Impact! Signs the leading plaque studio in the US. We work one-on-one with clients from coast to coast, ensuring that the finished plaque, signage, lettering or other display meets or exceeds expectations."
The durability and timelessness of custom metal plaques is unequalled. The designers at Impact! Signs are happy to work with architects, contractors, landscapers and corporations to design an appropriate display for any purpose and environment. Those interested in seeing what Impact! Signs can do for them are encouraged to request a free quote: http://www.impactsigns.com/quote/.
About Impact Architectural Signs
Impact Signs was founded in 1989 by Ammar and Shabbir Moosabhoy, a father and son team. Today, the company is a leading architectural sign company, specializing in the design, production, and installation of high-quality dimensional letters, custom logo signs, and metal plaques – nationwide.
Contact:
Shabbir Moosabhoy
Impact Architectural Signs
26 E. Burlington Ave.
LaGrange, IL 60525
Phone: +1-708-469-7178