John Labonte Signs was contracted for a takedown and reinstall at Devonshire Mall in Windsor, Ont. Photo courtesy John Labonte Signs
By Carly McHugh
We all need a little bit of change every once in a while. Just ask installation experts John Labonte Signs.
In 2019, the company was contracted by their client, Steel Art Signs, for a takedown and reinstall at Devonshire Mall in Windsor, Ont. The shopping centre had undergone major renovations and was looking to update its old-school pylon sign to something cleaner and more modern.
To begin, the existing 15.2- x 9.7-m (50- x 32-ft) steel and aluminum sign needed to be removed and disposed of, to welcome the newly redesigned structure. This involved a great deal of planning and calculation, as its size and age presented certain challenges throughout the process.
First, it was crucial to balance the weight of the sign while simultaneously lowering it to the ground with a crane. Second, due to the accumulated rust and the fact several components were welded onsite, it was anticipated the dismantling process would be time-consuming. Lastly, the sign’s proximity to roadways and sidewalks presented a safety concern, so the team would need to assess and address those risks.
Since the new sign would be reusing the existing concrete base and anchor bolts, these components also had to be tested to ensure they could accommodate its weight. The project’s engineers used ground sonar to ensure none of the footings were cracked and there were no major deteriorations below grade.
As with any project, choosing the proper equipment proved critical, as it ensured both ease of installation and safety. The takedown of the original pylon required an extensive amount of equipment, including two cranes—an Elliot L60 and a 66.1-t (60-ton) boom crane—and two bucket trucks, plus five highly trained crew members. The bucket trucks and smaller crane were used for rigging parts and removing bolts, while the larger boom crane was used to pull pieces down, due to the sign’s sheer weight and reach. The boom crane was a valuable piece of equipment for this project, as it allowed the team to manoeuvre around cars and pedestrian traffic while maintaining a safe environment for them and the community.
Designed and engineered by Steel Art Signs, the new 12.1- x 6.7-m (40- x 22-ft) pylon was well-planned from fabrication to execution. Its parts were assembled in sequence and required six different trips to be fully delivered to the site. The installation began with the structural steel frame and subframe, followed by two large, prefabricated aluminum composite material (ACM) panels. Two 2.1- x 4.2-m (7- x 14-ft) electric message boards topped off the structure and further accentuated the sign’s modern flair. Once those components were added, the team finalized the electrical work which would bring light to the structure.
The project began in June and was completed in October of the same year.
