Shopping centers and strip malls face unique signage challenges — balancing multiple tenant needs, maintaining consistent aesthetics, maximizing roadside visibility, and staying compliant with both municipal codes and lease agreements. Here's what works for Chicagoland commercial properties.
The Three Levels of Shopping Center Signage
A well-signed shopping center has three levels working together:
- Roadside identification — pylon or monument sign identifying the property from the street
- Tenant directory — lists individual tenants on the pylon or a separate ground sign
- Individual tenant storefront signs — channel letters or lightboxes governed by the property's sign program
Pylon Signs — The Most Important Investment a Property Can Make
A shopping center pylon sign is what makes drivers on a 45mph Chicagoland arterial road see your property and make the turn. In competitive suburban markets, an outdated or poorly maintained pylon costs you tenants.
LED message centers: The best-performing shopping center pylons include an LED electronic message center — allowing the property or tenants to promote specials, events, and hours changes. They increase sign dwell time by 4–6x compared to static displays.
Multi-Tenant Directory Panels
Tenant panels need to be easy to update as tenants turn over. Magic Sign Design fabricates pylon signs with interchangeable tenant panels — when a new tenant moves in, we print and install a fresh panel, typically within 2–3 business days.
Tenant Sign Programs — Protecting Property Value
A defined sign program is one of the most important tools a property manager has. A strong program specifies maximum sign area, approved sign types, color guidelines, and the approval process before any tenant installs. Magic Sign Design works with property managers to develop sign programs, review tenant submittals, and install consistently.
Monument Signs for Neighborhood Centers
For smaller strip centers, a monument sign at the property entrance provides identity without the height and cost of a full pylon. Stone or brick-faced monuments are popular in suburban Chicagoland markets where zoning limits pylon heights.
Managing a Chicagoland shopping center? Magic Sign Design is the preferred sign partner for commercial property managers across the region. Call (224) 830-1576.
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