Case Study: Redefining Elegance with Dimensional Wave Signage at the Safety Harbor Hotel

Project Overview
When Concord Syndicate approached us through The Sign Pack platform, their vision was clear: to create a visually impactful decorative signage solution for the east-facing side of the historic Safety Harbor Hotel. The concept focused on a series of wave-like panels designed to elevate the building’s aesthetic while remaining architecturally appropriate and built to endure the elements.

With detailed site measurements and reference materials provided at the outset, the client presented a highly customized concept — multiple uniquely shaped wave panels, each fabricated independently. While visually compelling, this direction introduced substantial cost and production challenges.


The Challenge
The original design required each wave panel to be a custom shape, significantly increasing fabrication time, material waste, and overall project cost. Given the scale of the installation — a multi-panel design across a large façade — the concept risked becoming cost-prohibitive without compromising the design vision.


Our Solution
Upon reviewing the architectural survey, the Southlake Signs design team identified a smarter path forward. By analyzing the curvature and dimensions of the proposed waves, they discovered consistent patterns and symmetries. This insight allowed the design to be refined into just two standardized wave shapes, which were then used in alternating sequence across the installation.

This approach delivered key advantages:

  • Reduced Complexity: Simplified the design and file preparation for routing and fabrication

  • Manufacturing Efficiency: Lowered labor and material costs through shape standardization

  • Visual Consistency: Preserved the flowing motion and dimensional impact of the original concept

  • Budget Optimization: Achieved a high-end visual result within a more efficient production process


Specifications

Sign Type 1
Dimensions: 84” (W) x 16” (H) x ¼” (D)
Quantity: 4
Material: Flat routed aluminum with brass laminate overlay

Sign Type 2
Dimensions: 39” (W) x 16” (H) x ¼” (D)
Quantity: 4
Mounting: Flush-mounted with concealed angles for a clean finish


Final Result
The completed signage brings warmth and depth to the east façade of the Safety Harbor Hotel. Brass-gold tones reflect the sunlight, while the fluid wave forms complement the building’s architecture. The result is a refined, artistic installation that fully realizes the client’s vision and enhances the property’s visual presence.

This project showcases how technical insight in the design phase can unlock both creative potential and production efficiency. At Southlake Signs, thoughtful simplification doesn’t mean cutting corners — it means designing smarter.

Challenge

The original concept called for a series of uniquely shaped wave panels to be fabricated individually. While visually impactful, this approach significantly increased production costs, material waste, and fabrication time. For a large-scale façade installation, the fully custom design risked becoming cost-prohibitive without compromising the creative vision.

Outcome

The design team identified repeating patterns within the wave shapes and reduced the entire layout to just two standardized panels used in alternating sequence. This solution preserved the artistic intent, enhanced manufacturing efficiency, reduced costs, and delivered a clean, elegant final result that brought warmth, depth, and visual sophistication to the hotel’s east façade.

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