What we build
Storefront signage that reads from across the avenue
A New York storefront gets judged in about three seconds from a moving sidewalk. We fabricate exterior signage sized to your frontage, lit for the hours you actually keep, and detailed so the landlord, the BID, and the Department of Buildings all sign off on the same drawing.
- Channel letters
- Individually fabricated aluminum letters with LED illumination — front-lit for maximum street legibility, reverse-lit (halo) for a softer look on masonry facades. Mounted direct, on a raceway, or on a backer panel depending on what the landlord and DOB will accept.
- Blade signs
- Projecting double-sided signs that catch pedestrians walking up the block — the highest-value sign on most Manhattan storefronts. Projection over the sidewalk is regulated, so we size and detail them to the zoning district before fabrication.
- Cabinet signs
- Sealed aluminum boxes with push-through acrylic or translucent vinyl faces. Cost-efficient for long wordmarks and wide fascias, and easy to reface later when a brand or tenant changes.
- Awning & canopy lettering
- Silkscreened or heat-applied graphics on Sunbrella and vinyl awnings, plus valance lettering. Often the fastest route to a compliant storefront when a lit sign isn't in the budget or the frontage is landmarked.
NYC reality check
What makes exterior signage different in New York
- Signs on a street wall need a DOB sign permit filed by a licensed sign hanger — we file it.
- Landmark districts (SoHo, West Village, Tribeca, Ladies' Mile) require LPC review before DOB will issue.
- Illuminated signage is restricted in most residential zoning districts (R1–R10) and limited in C1/C2 overlays.
- Projecting signs have hard limits on projection over the sidewalk and required clearance above grade.
- Sidewalk shed, scaffold, or a DOT permit may be needed on the install day for anything over the walkway.
Working through it yourself? Start with our guide to NYC sign permits, the pre-installation permit checklist, and the borough-by-borough regulation breakdown.
Process
Survey to sign-off
- 01
Survey
We measure the fascia, photograph the facade, and pull the zoning and landmark status for the address.
- 02
Design & shop drawings
Scaled elevations and mounting details you can hand to the landlord, GC, or architect for sign-off.
- 03
Permits
DOB sign application, LPC filing where required, and DOT permits for the install if the work crosses the sidewalk.
- 04
Fabrication
Letters, cabinets, and LED systems built and finished in our shop — no drop-shipped guesswork.
- 05
Install & sign-off
Union-certified crew, lift or scaffold as needed, night installs for busy corridors, and final DOB sign-off.
FAQ
Exterior signage questions we get weekly
- How long does an exterior sign take in NYC?
- Plan on 4–8 weeks door to door. Fabrication is typically 2–3 weeks; the variable is permitting — a straightforward DOB sign permit runs 2–4 weeks, and a landmark district filing can add several more.
- Do I need a permit for a storefront sign?
- Almost always. Any sign attached to the building's street wall requires a DOB sign permit filed by a licensed sign hanger. We file as the licensed contractor of record, so you're not chasing an expeditor.
- Can you install in a landmark district?
- Yes. We've installed in SoHo, the West Village, Tribeca, and other LPC districts. Those jobs need Landmarks approval before DOB will issue, and they generally favor non-illuminated or halo-lit lettering over internally lit cabinets.
- How much does a channel letter set cost?
- Cost tracks letter height, depth, illumination type, and access for the install. Send us the frontage dimensions and a photo of the storefront and we'll send a written quote — usually within one business day.
- Do you cover all five boroughs?
- Yes — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Our shop and office are on 7th Ave in Manhattan.