Graphic Impact has been a trusted partner for Banner Health, designing, fabricating, and installing monument signage across facilities in Tucson. Monument signs serve as a critical part of healthcare branding and wayfinding, ensuring patients, visitors, and staff can easily locate facilities. They also reflect the professionalism, credibility, and trust associated with the Banner Health brand.

When preparing to install a monument sign, there are important steps every property owner should understand. Proper planning ensures not only a smooth installation but also compliance with local regulations and a durable, long-lasting finished product. Below, we break down the process and offer insights from our decades of experience providing monument signage throughout Tucson and beyond.

Understanding the Role of Monument Signs

Monument signs are freestanding structures typically placed near entrances or along major roads to identify a property or organization. For healthcare facilities like Banner Health, they do much more than simply display a name. They help establish visibility in the community, guide visitors to the correct location, and create a professional first impression.

Unlike temporary or small-scale signage, monument signs are permanent fixtures. They require careful planning, precise construction, and ongoing maintenance. That’s why it’s essential to work with a company experienced in both design and fabrication—like Graphic Impact—who can manage the process from concept to completion.

Step 1: Preliminary Drawings and City/County Sign Codes

The first step in any monument signage project is research and preliminary design. Every city and county has its own regulations regarding signage height, size, location, and lighting. In Tucson and Pima County, for example, strict codes govern how signs are displayed to ensure public safety and maintain the community aesthetic.

At this stage, Graphic Impact prepares conceptual drawings that meet both the client’s vision and the city’s requirements. This step prevents costly redesigns later and ensures your project can move forward without delays. For property owners, understanding that permitting and zoning are essential is critical. Skipping this step can result in fines or even removal of the sign.

Step 2: Final Drawings and Engineering

Once preliminary drawings are approved, the next step is to have your sign company or an architect prepare final, detailed drawings. These will include dimensions, structural details, materials, and lighting specifications. For larger monument signs—such as those used at Banner Health facilities—engineering input may also be required to ensure the structure is safe, durable, and weather-resistant.

Graphic Impact’s design team uses state-of-the-art software to create renderings that help clients visualize the finished product. This allows Banner Health, for example, to see how a monument sign will appear from the street and how it integrates with existing landscaping and architecture.

Step 3: Get Quotes and Evaluate Delivery Timelines

After final drawings are completed, it’s time to gather quotes from qualified sign companies. When reviewing proposals, it’s not just about the lowest price. Delivery timelines, materials used, and the company’s reputation for on-time performance are equally important.

At Graphic Impact, we know how critical deadlines are for healthcare organizations. When Banner Health opens a new facility, signage must be installed and ready by the opening day. That’s why we’ve developed a proven process to ensure on-time delivery without sacrificing quality. Evaluating potential partners on these factors is one of the smartest steps a property owner can take.

Step 4: Check References and Company History

Not all sign companies are created equal. Before awarding a project, it’s important to check references, review portfolios, and understand how long a company has been in business. A company with decades of experience—like Graphic Impact, which has been serving Tucson since 1989—offers peace of mind that the job will be done right the first time.

References also provide valuable insights into customer satisfaction, responsiveness, and after-sale support. For organizations like Banner Health that require consistency across multiple locations, choosing an established, reliable partner is essential.

Step 5: Proceed with Fabrication and Installation

Once the design, permitting, and planning stages are complete, it’s time to move forward with the project. Fabrication of a monument sign involves skilled craftsmanship, precision cutting, and the use of durable materials such as aluminum, stone, acrylic, or high-density urethane. Lighting elements, when included, are carefully installed to enhance visibility both day and night.

Installation is the final step and requires coordination with contractors, electricians, and sometimes landscapers. At Banner Health facilities, for example, monument signs must be positioned in high-visibility areas while blending seamlessly with the surrounding property. Graphic Impact’s installation teams handle everything from foundation work to final placement, ensuring the sign is not only functional but also visually striking.

Why Choose Graphic Impact for Monument Signs?

Graphic Impact stands apart in the signage industry because we manage every stage of the process in-house. From initial consultation and design to fabrication and installation, our team ensures quality control at every step. This approach has made us a trusted partner for Banner Health and many other major organizations in Tucson and Southern Arizona.

Our decades of experience also mean we know local regulations inside and out, helping clients avoid delays and unexpected costs. Most importantly, our signs are built to last—standing strong against the Arizona sun, wind, and weather while maintaining their professional appearance for years to come.

Conclusion: Preparing for a Monument Sign Project

Installing a monument sign is a significant investment that pays long-term dividends in branding, visibility, and professionalism. By following the steps outlined above—planning, final drawings, evaluating quotes, checking references, and proceeding with trusted partners—you can ensure a smooth process and a sign that truly represents your organization.