New Signs Welcoming People to Everett

New pole sign being installed on Hewitt Ave near the Trestle on and off-ramps.

On Sunday, new colorful street pole signs were installed to welcome visitors and residents into the city on Hewitt and Broadway. On one side they say “Everett,” and on the other they say “Welcome.” In smaller print, they say “Everett Station District Alliance.”

There are now over 60 banners lining Broadway and Hewitt from the freeway exits to the intersection of the two streets. These streets form the western and northern edges of the Everett Station District.

The background art, which is a single mural that has been divided into 6 individual panels, was designed by Angelina Villalobos-Soto, a regionally renowned Latine artist. Her art can be found in Climate Pledge Arena, a future Redmond light rail station, Kraken jerseys, Sounder season ticket holder scarves, the Museum of Flight, and many more places.

Colorful new signs are portions of a larger mural by Angelina Villalobos-Soto.

Local businesses along Hewitt and Broadway tell us they are excited to see the new signs, especially in their areas that are often neglected from other downtown decorations, despite being the most visible parts of the city for people coming in from outside the city.

Brock Howell, Executive Director of the Everett Station District Alliance (EASD), elaborated on the design:

“The flowing, colorful artwork represents the artistic creativity and vibrancy of our city.  The swirling bright and cool colors remind us of both the northwest’s blue and green natural setting contrasted against the sparks of industry and ideas.  The art also reminds us of the diversity of Everett, that we are a large mixing pot of people from many places geographically and culturally.  United we can be bolder together.”

Some of the funding was provided by Councilmember Paula Rhyne and the Cultural Arts Commission.

“I’m proud that I could use these one-time federal dollars to help support ESDA and the work they are doing to support thoughtful development and place-making near the terminus of light rail and now possibly a multi-use stadium as well,” said Councilmember Paula Rhyne whose District includes the train station and this stretch along Broadway.

“These vibrant banners reflect an ongoing commitment to improving our community and enhancing the experience for anyone who visits or calls Everett home.”

As noted, the funding came from Federal ARPA money. Councilmembers were able to allocate some of it to neighborhoods and parks. Rhyne dedicated $25k to help out the Everett Station District Alliance.