In the 70's I worked in a service station, across from Ranko's Pharmacy (about 3 blocks from Stadium High School). Every week there was multiple people asking directions on how to find Point Defiance Park. It may be worse today since the "Y" at the end of I-705 may direct more traffic to that area. (There was no I-705 at that time).Either sign would work. It might help to put the mileage to the destination on each sign. It would be nice to know if it is .3 of a mile or 5.0 miles, no mater what your mode of transportation, walking, biking, bus or car.

Seems to me we gained that name when we were selected as the western terminus for the RAILROAD.

Option 3 anyone?

People may be upset about signage in Tacoma being all about the tourists, but it's intended for the residents as well. How are Tacoma's residents supposed to know how to find the Pantages Theater if they spend all their time in South Tacoma? I'll bet that 90 percent of Tacomans couldn't tell you where most of the city's attractions are. It's a worthwhile investment to help both the tourists and the residents find more to do in their city.

The "i" is easier to read in version 2 and it is good to know what district you are in.

Who determined that Maritime History was the most important in settling Tacoma? It was LUMBER! LUMBER! All those hills didn't get bare by themselves. Somebody in charge needs to call this to the artist's and the cities attention before this gets cast in concrete. I'm shocked that City Administrators are so ignorant of our beginnings.

I find it funny that people are complaing about how "confusing" the street signs are in Tacoma. Try living in the midwest like Indiana where there is nothing but cornfields for miles and your lucky if you can find a street sign. Now that's confusing. At least out here if you get lost you can always find a freeway with exit signs.

I prefer #2 as it is more clearer but yes we need the streets fixed to make it more easy to get around. Before making the signs make sure you do the names correctly!!

I'm on board with having the streets repaired first, then soon followed by improved signage. As a new comer to Tacoma, being lost is normal because of poor signage or complete intersections without signs at all. Not just for tourists, locals in Tacoma need the luxury of streets properly labeled. Its tough giving directions by landmarks alone.

I Like both, could we mix the two like keep the stadium distict sign and make it 3-D and lighted.

Tacoma is doing it the right way. We should not feel 3rd place to any city, not to Bellevue, Seattle or Spokane.

We should stay real and stick to things that will make Tacoma a better city and different from the rest. The new signs are a plus. Great cities reinvent themselves and that's what makes Tacoma great, because we are reinventing ourselves.

Lots of the usual complaining about taxes and potholes in these comments. I think these signs are important and overdue, and I don't expect they will exactly be a huge drain on the pothole budget. I want our visitors to be able to find the sights and sites that make Tacoma special, and not feel abandoned on our streets. Making visitors feel welcome improves outsider perceptions of Tacoma, which in turn encourages more people to visit and spend money here, to move here, to invest here, and for businesses to locate here. It's worth the small investment in signage.

Option 2 is way cooler than 1. Think of the MoG cone, the Murray Morgan Bridge, the Old City Hall tower — it's a fun and unique idea. Just please tell me they will remove those horrible district identification banners (especially the ones screaming Buy! Sell! in '80s-style graphics).

By the way, it's Wright Park, not Wright's Park. I assume someone will correct Rusty George on that.

Tacoma needs this. Everyone has an opinion of what is most important: streets, safety, signage, empty buildings, people living downtown, the list goes on. If we want things to get done around here maybe we should appreciate the fact that the city is trying to create a place where people can find the places we are proud of. There is a lot to do around here, and we all have responsibility in that. Tacoma has a history of beautiful buildings and respected streets (did you know they actually had signs that said "do not spit on the sidewalk") We need to encourage the things our city is trying to do to better our community. (and no I do not work for the city or Rusty George)

You're probably right about the artist's rendering. But, from an amateur artist's point of view, you MUST know your subject. I know I'm nit-picking.

I just noticed that in pic #2, the signs are all pointing in the wrong direction!
The view is looking North on Tacoma Ave. The white car is coming up the hill from Stadium Way. Take a right and you end up at Wright's Park and T.G.

And which icon will rhey use for East Tacoma? St. Joe's outline or a lowrider?

Right on, Witchi. Priorities. It's all about priorities.

And just how exactly is THIS Bulls%# idea going to be paid for? Another raise in water rates? Sewer rates? Stormwater? Increased "customer charge"?
It's amazing that money can be found for stuff like this, but we can't afford to hire more cops for increased traffic duty, or to enforce laws like fireworks, speeding and handicapped parking violations.
BTW, I voted for @2 only because you didn't have "None of the Above".