Consultants from STV presented initial concepts for a citywide gateway signage program and asked the Brentwood City Commission for design direction. STV emphasized the need for unified branding, attention to materials and landscape maintenance, and coordination with Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) where signs intersect state right of way.

Brad Thompson, vice president of STV, introduced the firm and said the process will start with overall visual branding and move into design options for the commission in June, followed by engineering and TDOT coordination where needed. David Elk, the consultants’ visual branding specialist, was identified as the lead designer on the project.

Commissioners and staff discussed existing signs around Brentwood and referenced the Brentwood 2030 plan locations (Franklin Road/Old Hickory, Concord Road, Wilson Pike and others). Commissioners expressed a preference for durability and a natural look—multiple speakers recommended stacked or cut stone/granite and metal accents rather than painted or heavily colored surfaces that can fade. Multiple commissioners emphasized low maintenance to avoid recurring public‑works upkeep and suggested rock or reduced planting palettes where appropriate. Staff and consultants noted TDOT requires clear zone and sight‑distance compliance and that any landscaping or maintenance on TDOT right of way would require a city maintenance plan submitted to TDOT.

Costs were discussed in broad ranges; consultants provided an indicative cost range of roughly $2.75 to $400 per square foot depending on materials and complexity and said final cost estimates will be refined after design selection. Commissioners asked consultants to provide mockups that include versions both with and without the city seal and to show options incorporating a monochrome or metal seal inset (rather than a full‑color seal that would require added maintenance). The team said they will return in May with renderings for staff review and in June with options for the commission, then proceed to planning commission and formal approvals in July if the commission approves the chosen direction.

Commissioners also discussed siting constraints: some identified gateway locations may have limited right‑of‑way or commercial development nearby that could require scaled‑down designs or alternate placements. Consultants reiterated that locations within TDOT right‑of‑way will need TDOT signoff and that design will be tailored to location constraints.