Blog
Maintenance Requirements for Decorative Street Signs
Monday July 08, 2019
Decorative traffic signs play a crucial role in safely guiding motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists while contributing to a community’s aesthetic identity. But even beautiful signage can become a liability if poorly maintained. This post outlines key FHWA requirements and best practices for cleaning, vegetation control, damage response, and record-keeping for decorative street signs.
Learn More About Decorative Sign MaintenanceLED-Flashing Stop Signs: Are They Legal?
Monday July 01, 2019
While all stop signs used in the United States feature a distinguishable octagon shape with a red background and white lettering, some featured added light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Known as LED-flashing stop signs, they are commonly used as heavily trafficked four-way stops. Because they flash, however, some property developers assume they are illegal. So, can you safely use LED-flashing stop signs, or should you stick with your traditional non-flashing stop signs for your project?
7 Interesting Facts About Mailboxes You Didn't Know
Monday June 24, 2019
The advent of the mailbox has revolutionized the way in which we send letters and packages. While you probably already know the basic concept of mailboxes and how they work, there are probably some things you don't know about them. Below are several interesting facts about mailboxes that may surprise you.
5 Must-Have Furnishings for Your Next Project
Monday June 17, 2019
Parks offer more than just aesthetic benefits for the communities in which they are located. They encourage both social interaction as well as physical activity. When developing a park for a local community, however, you'll need to add the right furnishings. By including the five following furnishings in your park, you'll create a more enjoyable and beneficial outdoor public space for residents and travelers alike.
Traditional Mailboxes vs Contemporary Mailboxes: What's the Difference?
Friday June 07, 2019
When shopping for curbside mailboxes for your neighborhood or residential community, you may discover some labeled as "traditional" or "contemporary." Traditional styles are the most common, accounting for the majority of residential mailboxes in the United States. But in recent years, an increasing number of contemporary mailboxes have emerged, offering a viable alternative for community developers and homeowners alike. So, what's the difference between traditional and contemporary mailboxes?
Can Newspaper Receptacles Be Used With Mailboxes?
Monday June 03, 2019
According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, nearly 34 million Americans receive a Sunday newspaper and nearly 31 million receive a daily newspaper. To accommodate these individuals -- as well as the couriers who deliver their newspaper -- you can use a newspaper receptacle. But you'll need to follow some precautions to ensure it complies with the United States Postal Service's (USPS's) requirements.
USPS Color Requirements for Curbside Mailboxes: What You Should Know
Monday May 20, 2019
When purchasing curbside mailboxes for a neighborhood or residential community, you'll need to choose an appropriate color. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is pretty flexible regarding the color of curbside mailboxes, but there are still a few things you'll need to know. By complying with the USPS's color requirements, you can avoid the headache of having to replace or repaint your mailboxes in the future.
Installing Apartment Mailboxes: What to Know
Monday May 13, 2019
There are now over 2 million apartment buildings in the United States, according to a Rental Housing Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. If you're developing or renovating an apartment complex, choosing the right mailbox system isn’t just about convenience—it’s a matter of federal compliance. Traditional curbside mailboxes aren't practical for multi-unit buildings and no longer meet current standards. Instead, you’ll need to install STD-4C centralized mailboxes, which are now required by the United States Postal Service (USPS) for most new apartment construction. This guide outlines essential best practices for selecting and installing these USPS-compliant systems, including parcel locker ratios, tenant security considerations, and how to ensure a safe, efficient, and accessible mail delivery experience.
Installing Apartment MailboxesComparing the 3 Primary Types of Traffic Signs
Monday May 06, 2019
Traffic signs—also known as roadway or street signs—are essential tools for communicating critical information to motorists and pedestrians, helping to maintain safety, order, and navigational clarity across all types of communities. From ancient Roman milestones to today’s MUTCD-compliant signage, these visual cues have long guided travelers and regulated shared spaces. In modern residential neighborhoods, private developments, and HOA communities, choosing the right traffic signage isn’t just a matter of compliance—it’s central to creating a functional, welcoming, and visually unified environment. Most traffic signs fall into three primary categories: regulatory signs (which enforce laws and control behavior), warning signs (which alert users to potential hazards), and guide signs (which provide directional and wayfinding information). Understanding the distinctions between these categories is crucial when planning or upgrading your community’s traffic signage system.
Learn About Traffic Sign CategoriesWhat Are Bollards? And Why Should I Use Them?
Friday April 26, 2019
From parks and recreational areas to shopping centers and apartment complexes, bollards are found in a variety of places. Consisting of short and vertical posts, they are used to separate roads from areas used by pedestrians and cyclists. If you've been tasked with developing a residential or commercial area, though, you might be wondering what benefits, if any, bollards offer.