Defining a District

"Have you seen the new signs," asked the Harvard Heights mob challengingly.
I hadn't, and I tried to redirect, "No, but I sure like what Adams-Normandie did."
The H.H.-ers, young and brimming with Obama-made confidence were in no mood, "cut the crap Janeiro--pay your respects."

Jeez, I intoned, don't they realize I spend days shuffling from one historic district to the next, past all manner of markers and Charles Rennie Mackintosh inspired displays?

Historic districts are typically areas of contiguous, concentrated cultural resource. Distinct signage can often help advertise and inform, while reinforcing ownership and an idea of place.

The most "successful" districts are often compact, aided by distinctive geographic features or barriers that interrupt continuity, like a small hill (Melrose Hill, Angelino Heights) or an uncharacteristic grid (Victoria Park, Alvarado Terrace). The Harvard Heights neighborhood boasts some of those attributes, ringed by high traffic streets, and bordered on the East by a cemetery, a large private school campus and the city's most important Greek Orthodox church.

The new signs are playful, yet meaningful, without resorting to tired imagery or cliche font. Bravo!