Detroit's Hollywood-style sign along I-94 is installed — but not all the reviews are great

Amy Huschka, Detroit Free Press
Updated ·3 min read

The new Hollywood-style Detroit sign is now installed along Interstate 94 ahead of the 2024 NFL draft. And based on the reactions on social media, the reception is pretty mixed.

While the sign has been in the works for a while, the City of Detroit decided to install it ahead of the draft, which is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of football fans into the Motor City later this month.

The seven 8-foot-tall letters spelling "D-E-T-R-O-I-T," on the eastbound I-94 between Central Street and Cecil Avenue, were installed Tuesday.

A large Detroit sign is seen in between traffic on the eastbound side of Interstate-94 in Detroit on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
A large Detroit sign is seen in between traffic on the eastbound side of Interstate-94 in Detroit on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

From the design of the letters to their precise location along the highway, the city of Detroit said it took care to involve the neighborhood and listen to community feedback on the project.

But from the looks of reactions on social media, the community has a lot to say about the project. And not all of them were positive. Here's a round-up.

Christopher Kindred of Ocoee, Florida via Detroit says the issue boils down to comparing itself to another city like Hollywood.

"Perhaps, if they are not referred to as HOLLYWOOD STYLE signs the overall reactions would be better," Kindred said. "I mean, they’re a fifth the size. When promoting Detroit, we should do better than comparing ourselves to other cities."

Rob Rudorf questions the font choice.

"All I can say is what a horrible, missed opportunity to do it right," Rudorf said. "They chose Helvetica? I mean anything else would have been more inspired."

He suggests Joanna, Gill Sans, Franklin Gothic, Copperplate Gothic, among others.

Sweet Home Michigan even posted a poll of which city has most embarrassing sign: Macomb County's Sterling Heights' Halo or Detroit?

But a few on X disagree, with some saying they like the Detroit sign — or at least feel others are overreacting to it.

In the coming days, DTE Energy said it will install LED lights inside the letters so it will be illuminated after dark.

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held April 25-27 in Detroit.

Editor's note: A previous version of this story gave an incorrect location for the Detroit sign on I-94. The sign is located on the eastbound side between Central Street and Cecil Avenue. This story has been updated.

Kylie Martin contributed to this story.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit sign on I-94 is installed, and people have thoughts