William A. Kibbe & Associates, Inc. (WAK) is proud to have provided architectural and engineering design services for the City of Frankenmuth, Michigan, in the process of developing a new landmark gateway arch to welcome visitors to the city.

The Palmer Gateway Arch, named after the Palmer Foundation which funded the project, was constructed at S. Gera Road (M-83) at Cross Park near Frankenmuth’s southern boundary. With a total project cost of $918,000 the arch is a unique and substantial symbol for the City of Frankenmuth that greets visitors upon entering and exiting the city. The arch spans 150’ wide across M-83, and measures 36′ from the center of the roadway to the top of the keystone with a 19’ vehicular clearance.

The Frankenmuth crest appears on both sides of the arch along with intricate detailing and the city’s signature colors of blue, red, and brown. Northbound travelers will read a large Willkommen (German for “welcome”) and southbound travelers will read Auf Wiedersehen (German for “goodbye”). These greetings are flanked by steep red towers and decorative metalwork. Project construction was completed in April 2018; Signs by Crannie was the signage contractor, and construction was coordinated by the general contractor, Wm. Bronner & Son Contractors, Inc.

William A. Kibbe & Associates’ comprehensive design included site work for the arch foundations, concrete footings and foundations, design of the steel arch superstructure, conceptual design of all signage components and ornamental metalwork and metal fencing, as well as electrical work for power and lighting.

WAK assisted city staff members with real estate acquisition including site plans and creation of other needed visuals, property description, construction easement description and other similar documents. WAK also consulted with Michigan Department of Transportation officials regarding proper adherence to existing MDOT guidelines and limitations.

Frankenmuth Sign Install April 10 2018 from Grand Space Media on Vimeo.