YESCO News

YESCO to Fabircate, Install New Signage, Lighting, Architectural Steel Structures on Landmark Ocotillo Bridge in Gilbert, Arizona

L to R: Rendering of Ocotillo Bridge; Rendering of RGBW Lighting on Underside of Bridge.

Click Here For Downloadable, High-Res Photos

SALT LAKE CITY (October 2024) – YESCO, the 104-year-old company known for creating, repairing and maintaining internationally recognizable signs, announces it will begin the design, fabrication and installation of new signage, lighting and large-scale architectural steel structures on the Ocotillo Bridge in Gilbert, Arizona. Spanning over the future phases of Gilbert Regional Park, the project marks a significant addition to the visual landscape of the area, seamlessly blending functionality with the aesthetic appeal of the Ocotillo bridge built by Sundt Construction.

The $112 million dollar project will be funded by voter approved transportation bonds and will significantly improve public safety response times and reduce traffic congestion in the area.

The Gilbert Regional Park sign will feature two sets of illuminated pan channel letters and cabinets, which not only will ensure longevity but also enhance the visual impact, particularly at night. In designing the 44-foot-long sign, YESCO meticulously considered the bridge’s architecture, ensuring the sign complements the surrounding environment while standing out as a distinctive landmark.

The most prominent feature of the project will include four massive steel structures, each measuring approximately 55 feet by 60 feet. These integrated shade structures each consist of seven separate steel “leaf-like” components, measuring 7 feet by 24 feet, creating an impressive, nature-inspired design.

As part of the installation, YESCO will also provide and install RGBW programmable lighting on the bridge arches, underside and columns. This dynamic lighting will add a captivating visual element, enhancing both safety and aesthetics during nighttime.

YESCO has proven to be a valuable partner, delivering exceptional design and constructability reviews during the project’s preconstruction phase, solidifying its reputation as one of the best in the industry.

“We’re thrilled to be starting work on this important project which will provide a much-needed arterial connection and bring the town’s long awaited vision to life,” said Sundt vice president and business development manager Jeff Hamilton.

“Incorporating cutting-edge technology into a timeless design, the Gilbert Regional Park sign will be a beacon that honors Gilbert’s past while lighting the way for its future,” said Jeff Young, executive vice president, YESCO.

ABOUT SUNDT

Sundt Construction, Inc. (www.sundt.com) is one of the country’s largest and most respected general contractors. The 134-year-old firm specializes in transportation, industrial, building, concrete and renewable power work and is owned entirely by its approximately 3,000-plus employees. Sundt is distinguished by its diverse capabilities and experience, unique employee-ownership culture and depth of self-perform expertise in multiple trades. Much of Sundt’s workforce is comprised of skilled craft professionals who, together with the company’s administrative employees, enable Sundt to fulfill its mission to be the most skilled builder in America. Sundt has 13 offices throughout California, Arizona, North Carolina, Texas, Washington, Utah and Florida and is currently ranked the country’s 51st largest construction company by ENR, the industry’s principal trade magazine.

ABOUT YESCO

YESCO specializes in the manufacture of custom electric signs, sign maintenance and out-of-home advertising. In addition, YESCO operates sign and lighting service repair stores throughout North America as well as a sign financing business. Thomas Young founded the company in Ogden, Utah, in 1920 after borrowing $300 from his father. YESCO began by offering wall painted advertisements, gold-leaf window lettering and coffin plates. Today, helmed by the third and fourth generations of the founder’s family, YESCO creates, services and maintains award-winning displays for some of the most prestigious brands. For more information, go to www.YESCO.com.

YESCO to Restore Vintage Rio Grande Sign for Heber Valley Railroad

YESCO announces it will restore the vintage Rio Grande sign for the Heber Valley Railroad. The sign, originally created by YESCO in the late 1950s, once proudly stood atop the Rio Grande Depot in Salt Lake City, Utah, before being replaced approximately five years ago. Now, YESCO is working to refurbish this historic piece, bringing a touch of nostalgia and history to the Heber Valley Railroad. 

The Rio Grande connection to the Heber Valley Railroad is significant, as the branch of track from Provo, Utah, to Heber City, Utah, built in 1899, was originally constructed and operated by the Denver Rio Grande Western Railroad. The Heber Valley Railroad currently operates one of the largest collections of Rio Grande historic standard gauge equipment in the country. As a quasi-state agency, the Heber Valley Railroad is proud to continue preserving the Rio Grande legacy in Utah.  

The restoration project, slated for completion early December, will involve intricate craftsmanship, as YESCO works to restore the sign’s damaged structure and replace outdated neon elements with state-of-the-art LED lights. Once complete, the sign will serve as a symbol of YESCO and the Heber Valley Railroad’s dedication to honoring the legacy of the Rio Grande Railroad and preserving this important piece of local history. The restored sign will be mounted on top of the Heber Valley Railroad’s mechanical shop, located just behind the historic depot, where it will be illuminated on special occasions and stand as a visual tribute to the Rio Grande’s rich history in the region. 

“The Heber Valley Railroad is excited to preserve this piece of Rio Grande history,” said Mark Nelson, executive director, Heber Valley Railroad. “It is a perfect fit to be displayed along with our vintage Rio Grande train rolling stock and locomotives.”

“The YESCO team is working diligently to restore this piece of history to its former glory,” said Jeff Young, executive vice president, YESCO. “We hope the restored sign will serve as a reminder of the enduring impact the Rio Grande Railroad had on the development of this region.”

Slim Olson’s

Pictured here is the original Slim Olson’s gas station in Bountiful, Utah.

Back in the 1950s, this station was recognized as the world’s largest service station, boasting an impressive 43 pumps. Drivers in sleek Ford street rods and Chevy Cabriolets would roll in to fuel up with two grades of Amoco gas: ethyl and regular.

Today, Slim Olson’s legacy continues with the third generation of family ownership. Brothers Doug and Keith Olson now run the station, which has undergone many changes over the decades—including switching to Chevron gas in 1994 and giving the iconic buildings a fresh coat of white and blue paint.

For more than 60 years, Slim Olson Service Stations have been a vital part of the community. Though the number of stations has slimmed down, the Bountiful location remains on the same historic property, fueling the community with the same dedication that started in 1938.