If you’ve ever driven down Ogden Avenue in Naperville or hustled through River North in Chicago, you know how easy it is for a business to get lost in the crowd. Your building might be great, but if people can’t spot you, it’s like you’re invisible.
At Captivating Signs, we work with businesses across the area, from boutique shops near Naperville’s Riverwalk to professional offices around Chicago’s Loop, to make sure they get noticed. With our years of experience, we help you pick the right design, materials, and placement so your monument sign actually works for your business.
Here’s a closer look at seven types of monument signs and how each can work for your business.
What are Monument Signs?
A monument sign is a freestanding sign set at ground level, typically near the entrance to a building or property. Monument signs, unlike pole signs, are erected on a firm foundation and composed of long-lasting materials such as stone, brick, metal, or concrete. These signs are prevalent at companies, schools, churches, apartment buildings, and shopping malls.
There are numerous types of monument signs available today. Modern monument signs frequently have sleek lines, LED displays, and customized finishes. These modernized designs help your business stand out and appear current. Multi-tenant monument signs are an excellent choice for businesses that share the same land. These feature the names of multiple tenants in a single sign structure, making it easier for visitors to find each enterprise.
Types of Monument Signs You Should Try
1. Masonry Monument Signs (Brick & Stone)
Masonry monument signs are one of those “they never go out of style” options. Picture a sturdy brick or natural stone base with your business name mounted on a clean plaque. You’ll see these a lot in Naperville’s historic downtown or along some of Chicago’s older business corridors because they just belong there; they match the architecture instead of fighting it.
One big local perk? Brick and stone hold up really well through Chicago winters and still look sharp year after year. A law office on Wacker Drive, for example, might go with a stone monument sign paired with bronze lettering to give off that classic, trustworthy vibe.
Ways we make masonry signs stand out:
- Mix brick textures or stone types for depth
- Add inset panels for logos or business hours
- Include subtle lighting to highlight details at night
2. Panel Monument Signs
Panel monument signs are all about flexibility. They usually have a solid base, ike masonry, concrete, or metal, with panels that display your business name or tenant info. The nice part? Those panels can be removed or updated without redoing the entire sign.
In busy spots like the shops near Naperville’s Riverwalk, panel monument signs are a smart choice. They let you list multiple businesses on one clean sign instead of cluttering the property with several signs. And if a tenant changes or you refresh your branding, swapping out a panel is quick and painless. Consider choosing a panel color that complements the surrounding neighborhood palette, like muted earth tones in historic districts or bright accents near modern retail plazas.
3. Illuminated Monument Signs
If your property sees evening or early morning traffic, illuminated LED signs can make a huge difference. These can be backlit panels, LED edges, or halo-lit lettering.
In Chicago’s River North or along Ogden Avenue in Naperville, illuminated signs help customers find your business after dark. They’re especially useful for medical offices, hotels, and gyms where visitors may arrive outside traditional business hours.
Strategic enhancements:
- Use warm LEDs for upscale businesses
- Consider dimmable options to reduce glare in residential zones
- Pair with reflective panels for extra visibility
4. Metal Monument Signs
Metal signs deliver a modern, professional vibe. Aluminum and steel are common choices. They’re durable enough to handle Chicago’s snow and rain while projecting a sleek, contemporary look.
For instance, a tech firm in Chicago’s Loop may opt for brushed aluminum with cutout letters. Metal signs also pair well with other materials like stone bases or glass inserts for a layered, architectural effect.
Design ideas:
- Use powder-coated finishes for color durability
- Combine metals for contrast (e.g., bronze letters on a steel base)
- Add subtle engravings to enhance branding without clutter
5. Wood Monument Signs
Wood signs bring warmth and a more approachable appearance. Cedar or redwood is popular in Naperville’s suburban neighborhoods or areas with landscaped business fronts.
We’ve seen boutique retailers, yoga studios, and small offices use wood monument signs to create a welcoming first impression. Wood can be carved, painted, or combined with metal lettering for a professional but friendly aesthetic.
Styling suggestions:
- Keep wood sealed for weather protection
- Pair wood with stone for durability
- Experiment with rounded edges or decorative posts to match local surroundings
6. Architectural Monument Signs
Architectural monument signs are fully custom. They combine multiple materials like stone, metal, glass, or wood to complement the building’s design.
A hotel in River North, for example, might use an architectural monument sign to match its façade, integrating lighting and unique shapes. These signs emphasize identity and prestige.
How do we enhance them locally?
- Match neighborhood style for cohesion
- Integrate landscaping for high-traffic corners
- Use multiple textures to highlight logo or branding elements
7. Eco-Friendly Monument Signs
Eco-friendly signs are made from sustainable or recycled materials and can use energy-efficient lighting. For businesses in Chicago’s Loop or near Naperville’s Riverwalk, these signs reflect a commitment to environmental responsibility.
You could opt for reclaimed wood, recycled metals, or low-energy LEDs without compromising visibility or design. They’re perfect for offices, co-working spaces, or environmentally conscious retailers.
Extra considerations:
- Ensure materials are durable for Midwest weather
- Pair with local greenery for a natural feel
- Use subtle lighting for evening visibility
8. Multi-Tenant Monument Signs
These signs can be used like pylon signs, in that they can have multiple businesses advertising on them. They are a great option for commercial property owners who want to bring more attention to the businesses on their property. Monument signs are at an easily readable height and can be placed right next to the road.
9. Digital Modern Monument Signs
In the digital era, signs don’t need to be static. We can create monument signs that display digital messages, so you can project the image you like. You can also use it to project words, so you can alert the community to your next sale, event, or just catch attention with a joke. The digital part of the sign can be very large, or only big enough for a phrase. It can still have your branding like any other monument sign would.
Digital signs are simple to change and save you on printing costs for new signs. You can change up your message as much as you like and test what works. Plus, with LED lights, they are energy efficient.
10. Address Custom Monument Signs
Do you own a large residential property? Or do you frequently have things delivered to your location? Then you can make use of an address sign. Making your address sign a monument helps it be seen from the road. And it elevates the feeling of your property. It is the perfect choice for a high-end apartment or condominium.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Monument Sign
Selecting the right material depends on your neighborhood, building, and business goals. Here’s a quick reference table to help compare the main options:
| Material | Durability | Best Local Use | Design Notes |
| Brick/Stone | Very high | Historic districts, corporate offices | Classic, low maintenance, versatile |
| Metal | High | Modern office buildings, tech firms | Sleek, customizable finishes, long-lasting |
| Wood | Medium | Boutique shops, wellness centers | Warm, approachable, needs maintenance |
| Acrylic/PVC Panels | Medium | Multi-tenant plazas | Bright colors, easily updateable |
| Concrete Bases | Very high | Large properties, mixed-use buildings | Solid foundation, can pair with panels or plaques |
For example, if you live in a rainy or snowy climate, you’ll want fabrics that withstand water and don’t fade readily. At Captivating Signs, we assist you in selecting the best alternative for your specific requirements and budget.
Who Uses Monument Signs in Chicago and Naperville?
Monument signs aren’t just for one type of business; they help a wide range of industries get noticed. In neighborhoods like River North, the Loop, or Naperville’s downtown, these signs make a real difference for businesses competing for visibility. Here are some local industries that benefit most:
- Professional Offices
- Medical & Healthcare Centers
- Retail & Shopping Plazas
- Hospitality & Hotels
- Educational Institutions
- Fitness & Wellness Centers
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Corporate Campuses
- Religious Institutions
How Much Do Monument Signs Cost?
The cost of a monument sign varies depending on its size, design, materials, and features:
- A modest monument sign may cost roughly $5,000.
- More elaborate signs, such as modern monument signs with digital displays or lights, might cost $10,000 to $20,000 or higher.
- Multi-tenant monument signs also tend to be more expensive since they require additional design and structure to accommodate several listings.
Captivating Signs provides clear, upfront pricing and can walk you through several solutions to help you stay on budget.
Making Your Business Visible in Chicago and Naperville
A monument sign isn’t just a nameplate; it’s how people notice your business and remember it. From Chicago’s River North to Naperville’s historic streets, local businesses rely on signage to stand out and guide visitors.
With our years of experience at Captivating Signs, established in 2010, we help businesses through every step of monument sign installation, from selecting the right type and materials to ensuring a smooth, professional setup. We handle the details so you can focus on running your business, while your sign becomes a visible, trusted part of the community.
Our team can handle zoning reviews, local permitting, fabrication, and monument sign installation in-house, ensuring your sign meets Naperville and Chicago regulations from day one. Call us today to get started!
