The Oxford Athletic Club recently underwent a renovation to rebrand their health and fitness club, and they reached out to Spark Signs to create the signage that fit a more upscale and modern style. Throughout our six-month collaboration, we provided our client with multiple interior and exterior signs to best suit their member’s needs.
The pictures show the completed exterior LED lighted building sign mounted over the entrance which showcases the new Oxford logo. Also included are a variety of interior and exterior signs that tie the OAC brand throughout the fitness center. Examples include the PVC lobby sign, the “dot pattern” exterior window graphics, and acrylic ADA and identification signs. To view the entire project, check out the Oxford Athletic Club Project folder on Flickr.
Since 1998, the Oxford Athletic Club has served as the premiere fitness center for the greater Pittsburgh area. With the vision of being the most elite club in the region for health, wellness, and socialization, Oxford remains the guiding force today. Their world-class tennis and racket-sport facilities have achieved regional and national acclaim. Their beautiful indoor and outdoor aquatics centers offer access to top-notch aquatic activities year-round. The fitness center, indoor track, and full gymnasium provide options for all ages and interests to lead a fit and active lifestyle. They strive to enhance every aspect of their members’ well-being—body, mind, and spirit—through an unparalleled, experience-driven brand supported by completely customizable fitness programs, holistic wellness, and an engaging social environment.
When the new owners purchased the club in May of 2017, they went through an extensive process of research, which included interviewing the membership and planning to renovate. The work our team 
performed spanned more than six months and was planned in phases, so we met regularly at the club. For each sign or area of the building, the client had either a specific idea or thoughts about what they wanted. We listened and returned with multiple sign options.
Exterior Building and Monument Signs
For the monument sign, we built a cabinet, to which our client placed cement fibre board resembling wood. We then placed the new Oxford logo on both sides. The 6-foot diameter reverse-lit channel letters were fitted with LEDs behind the logo, which allowed the sign to ‘shine’ at night. Both this sign and the exterior building sign included a remote control that changes the color of the lights. The inclusion of the color changing LEDs was challenging due to the fact we had individual letters and pieces that made up the entire logo. We placed the 6-foot circle over the entrance on cement fiberboard that our client placed on the building wall.
Exterior Window Graphics
To add the personality of the new OAC brand, we printed and applied window graphics to the exterior windows. We printed the “dot pattern” artwork onto a 
perforated vinyl material which we selected because our client wanted to have natural light come through the windows while also having the ability to clearly see out the windows. We trimmed and sorted the individual sections and the applied it to the exterior windows in and around the entrance of the club, all while a huge landscaping project took place!
Interior Lobby Signs
Oxford wanted to include a feature logo over the welcome desk area to create the first visual reference for the members as they walked through the front entrance. We crafted a 1″ thick black PVC routed custom shape with studs to stand off the wall and add dimension.
Interior ADA and Room Identification Signs
To help the Oxford members navigate the newly renovated club, we created ADA and room identification signs. Our client initially wanted to use real glass and metal throughout the process, but we offered several options. The final solution was to use acrylic versions that were lighter weight. Plus, the acrylic versions were most cost-effective and provided the look and feel the client wanted. We installed the signs as each area was painted and completed.
Wi-Fi Lounge Graphics
Oxford created a unique space on the main floor that provides members with small 
rooms for private access to wi-fi. To create privacy, we fit the walls in between each room with frosted vinyl with the Oxford logo die cut in the middle of each long strip. We finished these rooms just in time for the club grand re-opening!
Pro Shop Signage
To create more visual interest in the Oxford Pro Shop and to further cement the link to a healthy lifestyle, we printed two large graphics of athletes in motion. We applied the graphics to a sturdy aluminum composite material so they could be placed standing up next to merchandise areas.
Our client could not be more pleased with our collaboration and sign quality. We were able to fulfill the requests of our client, meet every deadline, and produce authentic signage for the rebranded club.
If you are looking for a sign company that has experience in outfitting an entire office with both exterior and interior signage and want the project to be managed smoothly, consider Spark Signs & Graphics. We specialize in high quality outdoor and indoor signs of all types, vehicle wraps and trade show and event displays. Call us at 724-510-0677, check us out at www.sparksigns.com, or visit our showroom in the North Hills of Pittsburgh.
