Iconic 5-Points signpost may get a new look

An iconic, but long neglected, sign post in Biddeford may be getting a new lease on life.

The former MOBIL gas station sign – nearly 40 feet tall- sits near the center of the Five Points intersection. It is visible to commuters traveling on both Route One and Route 111. It is also visible to drivers entering or exiting the city on both West and Graham streets.

Earlier this week, the city issued an invitation for artists to submit ideas for how the sign could be redesigned as an entry point into the city.

In its request, the city says it is seeking an artist to “create a welcoming, community-inspired design for the historic” sign.

According to Mayor Marty Grohman, improvements made to the sign will not involve public funds.

Grohman says he is confident that a private fundraising campaign and perhaps some grant funds could be used to revitalize the sign, which has been an eyesore for more than a decade.

“We’re talking about a project that is located in a key gateway to our community,” Grohman said, pointing out that the city’s growth is edging outward.

Grohman said that the Downtown Development Commission (DDC) has embraced the concept that the city’s downtown area extends well beyond the lower end of Main Street.

The proposed project is getting a mixed reaction on social media. Some residents say the sign should be scrapped, while others say they are excited to see some creativity and new ideas.

According to a press release from the city, the DDC hopes to “transform a key gateway into the downtown with an engaging, vibrant visual statement that reflects Biddeford’s rich industrial and cultural heritage, its creative energy and its commitment to public art.”

“We’re talking about a project that is located in a key gateway to our community.”

— Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman

The project is a direct response to Biddeford’s Cultural Plan and Public Art guidelines.

According to the public invitation, the final design should foster a sense of place, welcome visitors and celebrate the evolving identity of Biddeford as a hub for creativity and cultural exchange.

“This is an open call for anyone interested in making a lasting impact on the city’s visual landscape,” Grohman said.

The selected artist will work closely with city officials and the Downtown Development Commission to ensure that the final piece resonates with community values and meets site-specific requirements, according to the press release.

For more information on how to submit a design, please click this link.

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