“We do a pre-installation survey to make sure that what we have designed and engineered will still work after the build-out has been completed,” says Lefere. Landmark Sign Group sent Controller Shaun Ensign out to do a preliminary survey of each site-taking photos and measurements, going over issues like mounting methods and electrical access, etc. This included taking their logo elements and complementing them with high-resolution graphics, producing full shop and engineering drawings, and showing construction and installation methods.Ĭareful consideration was given to color, lighting, and materials to make sure that everything exceeded expectations. The two then met with FTW Chicago Owner Steven Foster for a walk-through of the facility.Īt this meeting, Lefere and Ambrosini brought a sample of one of the design elements, a 3D-routed foam gear painted to look like a real metal gear.įoster was so impressed with how realistic the gear looked (as well as the other prepared designs), he immediately gave the go-ahead to move into pre-production planning. Lucky Strike sent the sign company a few rough sketches of what they had in mind, and Art Director Jerry Lefere and Head Technical Engineer Terry Ambrosini designed preliminary drawings for sixteen interior signs and four exterior and directional signs. ( Note: Steampunk incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by nineteenth century industrial steam-powered machinery as an alternative sci-fi/fantasy history.)
When Lucky Strike developed their FTW (“For the Win”) concept, officials told them that they were looking for unique signage with a “steampunk” theme at these locations in Chicago and Albany, New York.
“ make the boldest guarantee in the industry: When we promise to deliver, it’s on time or on us!” “Successfully doing this meant that our clients knew they could rely on us to meet any deadline thrown at us,” he says. O’Brien explains that, during the early days back in his garage, they had to make certain their vendors and employees were paid on time. This concept of being a custom sign company that could produce the quickest turnarounds was borne out of part planning and part necessity. “Perhaps one of our greatest strengths is our delivery time,” says O’Brien.
They possess a fleet of cranes, bucket trucks, and aerial equipment and have even had to use helicopters for installation of signage atop buildings dotting the Chicago skyline. They also offer expert sign installation and service for their products, as well as sub-contracted signs. Today Landmark Sign Group operates out of a 30,000-square-foot facility that includes full metal and plex fabrication, an AXYZ 10-by-22-foot dual-head CNC router, a custom-built 950-square-foot down-draft spray booth with baking technology, and a team of professionals who have over 500 years of accumulated experience in sign manufacturing. Owner Al O’Brien started Landmark Sign Group back in 1983, first operating out of a two-car garage.įrom these humble beginnings, the company has grown to become the largest custom sign company in the Chicago and Northwest Indiana areas creating “landmark” signage and has even advanced to taking on national account work. It’s been quite the journey for this group of sign makers. The sign company first became involved with Lucky Strike Entertainment by servicing their signage and neon at their bowling location in downtown Chicago. When Lucky Strike owners needed custom signage for these new locales, one sign shop in Northwest Indiana put up the high score here by designing, constructing, and installing a variety of signs used throughout the facilities.įor the past eight months, Landmark Sign Group of Chesterton, Indiana has been providing distinctive signage for these new Lucky Strike locations. Meanwhile Lucky Strike Social in Albany, New York combines Lucky Strike bowling facilities with FTW arcade games and a live music venue. Now some fifteen years later and numerous other locations around the country, Lucky Strike was ready for their next ventures.įTW Chicago is a custom, one-of-a-kind indoor mini-golf course intertwined with an indoor arcade and a modern Chicago-themed restaurant with “neon-vintage” bar and grille cuisines. In 2003, Lucky Strike Entertainment struck gold when they launched their first Lucky Strike Bowling location in Hollywood, which trendily mixed modern nightclub sensibilities with bowling alleys to create a hip, happening hangout.