Nestled in the rugged terrain just outside Morrison, Colorado—minutes from the world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre—the Three Hills monument sign stands as a tribute to place-based design and durable materials.
Created by ArchitecturalSigns.com, this natural sandstone sign project embodies a seamless blend of environmental harmony and brand identity for a new hillside community development.
A Sign that Belongs to the Land
The site, located in the Morrison foothills, offers expansive views and a strong connection to Colorado’s iconic red sandstone formations. Rather than imposing a foreign aesthetic, the goal was to create a sign that belongs to the land. ArchitecturalSigns.com delivered on that vision by sourcing and fabricating real sandstone slabs, shaped and stacked in a formation reminiscent of sedimentary layers and rocky escarpments found throughout the region.
This sign doesn’t just mark a location—it tells a geological story. The jagged cuts and angular positioning of each slab reference natural uplift patterns and create a visual echo of the terrain itself. The result is a monument that looks like it could have emerged from the earth organically.
Materials & Craftsmanship: Real Stone, Real Impact
Unlike faux stone or veneer panels, the Three Hills monument was fabricated entirely from natural sandstone, chosen for its durability, color variation, and ability to weather beautifully over time. The face of the largest slab, standing 54 inches above ground and measuring 58 inches wide, was sandblasted to create recessed letterforms, which were then infilled with long-lasting exterior-grade paint.
The mountain graphic, simple yet symbolic, was designed to reinforce the name “Three Hills” and establish a strong visual identity. With its minimalist lines and deep etching, the graphic serves as both a literal and artistic interpretation of the surrounding peaks.
Engineering & Weight: Built to Endure
The complete installation spans 252 inches (21 feet) in width, with multiple slabs angled into the hillside. Though the tallest stone reaches 54” above grade, each slab is buried approximately one-third into the earth for both anchoring and visual integration.
Based on the average density of sandstone (approximately 150 lbs per cubic foot), the visible and buried portions of the sign together comprise a significant mass. Our calculations estimate the combined weight of the visible and buried stone structure at over 7,500 pounds. This isn’t just a visual landmark—it’s a permanent one.
Designed for Context—Not Just Curb Appeal
Because the project site receives full sun and experiences snow, ice, and high winds during Colorado winters, the selection of natural stone and zero-maintenance materials was key. There are no lighting elements or metal finishes—just solid, sculptural stone and native landscaping. It’s a sign designed to last decades with no upkeep, making it an ideal solution for developers and community managers seeking longevity without ongoing maintenance costs.
The surrounding xeriscape plantings complement the monument’s palette and keep the focus on the sign’s form and texture. This context-sensitive approach also supports water conservation goals typical of Colorado master-planned communities.
A Monument That Speaks to Specifiers
For architects, specifiers, and property developers, this project illustrates the value of material honesty and environmental integration. It demonstrates how a sign can be more than a directional device—it can be a brand-defining architectural element.
Working with ArchitecturalSigns.com ensured not just quality fabrication, but also full support through design, engineering, and installation phases. The team coordinated closely with developers to ensure siting, proportions, and durability met both aesthetic and performance goals.
Let’s Talk Stone Monument Signs
If you’re looking to bring a sense of place and permanence to your next development, a natural stone monument sign may be the ideal solution. ArchitecturalSigns.com specializes in custom signage that reflects the land, architecture, and identity of your project.
📞 Call us today at 303-696-6106
Let’s build something timeless—together.
