![](https://cdn.thebedfordcitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Bedford-Science-and-Technology-District-Sign.jpg)
Submitted on behalf of the Town of Bedford
With almost one million square feet of lab, office, and research and development space, Wiggins Avenue in Bedford is home to leading life science companies including Anika Therapeutics, Homology Medicines, Beryllium Discovery, Toxikon, and EMD Millipore. After a series of outreach meetings with Wiggins Avenue commercial property owners and businesses, Bedford Economic Development Director Alyssa Sandoval worked collaboratively with owners to explore the development of a gateway sign to better brand this innovative life science cluster in Bedford.
After several discussions and an online survey to gather input, the group decided on the district name to showcase the many of the science and technology companies on the street and agreed on a sign concept with a contemporary design. The sign’s muted color scheme is complementary to the natural setting of the area near the Minuteman Bikeway.
Longfellow Real Estate Partners, owners of 1 Patriots Park on Wiggins Avenue, took the lead on the sign development and presented the sign proposal to the Bedford Selectmen as the sign required Town approval and a license before installation. The Bedford Selectmen approved the project unanimously.
The new gateway sign helps to solidify Wiggins Avenue and Bedford’s reputation as having a strong life science cluster. Earlier this year, Homology Medicines chose 1 Patriots Park on Wiggins Ave as the location for its headquarters expansion. The gateway sign also helps to orient visitors to the district by signaling where the district can be accessed from Summer Street.
“The new Science and Technology District sign showcases the world-class companies that have already made Bedford their home,” said Adam Schwartz, President of the Bedford Chamber of Commerce. “This project is a great example of a how the private and public sector can work collaboratively to reach common goals.”
According to Jamie Peschel at Longfellow Real Estate Partners, “Longfellow was thrilled to invest in One Patriots Park precisely because this area is an enduring hub of life sciences research and innovation. The gateway sign on Wiggins Ave. simply acknowledges the important work our tenant partners are doing every day. We make it our business to support our communities in all kinds of ways, including amplifying their already glowing reputations.”
The Town of Bedford would like to thank the following companies for their contributions to the gateway sign: Longfellow Real Estate Partners, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Farley White, EMD Millipore, and Toxikon, as well as valuable input provided by the Bedford Chamber of Commerce.