What did Federal Heath provide for New Mexico State University?

Federal Heath designed, engineered, and delivered a custom pylon sign for Arrowhead Park at NMSU in Las Cruces, New Mexico, coordinating material sourcing, logistics, on-site assembly, and project supervision.

Why was Corten steel used for the pylon sign?

The revised design used full Corten steel cladding for its distinctive weathered appearance and durability. The material became a defining feature of the campus landmark.

How long did the sign installation take?

The sign was delivered and installed in August 2024 over three days, including stacking, welding, and wiring. The university’s separate primary power connection was completed in February 2025.

EDUCATION SIGNAGE CASE STUDY

New Mexico State University: A Landmark Built on Partnership

Custom campus signage brought to life through thoughtful design, value engineering, and coordinated execution.

DOWNLOAD CASE STUDY

A Campus Landmark. A Lasting Partnership.

Federal Heath designed, engineered, and delivered a landmark pylon sign for New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The project brought together a distinctive campus identity, tenant identification, and a durable weathered-steel finish.

From the first request in November 2021 through installation in August 2024, the team navigated budget changes, specialized material sourcing, and complex logistics while preserving the design’s character.

Project at a Glance

LOCATION

Las Cruces, NM

Arrowhead Park at NMSU

MATERIAL

Corten Steel

Distinctive weathered finish

INSTALLATION

Three Days

Stacking, welding, and wiring

DELIVERED

August 2024

Installed campus landmark

THE OPPORTUNITY

Preserving the Vision Through Value Engineering

The original concept called for a 44-foot-tall by 15-foot-wide pylon with donor tenant panels. Design and engineering were completed in early 2022, but the budget proposal exceeded the university’s allocation and the project was paused.

When the project resumed in June 2023, Federal Heath revised the design for greater cost efficiency. A narrower sign accommodated a single-pole structure, while full Corten steel cladding gave the landmark its distinctive material character.

New Mexico State University Arrowhead Park pylon with tenant panels and Corten steel cladding

Weathered steel mountainscape panel during fabrication for the NMSU pylon sign

THE FEDERAL HEATH APPROACH

Distinctive Materials. Detailed Coordination.

Finding the specified Corten steel required months of sourcing before a Phoenix supplier was identified with a ten-week lead time. Federal Heath coordinated the material supply and finish to achieve the project’s weathered appearance.

Design and value engineering to address budget requirements
Specialized material sourcing and delivery logistics
Collaboration with the university, suppliers, and installer
On-site supervision around crane and equipment schedules

THE RESULT

A Landmark That Welcomes the Campus Community

An April 2024 site kickoff aligned the project team ahead of delivery. In August, the sign was assembled and installed in three days, including stacking, welding, and wiring its sections. The stone base tied the new landmark to the campus’s existing signage.

The university managed primary power installation, with utility coordination extending the hookup to February 2025. Consistent communication throughout the project helped bring the landmark to completion for students, visitors, and alumni.

Illuminated Arrowhead Park pylon sign at New Mexico State University at sunset

Arrowhead Park Corten steel pylon sign at the NMSU campus entrance

Aerial view of the NMSU Arrowhead Park pylon and surrounding campus

Illuminated NMSU pylon sign with mountainscape detail at dusk

Arrowhead Park tenant identification sign illuminated at sunset

Daytime aerial view of the Arrowhead Park pylon sign

NMSU campus pylon sign and surrounding landscape at sunset

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Download the case study for a closer look at the design, material choices, and collaboration behind this distinctive campus landmark.