After years of temporary banners and weathered wood, Olean is finally getting a proper hello.
Plans are moving ahead to build brand-new “Welcome to Olean” signs, giving the city’s entryways a bright, refreshed look that better reflects the pride locals have for their hometown.
As first reported by The Olean Star, the project could begin as soon as this fall per the Olean Common Council.
The city has been using temporary banners since its old signs were vandalized about four years ago.
The new designs, created by Heath Cousins of Cousins Designs in Eldred, Pennsylvania, bring a polished and modern look to the gateways.
Funded by Local Generosity
A GoFundMe started by Council Alderman John Crawford four years ago raised enough money to cover most — if not all — of the cost.
“Today, these signs play a critical role in our community because they represent much more than just our city’s name on a billboard,” Crawford wrote on the GoFundMe page. “They help to make crucial first impressions on travelers, customers, and potential homebuyers. These signs help to set the tone and shape our visitors’ first experience in Olean!”
The funds are being held by the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation and will go toward construction once final plans are approved.
If any extra money is needed, Crawford said additional donations would likely come through. The community’s support for the idea hasn’t faded since it began.
A Sign with Personality
Council members also floated ideas for adding a little extra flair.
Alderman Sonya McCall suggested including a changeable message board — something like the one in Ellicottville — to advertise upcoming events and give the signs a local touch of personality.
“It would be nice to highlight things happening around town and make the signs feel alive,” McCall said, as quoted by The Olean Star.
Where You’ll See Them
Four signs are planned for major entry points around Olean:
- Buffalo Street
- West State Street near Applebee’s
- Route 16 near the I-86 exit
- East State Street
One of the current signs sits on private property and may be relocated before construction starts.
A Little History Behind the Signs
The original “Welcome to Olean” signs date back to the early 1990s, when the Greater Olean Chamber of Commerce, what is now Intandem, and several local civic groups teamed up to give the city’s entrances a friendlier face.
They were repainted about 15 years ago, but over time, interest waned and the signs gradually fell into disrepair.
That changed in the summer of 2019, when a new wave of community pride sparked efforts to restore them.
Volunteers from Four Mile and Intandem rolled up their sleeves, refurbishing the signs near Applebee’s on West State Road, on Buffalo Road, and by the former tile plant on East State Street.
The final sign — near the Olean Times Herald on Route 16 — needed the most attention. Crews had to handle masonry repairs, tree removal, and other site work before the lettering could even be installed.
A Warm Welcome Ahead
With funding secured and designs in place, the city is closer than ever to replacing its tired signs with something that truly captures Olean’s spirit.
After all, there’s nothing quite like a friendly “Welcome to Olean” to remind visitors — and locals — that they’ve arrived somewhere special.
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