Bronze Plaques for Great Places in America
Franklin Bronze Plaques is the authorized vendor of plaques that mark locations honored through the Great Places in America program of the American Planning Association.
Each year, this APA flagship program recognizes neighborhoods, streets, and public spaces of exceptional character, quality, and lasting value.
Plaques to mark these recognized places may be ordered by local governments, businesses, donors, or organizations.
Ordering details, prices, and mounting options are described below.
Ordering a Plaque
Download the order form for a bronze Great Places in America plaque. Instructions, pricing details, and submission information are all included on the form.
Great Places in America Plaque Order Form
Mounting Options
Franklin Bronze Plaques offers three different mounting options for the Great Places in America bronze plaques.
Option 1: Stud Mount
Threaded studs secured with adhesive for masonry surfaces. Mounted directly against a wall, concrete base, pedestal, or other flat level surface.Back of the plaque is drilled and tapped to accept four, three-inch mounting studs (supplied with plaque).
Stud mounting option
Sidewalk stud mount
Wall stud mount
Pedestal stud mount
Option 2: Raised Stud Mount
Similar to stud mount except plaque is secured one-half to 1 inch from a wall, concrete base, pedestal, or other flat, level surface.
This option requires the use of a spacer or backing material (pressure-treated wood, MDO, or other weather-resistant material; not included with bronze plaque).
The back of the plaque has mounting bosses that are drilled and tapped to accept four 3-inch mounting studs (supplied).
Raised stud mounting option
Back side of plaque showing mounting bosses used for both the regular and raised stud mounting bolts
Option 3: Post Mount at 45- or 90-degree angle
Mounted with an attached bracket to a single powder-coated post.
Posts are made from 1.5-inch square aluminum stock and are either six or eight feet long.The post is designed to be anchored in cement two feet below ground to avoid movement due to frost heave.
The plaque is bolted to the top of the post at either a 45- or 90-degree angle with tamper-proof hardware (supplied with plaque).
Plaque height above ground is either 4 feet (using 6-foot post) or 6 feet (using 8-foot post).
Additional charge applies to plaques using free-standing mounting post.
90 degree post-mounted bracket at left and 45 degree post-mounted bracket at right
Back side of the plaque bracket for a post mount
45 degree post-mounted bracket, showing 6-foot post
90 degree post-mounted bracket, showing 8-foot post
Pricing Information
Quantity discounts are available when ordering. The price for additional copies of the same plaque is $657 each.
Prices do not include shipping, handling, insurance, or the cost of a free-standing post. Free-standing posts for plaque mounting are an additional $154 for a 6-foot by 1.5-inch post and $171 for an 8-foot by 1.5-inch post.
For any other questions about Great Places plaque prices, call Franklin Bronze Plaques at 866-405-6623.
Download the plaque order form (pdf)
Proofing Your Plaque
Below are examples of the text proof that will be sent to you for approval prior to casting your bronze plaque.
The size of typeface used for the name of the designated place will vary depending on the length of the name of the designated place.
Great Streets proof
Great Neighborhoods proof
Great Public Spaces proof
Additional Questions
Questions about plaques or your plaque order? Contact Franklin Bronze Plaques:
Franklin Bronze Plaques
191 Howard St.
Franklin, PA 16323
Toll-free phone: 866-405-6623
Fax: 814-346-7047
E-mail: info@franklinbronzeplaques.com
Sales representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.
Plaque FAQ
What information do I need to provide?
Please specify the category (neighborhood, street, or public space), year of designation, name of (street, neighborhood, or public space), and city and state of designated place. Download the Plaque Order Form.
Do I need to provide design information for the plaque?
No, the American Planning Association has a specific design for the plaque.
What is the size and weight of each plaque?
Each plaque is 18 inches by 18 inches and weighs 30 pounds.
What is cast bronze?
Franklin Bronze Plaques uses Copper Development Association Alloy C9220 composed of Copper 88%, Tin 6%, Zinc 4%, and Lead 2%. Cast bronze is the most durable metal for use outdoors. Bronze will not rust when exposed to the elements.
How should the quality of the plaque be maintained?
Great Places plaques have a clear lacquer finish that generally will last up to a decade. If the plaque is not re-lacquered it will develop a natural patina over time. Maintaining the plaque to its original finish requires a new coat of automobile-grade clear lacquer every seven to 10 years. Franklin Bronze Plaques can do this for an additional charge.
What payment options are offered?
Franklin Bronze Plaques accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, checks, and approved purchase orders. Fifty percent of the total order amount must be received before Franklin will begin production of your plaque.
What happens after the order is placed?
A proof will be sent to you for approval and for review by the American Planning Association. Upon receipt of an approved proof, Franklin Bronze Plaques will begin production of the plaque.
When should I expect my order?
You should receive your approximately four weeks after Franklin Bronze Plaques has received a 50 percent deposit and you have returned the approved proof for your plaque unless you've paid an additional charge for five-day or 10-day rush delivery.
Whom should I contact regarding order questions?
Please contact Franklin Bronze Plaques. Sales representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. Call toll free 866-405-6623, send them a fax at 814-346-7047, or send an e-mail to info@franklinbronzeplaques.com.