Its a terribly designed thing. The letters, spacing, and orientation are a mess. There is no implied reference to the identity of the place. Its a real missed opportunity, but probably better than the 12x12 metal sign that announced your arrival in Detroit before. I just want to know who signed off on this design. Like, who thought, "Yeah, that is what's going to turn people on to Detroit!" That person shouldn't be making those decisions.

1953