Like their southern neighbors in Barrio Logan, the community of East Village at the southern edge of San Diego’s downtown area is seeking proposals for a prominent new neighborhood entryway sign in the fashion of Mid-City neighborhoods such as Hillcrest or Normal Heights.

Referring to the project as an “entry statement,” initial design proposals were due yesterday. Among the requirements for applicants was demonstration that a firm was “knowledgeable and experienced in the planning and design of complex community gateway signage with a history of producing signs that have been successfully implemented,” seemingly limiting the field of potential designers.

The branding move is part of an ongoing effort to distinguish the East Village, which encompasses Petco Park and the new downtown central library, from other, supposedly distinct districts.

“People refer to the ballpark in the Gaslamp, but it’s in East Village,” David Hazan from the East Village Business Association told NBC San Diego.

Neighborhood boosters hope to unveil the new sign by 2015, to coincide with the centennial celebration at nearby Balboa Park.