I'll double check, but at first glance it looks like Helvetica Black (or Bold?) Condensed.

Sorry, I think Folio Bold Condensed is a closer match:

http://www.myfonts.com/fonts/ef/folio/ef-bold-condensed/testdrive.html?s=E+S+P+L+A+N+A+D+E+++D+R&p=48

Tough to whether the difference in the roundness of the top of the S is due to the angle of the photo, the reproduction quality of the lettering on the sign, or whether it's one of a dozen other bold condensed gothics.

It looks pretty damn close, but seems too bold?

http://www.myfonts.com/fonts/ef/folio/ef-bold-condensed/testdrive.html?s=ESPLANADE+DR&p=72

What do you think?

Here's my post if you're interested.

You may be right, Karen. Here's a quickie attempt to simulate the sign with Folio Bold Condensed.



I think the perspective and a little "squooshing" might account for the differences in weight, but the S and R are little rounder in your sample. And the middle stroke of the N is too light in Folio.

The S looks like it was borrowed from Franklin Gothic, Knockout or some other 19th-Century sans.

I'm sure we'll have our answer once the real experts in Europe and the Americas wake up... ;-)

No ones having a crack at this one yet.

Wakey wakey!

Another one that is close is Helvetica Inserat, although there are some small differences:

Hey, this is really close. The only differences I can spot are the diagonal on the N and the eye of the P. And it could be the angle of the photo too. Thanks Mark!!!