Downtown leaders discuss Main Street gateway signs

The Downtown Improvement District is reviving an old plan to erect signs on Main Street at U.S. 41 and U.S. 301, establishing the intersections as the gateway to downtown.

On Dec. 6, the DID will discuss plans to install up to four signs arching over major intersections that serve as an entry point to the heart of the city. The concept dates back to an older proposal for Main Street improvements from engineering consultant Kimley-Horn and Associates.

The DID helped implement part of that proposal in the 1300, 1400 and 1500 blocks of Main Street in 2013, but the U.S. 41 and U.S. 301 intersections sit outside of the district’s boundaries, and the signs were never installed. In November, DID board member Mark Kauffman revisited the idea, calling the signs a potential major infrastructure improvement.

The idea was a hit among the board, which directed DID Operations Manager John Moran to seek a preliminary cost estimate.

“I would vote on it today,” said DID board member Steve Seidensticker, who has firsthand experience with a similar concept thanks to a trip to Seattle. 

Moran said an initial estimate pegs the cost of constructing the signs at around $50,000. 

In addition to the cost, there may be some logistical challenges. Moran said plans to construct a roundabout at Main Street and U.S. 41 — and potentially at Fruitville Road and Lemon Avenue, another intersection mentioned as a potential site for a sign — could complicate the process.

“Uncertainty will probably not permit such gateway signage to be installed until those improvements are made,” Moran said.

Despite the potential hurdles, the enthusiasm for the project among DID board members means the proposal is still likely to get serious consideration.

“Everybody I’ve mentioned it to, everybody loves it,” DID board member Daniel Volz said.