Council discusses downtown façades and signage policy as storefront construction continues

Council received an update on downtown construction and signage on Feb. 13 as buildings 9–11 move toward completion.

Staff said Building 11 is nearly finished and that the next two storefronts (Buildings 10 and 9) will be authorized to begin construction pending execution of the same contract used with prior business owners. Council and staff discussed paint samples, temporary window signage and a proposed downtown sign ordinance that would require a submission process, limit sign size and favor a ‘western-style’ motif to keep storefronts consistent.

Council members asked staff to provide guidance on temporary signage and estimated costs for business owners. Staff said sign costs depend on design and size and that they would reach out to sign companies for preliminary estimates; staff also said the EDC/grant writer is looking for grant opportunities to help businesses, though staff cautioned grants for private business signs are uncommon and property owners are typically responsible for sign costs.

Next steps: staff will draft a downtown sign ordinance, bring a contract for business owners to sign before construction begins, and obtain preliminary sign-cost estimates from vendors. Council directed staff to return with a draft ordinance and implementation steps so businesses can re-install signs consistent with downtown improvements.