Throughout the Smithville visioning and comprehensive planning process, the junction of Hwy 169 and Main Street, has been seen as a key location. This intersection must draw people into the downtown and provide an entrance statement. This intersection also acts as the central location in community. What do you think should be at this intersection?
“What do you think should happen at the Hwy 169 and Main Street gateway to Smithville?”
Task Force explores main gateway to Smithville’s Historic Downtown – at junction of Hwy 169 and Main St
Local School Art. Partner with all Smithville Schools to submit bi-weekly ? art where the city can display in display cases. Let the Schools come up with their own plan on determine what art will be selected. Maybe even have one of the local shops select a winner every month and award them a prize? something to get them into their shop? maybe Mayor giving out ice cream coupons (purchased by city or donation from citizens) from Nellie’s for every contestant entered? Supporting downtown, shops, schools, and our children. That feeling is hometown 🙂
There should definitely be some large sign or entryway of some sorts marking this intersection. Perhaps a stunning stone or brick archway with a sign at the top that can showcase local community art and flare. Vegetation around the area would also be very eye catching, such as flowers, bushes, or trees.
Austin – your comments are very consistent with what we heard in the Task Force sessions and the community visioning discussions. Obviously people are keen to see something pretty special in this location.
My earlier reply about artwork was meant to be for downtown.
For an Archway / sign, I think that there should be several signed designed the same way, but different wording at various spots on 169. entering from North and South welcoming them to Smithville, with a short list of things we have. One at the industrial section listing the industries. one at the entrance to downtown, promoting that small town feel.(I would like to see a changeable section of sign that list the downtown events. Maybe even ones for different commercial areas, or pointing out the lake. All signs will be larger ones, with same special shape and design. Just the wording changed.
I definitely feel that’s a sign would be perfect, but I would like to see some personalization to this sign. I think that this sign should represent the type of city we are going to be. Whether that is represented in color, shape, texture, even the type of material we use, or the flowers or vegetation around it can really impact the feel of the sign.
What about using the old 2nd creek bridge that’s currently sitting in that empty lot and using it as a focal point? Are there any plans to reuse this bridge? It is a really neat bridge and should be incorporated somewhere in Smithville as part of its history. Thank you!
Debbie – good question – let me check what is the plan with the bridge.
Being a long time resident I can tell you that I have heard many residents and downtown business owners express the need for a LARGE sign to be placed at the intersection to allow tourists to know where downtown is throughout the years. I think that one fundamental item needs to be addressed as all small town cities have this such as Plattsburg or Jamesport.
Large sign or archway. I also think a colorful kids splashpad/park close by (similar to one in NKC) would give it a safe family friendly vibe that attracts many families