Signs point way to historic Provo

PROVO — New street signs have popped up downtown, an effort by city officials to designate the historic area from the rest of the city.

The green and white signs are larger than regular street signs and feature the street name sandwiched by the words "Historic Provo." Hundreds of signs bearing the downtown insignia, everything from parking, directional and service vehicle signs, have been put up, and more are on the way.

"Provo has one of the state's most vibrant and historic downtowns, and we feel the new signs highlight that," said city spokesman Mike Mower. "It's one way to highlight what's taking place in the downtown, and it just makes the downtown a bit more pleasant and enjoyable."

The signs come after more than a year of planning and are funded by a $30,000 federal community development block grant approved by the Provo City Council.

Members of the Business Alliance took charge of the grant, which meant they coordinated the design and production of the signs.

"We wanted people to feel they were in a historic downtown area as soon as they drove in," said Susan Bradford, executive director of the Downtown Business Alliance. "It gives a little bit of a flavor and a feel to the downtown …. That's really where Provo began and was established. It's really the heart of the city."

Bradford said she hopes the signs will contribute to economic activity within the area.

"Anything we can do to help beautify the downtown and draw attention to the downtown will be good in the long run," she said.

Crews began putting signs up last month in the 34 blocks of the downtown area and will continue to do so this month. Bradford said the old signs will likely be recycled.

"We're so excited to finally see the signs being put up around town," Bradford said. "It really adds some charm to the downtown, and the alliance is working hard to keep that feeling alive."

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E-MAIL: chseffield@desnews.com

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