GLENWOOD Sign Proposed For Highway 34
Plans are being developed for the placement of a 6-foot tall by 30-foot wide “GLENWOOD” sign on the south side of U.S. Highway 34. The sign would be made from limestone and be similar to the lighted “MALVERN” sign on Highway 34.
Representatives of the Mills County Chamber Of Commerce Leadership Team shared information about the project with members of the Glenwood City Council last Tuesday. They said the purpose of the sign is to bring visitors off Highway 34 into Glenwood to explore the community.
Amber McClary of Mills County ISU Extension Office, said the idea for the sign came about during a idea storming session concerning community visibility.
“We came up with the idea of a Glenwood sign that would be right off the south side of Highway 34, right across from Hickory Ridge,” she said. “If you’re heading east on 34, you’d see it.”
Michelle Grassau told city council members the site has already been surveyed by the Iowa Department Of Transportation. IDOT will give permission for the right of way once an application and signed work agreement is received from the city.
“When you’re looking from the top of the hill, it’s just a natural and beautiful place for the sign,” Grassau said. “You’ve got the valley you’re seeing down behind and the trees kind of around it.”
The word “GLENWOOD” will be in black lettering with solar-powered “halo” lighting behind the letters.
The chamber committee has been working with representatives of Leick Construction, Ebmeier Engineering and CBS Signs to develop a design and finalize the cost, currently projected to be between $50,000 - $60,000.
Committee members are counting on local donations and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars given to Mills County to fund the project. Committee members have met with county supervisors to discuss the project.
“Everyone we’ve talked to has been super on board,” Grassau said. “They really understand the need for a sign.”
Following the committee’s presentation last week, the city council passed a motion to approve the submission of an application to the State Of Iowa for placement of the sign.