Program Overview

As part of the Downtown Streetscape Improvements project, staff is proposing a Downtown Wayfinding Signage Program that benefits visitors, primarily pedestrians, in finding downtown destinations.  The program will not only help navigate visitors from place to place, but will support the identity of Downtown as a special place.

The goals of the Downtown Wayfinding Signage Program are as follows:

• Support and promote a distinct identity for Downtown Stuart.

• Enhance visitor’s ability to easily navigate downtown, and find desired destinations.

• Increase the success and market potential for retail, dining, arts, entertainment, and economic growth and redevelopment in Downtown Stuart.

• Support the City’s commitment to downtown economic growth and redevelopment.

Implementation

The proposed program will be implemented in two phases. Phase I will be implemented in the Old Downtown District for businesses located within the boundaries of the Old Downtown District.   Phase II will be implemented along SE Ocean Blvd and S Colorado Avenue located within the CRA district.  The boundary for Phase II of the program is yet to be determined.  See attached Phase I and Phase II maps of the proposed pole locations.  Phase I will be implemented in FY 2019 and Phase II will be budgeted and implemented in FY 2020.

Staff met with Downtown Business Association to get feedback on the proposed wayfinding program and overall they are in support of the program and the design (see attached letter of support).

Fiscal Impact

Phase I of the program includes 4 wayfinding signs and is estimated at $6,988 and Phase II of the program includes 3 wayfinding signs and is estimated at $4,000.  The program will be managed by the CRA and funded with Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

The applicant will pay an annual fee of $100 for participation in the program.  With the maximum of 20 signs per post, the program will generate annual revenue of approximately $8,000 after implementation of Phase I of the program and approximately $14,000 upon completion of both phases.

On February 5, 2019, the Community Redevelopment Board voted 5-1 to recommend approval of the proposed Downtown Wayfinding Signage Program to the Community Redevelopment Agency. 

Attachments:

1. Downtown Wayfinding Signage Program Guidelines/Location of Poles and Application

2. Downtown Business Association Letter of Support

3. CRA letter to Downtown Business Association to Remove Existing Signs in ROW

4. Signage Design

5. Sign Blank Panel Specs

6. Quote

7. CRB Minutes
   

Tax Increment Financing; Phase I - $8,000 (includes $6,988 for the poles/signs plus contingency).

Recommend to the Community Redevelopment Agency to approve Resolution No. 03-2019 CRA for implementation of the proposed Downtown Wayfinding Signage Program.