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Mishawaka Avenue Streetscape Beautification Plan – 2007/2008 Update City of South Bend Division of Community Development 23 GATEWAY SIGNS As these gateway signs are anticipated to represent the cornerstone and long lasting final piece of the aforementioned identity signage initiative, it’s also fitting that they serve as the closing of the current update to the Mishawaka Streetscape Beautification Plan. These signs need to serve as physical and psychological reminders to all traveling the Mishawaka Avenue Corridor that they have entered into a unique place. As defined earlier in the plan, the thematic nature of the identity signage initiative means that the sign would include the thematic logo shared by all signs established in the initiative. It’s envisioned by the committee that these signs will be significant in size and in the use of high quality materials in order to capture attention and ensure their long life. Similar results have been achieved by other commercial corridors, including Miami St and S. Michigan St. In terms of size and materials, the Miami Street Corridor signs is seen as a effective model for future gateway signage on the Avenue (Photo 22). These signs were installed at the Northern and Southern ends of Miami St within the last decade to help establish the boundaries of the Miami Village Area. It’s expected that these signs will require collaboration between many stakeholders within the River Park Neighborhood and Mishawaka Avenue business community. As to allow for appropriate public input, it’s also appropriate that design and development be achieved through the use of professional consulting services. The largest anticipated challenge with the proposed gateway sign locations is the availability of either sufficient space or land at or immediately adjacent to the true endpoints of the corridor. At the Eastern end, the Logan Street intersection possesses the challenge of sufficient right of way to install more than a pole base sign (Photo 24). Anything larger (i.e. monument sign) would require either an easement or property acquisition, either or both of these options could prove time consuming and costly. The solution may be to locate the sign to the West, either at or adjacent to the 36th Street intersection, an area where right of way is more plentiful, damage from vehicular traffic is less likely, and finally signage and other clutter is less prevalent (Photo 25). At the Western end, use of the CN Railroad bridge also poses significant challenges as permissions would need to be obtained from the railroad company. In Target Date – 2011-2012 Funding Request -- $30,000 Location/Scope: CN RR Bridge and 36th St Intersection Improvement Sector: Market and EastPhoto 21: CN Railroad Bridge - the Western Gateway to Mishawaka AvenuePhoto 22: Miami Village Gateway Sign - seen as a model for future gateway signs on Mishawaka Avenue