River Point District sign and festoon lighting could be coming to downtown Norfolk

NORFOLK, Neb. — The Norfolk City Council is moving forward with gathering bids and proposals for two projects meant to enhance the downtown area.

The council voted 7-0 in favor of advertising for bids for festoon lighting. The council members also voted 7-0 to advertise a Request for Proposals for the furnishing and construction of a downtown gateway sign.

DOWNTOWN SIGN DESIGN

The lighting project is known as Illuminate the River Point District. It includes the installation of approximately 2,000 linear feet of festoon lighting from 3rd Street and Norfolk Avenue to 3rd Street and Braasch Avenue to 2nd Street and Braasch Avenue to connect with the Geary Pedestrian Bridge. Festoon lighting is characterized by small bulbs and a style that drapes the lights above an area. It will also include catenary lighting for four different intersections along Norfolk Avenue. Catenary lighting is a lantern-style lighting. Economic Development Director Candice Alder told the council she hopes construction will start as soon as possible after a bid is selected.

The gateway sign would be an arch over the top of Norfolk Avenue between 8th and 9th Streets. A design company developed three designs, the city gathered input from a community survey and the company made a fourth design based on the feedback.

Alder said the projects are part of a civic and community center financing grant that was set aside for creative districts. She said the projects fit the creative district’s strategic plan and match survey results collected regarding the downtown area.