Downtown Storm Lake could soon get a fresh new look — and this week, the city council took its first deep dive into a program that aims to reshape the way businesses catch the eye of pedestrians.
Council members held a work session Monday night to review the proposed Downtown Blade Sign Bracket Grant Program, a public‑private partnership designed to bring consistent, pedestrian‑friendly blade signs to the central business district. The idea stems from years of planning work, including the 2023 downtown master plan and a 2024 Iowa Economic Development Authority assessment that identified inadequate signage as one of downtown’s biggest weaknesses.
City Manager Keri Navratil said the concept was shaped by the Downtown Signage Ad Hoc Committee, which included business owners and residents.
She walked the council through the background, noting the statewide assessment and committee recommendations.
The program would use $30,000 already set aside in the city’s Capital Improvement Plan to pay for metal blade sign brackets, hardware and professional installation. Business owners would then purchase their own custom sign face — giving them full control over design while ensuring the bracket remains a permanent fixture that future tenants can reuse.
Council members asked about bracket costs, which remain unknown. Navratil said the city has been trying to work with a local business but hasn’t received responses.
Council member Don Piercy, Jr. raised concerns about attaching brackets to older brick buildings, suggesting installation should be handled by qualified contractors rather than city staff. Navratil agreed.
The proposed rules require businesses to be open at least two months before applying, and tenants must have written approval from property owners. Applications would be first come, first served, and all projects would require a sign permit — though the permit fee would be covered by the grant.
Council members also clarified that applicants must have their sign design ready before brackets are installed, ensuring compatibility with the city’s standardized hardware.
The program will be brought forward for formal approval at the council’s next meeting on Sept. 8.
