WILLMAR -- Colorful new signs will soon be welcoming visitors and others to "Historic Downtown Willmar.''
The design was unveiled Wednesday morning by the Willmar Design Center's Downtown Environment Committee. The signs feature the downtown logo printed in English, Spanish and Somali, along with an artistic rendition of the downtown.
The drawing, representing the downtown, the lakes, recreational paths and the city's railroad heritage, was produced by Laura Welle. The lettering was produced by Jason Dougherty.
Committee member Edna Wolfswinkel said Design Center committees have been talking during past meetings about producing a sign. The logo was announced last fall by the Design Center.
"I think it's a wonderful presentation ... of everything in the city and the things that are available here,'' said Wolfswinkel. "I think it helps, especially the new people coming in. It welcomes them to downtown.''
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Committee member Sam Lahanis had 16 of the 24-by-36-inch metal reflective signs printed at Quick Signs of Willmar. The $1,900 cost was paid by the Design Center.
Lahanis said he will be meeting with City Public Works Director Mel Odens and Planning and Development Director Bruce Peterson to find six locations to post the signs. Two signs will be placed back to back at each location. Four extra signs were printed.
