Confluence Landscape Architecture and Urban Design of Des Moines has presented the city council with renderings and a cost estimate for an alternative materials’ design to a proposed sign that would sit a distance to the north off of Highway 30 on the east-side entrance into Carroll. The original renderings offered two options for the three-and-a-half foot wide by 13-foot tall monument, one of brick and another of limestone that matched the Highway 30 and 71 intersection monuments. This new option, at the request of council members, was for the sign to use the same type of fieldstone that is prevalent at the city cemetery and parks and is being installed at Merchants Park. LaVern Dirkx, however, has questions and concerns about the size of the obelisk-style sign.
Dirkx adds that when you take away the frontage that is stone decoration, there is only about a foot and a half left for the Carroll lettering. The discussion quickly worked around to the idea that a mock-up would be highly advantageous to show how visible the sign will be at that size when placed well off the roadway in an open expanse.
Shortly after the meeting, council members took that prototype idea and ran with, and there has already been a mock-up developed. Now, the city is waiting for the appropriate weather to be able to set it up and take a drive out to the east of town to see just how visible that sign will be. And, as the council continued discussion on the cost comparison and the aesthetics of the fieldstone versus the brick or limestone, Misty Boes shared what residents have discussed with her.
Jerry Fleshner asked if the council had considered the possibility there could be a cost savings, especially if a much larger footprint is needed, to request area landowners donate the fieldstone. The entire discussion has been tabled until council members have a more definite idea of the exact size needed and the materials desired. Stay tuned to Carroll Broadcasting for an announcement of when that mock-up will be in place for everyone to preview. The schematics and cost estimates for all three current options is included below.
