New gateway sign for Republic closer to becoming a reality

Sign to live on U.S. Highway 60 just east of rail overpass
 
A proposed new gateway sign that will greet motorists as they enter Republic is closer to becoming a reality. Mike Landis, public information officer for the city, said the city will put the construction and installation of the sign out to bid by either late September or early October, and the city hopes to have the sign installed by February or March of 2021.
The sign’s proposed location will be off of westbound Highway 60 just before the train overpass, southwest of the intersection of Highway 60 and Farm Road 103 and will have several distinctive features, ...
 Highway 60 and Farm Road 103 and will have several distinctive features, including an arched opening with a “giant” tiger sitting on top of it, and a “large, circular Republic ‘R.’”
“The proposed main gateway sign is 27-feet high by 31-feet wide and will be constructed of decorative stone, rusted aluminum, and other materials with similar earth tones,” Landis said. “The sign features a large, circular Republic “R” attached to a support pole as part of an enhanced new city logo. The main focal point of the sign is an arched opening that will feature a giant bronze tiger statue sitting atop natural stone. The tiger measures 5-feet high by 8-feet long and will be illuminated, along with the rest of the sign, for nighttime viewing.”
Landis said the design, which was created by Springfield Sign, is intended to be distinctive from other city signs.
“Our goal was to create something unique and bold and to set our sign apart from most any other city gateway (or) welcoming sign,” he said. “We hope our Republic residents will be proud of it; early returns from those that have seen the concept drawings have been very favorable. We believe it states, in a big way, ‘Welcome to Republic’ or ‘Welcome Home.’”
After it is in place, Landis said, the sign has the potential to become a well-known landmark.
“It’s part of an overall branding effort of our great city,” he said. “Republic has been here, as noted on the sign, since 1871. It’s important for us to honor the past while setting the tone for where we are going. I believe this sign will become something Republic is known for, a place for pictures, and a ‘wow’ for those visiting Republic for the first time.”