Excelsior Springs, Mo. – Lyndsey Baxter, executive director of the Downtown Excelsior Springs Partnership (DEP), has announced that new signage will be installed throughout the downtown district starting in the summer of 2025. The project, funded through a Wayfinding Grant, is designed to make it easier for residents and visitors to explore the community with clear, attractive signage.
Baxter shared that the funding is dedicated specifically to the downtown area to create a visually appealing and easy-to-follow wayfinding system. The project has secured $50,000 of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding from the City of Excelsior Springs, with an additional $15,000 provided by the Missouri Division of Tourism through a partnership with Clay County Tourism, bringing the total investment to $65,000.
The new signage will include a variety of enhancements throughout downtown. Local street signs will provide clearer navigation, while an icon sign will highlight key destinations. Pedestrian-friendly wayfinding signage will help visitors move comfortably through the district, and additional directional and identification signs will make public parking more accessible.
“This system will be a great resource for residents and visitors as they explore Downtown Excelsior Springs,” Baxter said. “It will make it easier for people to discover attractions and experience everything the district has to offer.”
The project reflects DEP’s ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown, with a vision of creating a thriving area where local businesses can succeed, residents feel a strong sense of community, and visitors are excited to explore. The wayfinding plan is an important step in that vision, ensuring that everyone who spends time downtown has a welcoming and enjoyable experience.
To bring the plan to life, DEP has partnered with FORA Planning and Design, EDA, and Missouri Main Street Connection to develop a citywide wayfinding strategy. Ashlock Signs has been selected to fabricate and install the street signage, while STAR Signs will handle the second phase of the project, which includes directional and informational signs.
Baxter emphasized that DEP is committed to preserving the charm and character that make downtown special while continuing to encourage thoughtful growth that strengthens the local economy. “We want to build a destination where small businesses thrive, public spaces are inviting and well connected, and people are drawn to enjoy everything from shopping and dining to recreation and special events,” she said.
In addition to the wayfinding project, DEP is overseeing other upcoming improvements designed to enhance downtown Excelsior Springs. Future plans include streetscape enhancements, expanded event programming, the development of Lithia Landing, and the continuation of the Mini Mural Series.
“With every project, we’re focused on shaping a downtown that will be vibrant and welcoming for years to come,” Baxter said. “DEP is always working on initiatives that will support long-term success and make this an even better place to live, work, and visit.”
*Note: A previous version of this article did not make clear that the funding provided by the City of Excelsior Springs was from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). A clarification was added on March 20, 2025, at 1:14 PM.
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