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Illuminate Norfolk River Point Project

Project Overview:

In March 2024, the City of Norfolk was awarded $1,125,000 in Civic and Community Center Financing Funds (CCCFF) from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. For the 2024 funding cycle, CCCFF funds were limited to certified creative districts in Nebraska. Established in October 2022, the River Point Creative District (RPCD) is a key component of the Northeast Nebraska Growing Together initiative. Its boundaries closely align with the downtown district, strengthening workforce placemaking efforts and enhancing the area's vibrancy.

City staff collaborated with RPCD representatives to identify shared priorities between the September 2022 RPCD strategic plan and community feedback collected through a downtown survey conducted in November 2022. Two key priorities emerged: enhanced lighting and signage within the district. Using stakeholder input, the City of Norfolk developed and submitted a funding application, which was successfully awarded.

Project Budget

Project Components

Festoon & Alleyway Lighting

This portion of the project includes engineering design services and construction for the following Illuminate River Point District CCCFF grant components:

Festoon lighting at Norfolk Avenue intersections with Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Streets.
Corridor lighting extending from River Point Square north along Third Street, east on Braasch Avenue, and further north on Second Street, connecting to the Geary Pedestrian Bridge.
Colorful alleyway lighting in two locations:

- North of Norfolk Avenue between Fourth and Fifth Streets.
- South of Norfolk Avenue between Third and Fourth Streets.

Gateway Signage

This component includes the design and construction of a gateway sign for the downtown district. The City of Norfolk contracted with Merje to lead the design and engineering process. The gateway sign will be installed on Norfolk Avenue near Eighth or Ninth Street. To ensure community input, several engagement opportunities, including a public survey, were conducted to gather feedback on the sign’s design.