Overview: Downtown La Mesa District Sign
On Tuesday, Feb. 3, La Mesa Village Association, in partnership with the city and the La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation, is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony. The event is slated to begin at 10:30 a.m.
La Mesa is one step closer to kicking off construction of its new Downtown District sign — an archway that will span La Mesa Boulevard at Palm Avenue.
On Tuesday, Feb. 3, the La Mesa Village Association, in partnership with the city and the La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation, is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for the sign. The event is slated to begin at 10:30 a.m.
La Mesa Boulevard will be closed Feb. 3-5 from Spring St. to Palm Ave. Parking will be available in the Date Ave. parking lot.
The completed archway will feature a pair of support columns adorned with a “Community Quilt,” featuring more than 1,500 hand-painted tiles. The tiles are the work of both La Mesa residents and area businesses.
“In 2018, a La Mesa Village Association member presented the idea of a gateway sign in La Mesa,” said the La Mesa Village Association’s marketing manager, Elizabeth Ranta.
“The LMVA members loved the idea, and a sign committee was established to work on the project. The committee started collaborating with the community (businesses and residents), to include the La Mesa History Center, as we wanted to preserve the historic charm of the Downtown La Mesa Village.”
From that point on, LMVA began working with the city of La Mesa as it needed their approval to move forward with the project, as the sign would be located on city property. LMVA also began working with the La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation.
Officials say they are anticipating the ability to highlight this part of the city.
“The sign will serve as a significant landmark, creating a distinct focal point that enhances the downtown atmosphere and sense of place,” said the city’s communications manager, Grecia Aguilar.
“By strengthening our identity as a destination, the project is expected to drive increased foot traffic and visibility for the surrounding businesses. Many business owners participated directly by purchasing plaques or tiles, which show their support and pride in the project.
“They’re eager to see the project come to life,” she added.
The city of La Mesa had limited involvement in the project, with its main role being to review and sign off on the project. Aguilar said that they anticipate accepting the sign as a donation “with the intention of taking on the maintenance of the sign as city infrastructure.”
