Since St. Cloud Main Street began in 1999, combinations of volunteers and staff have strived to create a better downtown. Working to maintain the integrity of the historical buildings, Main Street has assisted over thirty business owners in making the heart of our city a destination place.

During our early years, a Main Street volunteer offered to composite sketches of a monument sign, directory signs and a gateway. These images inspired the fencing around Veteran’s Park as well as the new rendering for a future gateway. Al Pepin (volunteer, artist/graphic designer) donated his professional services to create an actual rendering from the original sketches.

As the Orlando Utilities Commission approached their 10th anniversary with the City of St. Cloud, they wanted to contribute a significant project to mark their partnership. When approached by a Main Street representative with the idea of the gateway, OUC decided to donate $25,000.00 towards the project.

To begin the Gateway Partnership Project, St. Cloud Main Street formed a committee which consisted of the following companies: OUC, Infrastructure Engineers Inc., Osceola Engineering, Twin City Welding, Poffenbaugh Ford, City of St. Cloud, and St. Cloud Main Street. Additional services for the gateway were provided by G.E.C., Johnston’s Surveying, and Dr. Mark Colburn. The combination of each companies in kind services totaled $112,000.00, which includes the cash donation provided by OUC. Each contributor will be featured among plaques that will be placed on the stone base of the gateway.

The overall cost estimate for the Gateway Partnership Project totals to $203,412.48. Once we subtract the donated services and funds of $112,000.00 the remaining cost totals to $91,412.48. The largest portion of the cost includes the materials for the truss fabrication and erection which will be $73,912.48, the remainder of the $91,412.48 will be spent on stone, permitting, electric, and any other contingencies we may come across.

Through recent research of gateways among other cities an estimated cost of a gateway ranges from $200,000.00 and above. One of the gateways near St. Cloud was at an estimated cost of $400,000.00. Resources described the work of columns alone to range between $60,000.00 to $80,000.00. The partnership of our gateway has allowed us to propose a project at a reasonable cost, which could not be reached without contributions.

How would you benefit from a gateway in your downtown? Two words: Economic Impact. By adding a new structure upon New York Avenue in Downtown St. Cloud we are increasing property value while drawing attention to our retailers.

If you would like to have your name engraved on the Gateway Plaque, please contact St. Cloud Main Street at 407-498-0008.