Southaven has always been such a great place to live from back in the days when we were a small community when I was a kid until now when we are one of the largest and most economically-thriving cities in our state. Even so, we are nowhere close to our potential yet and can improve in so many ways. With my previous careers, I got the chance to travel to many cities, large and small, around our country and compare Southaven from the outside. One thing I’ve noticed is that we can do better showing the pride we have in our city. Beautification of a city may seem like a low priority for some, but it leads to so much more. It makes a bold statement and first impression that lasts for those that visit and consider moving their families and businesses here. It truly makes us more economically attractive and will pay huge dividends in our future. We are the third-largest city and northern gateway to Mississippi. We need to make that great first impression!

Our Board of Aldermen has supported a detailed beautification plan that started in 2013. One of these projects that has been underway since 2015 and overcome many challenges is placing beautiful, brick-based monument signs at high-profile city entrance locations and intersections. We have now acquired proper easements from MDOT and completed a beautiful design for the signs from UrbanArch Associates architectural firm. 

The first two signs will be under construction within 45 days by F & F Construction who was the lowest bidder. The first location will be the southwest corner of I-55/Main Street which will have a rounded design for that corner. The second location will be on the west side of I-55 just north of Star Landing Road angled towards the northbound traffic for a grand city entrance for our southern border. Both signs will have landscape lighting to add to the appearance at night. 

Future locations to be completed in subsequent budget years are Highway 51/Star Landing, I-55/Church, and Goodman/Getwell.