LAWTON, Okla_A new look for Lawton is on its way.
Thanks to a project by the State Transportation Department, the tri-level overpasses on I-44 and Second Street will be getting a facelift.
Eventually, all other overpasses in the area will take on the same design.
A meeting Wednesday brought the city a step closer to a final decision on what theme will be etched on the city's gateways for years to come.
There were many different kinds of themes presented. From stills of buffalo to iconic Fort Sill images, Steven Weitzman of Creative Design Resolutions has worked hard to develop artwork that really captures the essence of Lawton's history.
Mayor Fred Fitch is delighted the wheels are rolling on this beautification project.
"For years I've thought, 'gosh why can't we do that?' It's so beautiful and so attractive, and it means somebody taking a little bit of pride in their community, " said Fitch.
The opportunity arose to get things going when O-DOT determined they needed to repair the 2nd Street and tri-level overpasses. They'll even foot the bill for all of the design work, so it seemed like a perfect opportunity to transform the town's gateways.
"Why not use that as a way of really defining the areas around this city, historic city and Fort Sill, " said President and CEO of Creative Design Resolutions, Steven Weitzman.
The idea of the project is to let people know when they've arrived into Lawton. So in addition to re-doing bridges they'll be putting up big, bold signage along many different entry points into town, like along Highway 7 out of Duncan.
"A lot of the effort that we're making now is not just to enhance the these structures and define the markers for the people that just live here, but to encourage those who are passing by to come, to visit, to stay and maybe live here, " said Weitzman.
Once the final theme is decided, changes will slowly be made. The transformation may be gradual, but the effects will last a lifetime.
"In the end the people that live there are the people that are going to be living with these objects, so the more involved they get the more assurance that they will get what they want, " said Weitzman.
And that is what Mayor Fitch wants you to know. The city will be forming a committee to meet and decide on the final theme and designs for these projects going forward. If you are interested in being on this committee you can contact the Mayor's office or your City Council Representative to let them know.
The first phase of the project is set to start later this year. They expect to finish sometime in 2015.
