University's front door

Southeast Missouri State University wants to erect a new front door at Henderson Avenue and Broadway, something the university has never had in spite of upgrades in signage at various locations in recent years.

The university intends to install two monument signs with waterfalls at the intersection as part of a $2.4 million project that includes paving the gravel lot next to Houck Field House, widening and straightening the Broadway and Henderson Avenue intersection and widening Broadway from Houck Place to Park Street. In addition, the field house will get a long-needed facelift.

The entryway signs and street improvements will make a vast difference at the Henderson Avenue and Broadway intersection. With a new dormitory nearby, the improvements should only serve to enhance the landscape of the campus.

The curved monument signs will be built of rough-cut limestone and set on green space. The signs will look similar to the exterior walls of the new residence hall. Each sign will span be about 35 feet, terminated on either side by five-foot square pedestals with smooth-cut limestone caps.

These signs also will enhance visitors' views as the continue on Broadway into the city's historic downtown area.

The university hopes to have the signs installed by Aug. 1, well before the fall semester begins. While some of the construction will likely be disruptive to motorists and students, these improvements will be well worth the trouble.