Grow Clay County Release
Photos Courtesy of Grow Clay County
Grow Clay County is proud to announce it has been awarded a SIGNS Grant by the Kansas Department of Commerce to support three locally owned businesses in downtown Clay Center: Rusty Trigger Gun Shop, Happy Hippie Yoga Studio, and The Mothership Consignment & Thrift.
This prestigious grant provides matching funds to support the design, fabrication, lighting, and installation of high-quality signage that reflects each business’s identity and enhances the historic charm of downtown Clay Center (Kansas Department of Commerce).
Business Highlights & Project Scope
· Rusty Trigger Gun Shop: Recently relocated to Court Street, the gun shop plans to install an illuminated metal silhouette of a rifle, paired with the words “Gun Shop” and its logo above the entrance. Fabricated locally by Double L Manufacturing, this sign will improve visibility and align with the building’s historic character.
· Happy Hippie Yoga Studio: Occupying a revitalized historic storefront, the studio will install a backlit dimensional-letter sign above a new awning. The design emphasizes nighttime visibility to support its evening class schedule and reflect the building’s restored facade.
· The Mothership Consignment & Thrift: Relocating to 811 5th Street, the store will feature a round blade sign extending 36″ from the façade. Displaying its name, logo, and tagline, this sign will increase walk-in visibility and guide customers to the side entrance.
Community Benefits
· Enhanced Visibility & Wayfinding: Each sign is strategically designed to draw pedestrian and vehicle traffic, crucial for businesses with off-main-street entrances or new downtown presences.
· Historic Downtown Enhancements: Signage will adhere to Kansas Main Street Sign Guidelines, ensuring compatibility with the district’s historic facades.
· Local Economic Support: Projects will be executed by Kansas-based fabricators and contractors, reinforcing Grow Clay County’s mission to support local vendors and artisans.
Grow Clay County Executive Director said, “We’re thrilled to partner with these dynamic businesses as part of our downtown revitalization efforts. These signs will help them build stronger brands, guide visitors, and enrich the appearance of our historic district.”
About Grow Clay County
Grow Clay County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting economic and community development efforts, including business retention and attraction, downtown revitalization, and placemaking throughout Clay County.
About the SIGNS Grant
Launched in April 2025, the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Supporting Innovative Growth through New Signage (SIGNS) grant helps rural downtowns enhance their visual appeal through high-quality, creative signage. Eligible projects include building signs, blade signs, awning signs, and lighting, with a required cash match and adherence to historic sign guidelines (Kansas Department of Commerce).
