Luna Park Sign Toppers
The Luna Park Historic District will become much more visible this year with the addition of attractive street sign toppers and gateway signage. Over 163 residents and about 130 households participated in selecting the design, which was created by Luna Park resident, Corey Zinn. The locally driven project, initiated by the West Side Neighborhood Association (WSNA) and supported by the city of Charleston, represents a new model for local community development. Says WSNA Board member and Project Manager, Marylin McKeown, “It’s very exciting to work with residents on a fun project that will have tangible results that benefit the community.”
The historic district, which was designated in 2012 is named for Luna Park which was an amusement park from 1912-1923. A popular destination that featured a roller coaster, a dance pavilion, a public swimming pool, a roller rink, and live entertainment, the park attracted large crowds who came by steamboat and streetcar. Today this walkable neighborhood contains over 400 historically contributing structures representing a range of architectural styles and is home to an eclectic group of residents. However, it has no visual markings to distinguish it from the surrounding area, and many property owners are unaware of the benefits of living in a historic district, such as rehabilitation tax credits.
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