Always-On Visibility: New Light Pole Flags in the Golden Triangle Creative District

MDLDC donated the installation of light pole flags around the Golden Triangle Creative District.

The Golden Triangle Creative District’s 30 new light pole flags are doing exactly what they were designed to do: create visibility, reinforce identity, and drive people deeper into the neighborhood—on foot and behind the wheel spanning all 45 blocks that make The Triangle .

Installed in October 2025, our new district-level branding was a big bang for the budget.

With millions of people moving through the Golden Triangle every year—flooding to museums, visiting Civic Center Park, commuting along Speer, Lincoln, Broadway, and Colfax—the flags are working daily to tell a simple story: You’re in the Golden Triangle Creative District. There’s more here—come explore.

Built Through GTCD Member Partnerships

We’d like to kick off this story by thanking a few people. This project happened through collaboration and a few GTCD Board of Directors businesses who donated their services in addition to their expertise. Anthony Gengaro and Gabe Fedor of MDLDC (Partner Member), longtime partner of the Triangle dedicated to community-building, helped bring the vision to life by donating the installation. Carleen Clearwater, Kickass Marketing (Gold Partner Member) donated her design and production services. This meant the GTCD could triple the amount of banners and installation kits it purchased.

“We love being able to participate in projects that help create a sense of place—especially in neighborhoods that are growing and evolving as quickly as the Golden Triangle.” — Anthony, MDLDC

“Whether welcoming visitors, defining the neighborhood where you belong, or inviting passersby in - it’s amazing the impact a simple banner can create. Doesn’t hurt that we have a fabulous logo. ” — Carleen Clearwater, Kickass Marketing

Pro-Business by Design

Strong district identity directly benefits local businesses. When people understand where they are and what kind of place they’re in, they’re more likely to slow down, park, walk, wander, and spend time—and money—in the neighborhood.

The flags function as always-on marketing for the district as a whole, supporting restaurants, galleries, retailers, cultural institutions, and services without promoting just one business or one event.

“This is about creating a recognizable identity for the neighborhood—so people understand where they are and feel invited to explore more than just their original destination.” — Anthony, MDLDC

Strategic Placemaking Signage to Flag Pedestrians and Drivers

The Golden Triangle is uniquely positioned: it’s bordered by three of the busiest streets in the city, carrying massive daily vehicle traffic alongside heavy pedestrian use. Major corridors like Lincoln Street and Speer Boulevard were a priority because they carry both local and regional traffic—people heading somewhere else who may not realize they’re skirting an entire creative neighborhood. Equally as important was determining internal locations based on foot/vehicle traffic patterns, gateways, and visual impact versus scattering them evenly.

“We targeted high-visibility nodes, regional circulators, major corridors and key entry points so people driving past—and people walking through—start to recognize the Golden Triangle as a place, not just something they pass by or through.” — Anthony, MDLDC

A key goal for the banners was to reinforce walkability—creating a consistent visual rhythm that tells people they’re moving through a connected creative district. Key entry spots like the Art, a hotel, 14th Ave., and the new Schoolyard & Beer Garden on Bannock are some of the locations chosen to install some of the first flags. The flags create moments of recognition: Where am I? What’s here? Why haven’t I explored this area more?

“We strategically selected the size, height, and location of the banners to facilitate maximum visibility for people walking, biking, or driving. They catch your eye and provide a sense-of-place immediately, no matter what speed you are traveling." — Gabe, MDLDC

Simple Wayfinding Signage = Real Value for Golden Triangle

Unlike specific event banners or seasonal promotions, these flags are timeless with only a big logo and no specific promotional dates or message. Carleen at Kickass Marketing created a unique version of the logo with "Golden Triangle Creative District" lettering in a slightly bolder font in reverse white on black so that the name of the district stands out and is still really visible at night.

Printed on durable, outdoor-rated materials, the current installation is expected to remain in place for at least two years, delivering continuous exposure without recurring production costs. Of course, recently we had hurricane-like winds and one was blown off! (PS -Appreciate the neighbor who found it and returned it to us, so we can re-hang it.)

For a nonprofit organization, that kind of sustained impact is both practical and strategic. That longevity is where the real return shows up.

“This is long-term brand visibility. You’re not paying for a weekend or a month—you’re reinforcing the district identity every day, for years for your budget.” — Anthony, MDLDC

The GTCD Board will maintain and monitor the condition of the light pole flags and replace them if necessary. Thank you again to MDLDC for their ongoing support for the program.

A Foundation for Exciting Programs Coming in 2026

This first round of 30 flags lays the foundation for future placemaking efforts—whether that’s expanded banner programs, special anniversary installations, or other creative ways to reinforce the Golden Triangle’s presence in the city.

More importantly, it establishes a consistent visual signal that the Golden Triangle Creative District is 45 blocks packed with some of the city’s largest cultural hubs like Civic Center Park, the State Capitol and 5 museums, but it is also home to shopping, retail, restaurants and clubs and a quickly growing residential neighborhood.

Strong neighborhoods don’t just grow—they communicate who they are. These banners are part of that communication.

And this is just the beginning. The GTCD Board is excited for 2026 and have an incredible addition to our place-making signage coming soon.