EXHIBIT 32: OLD FORT GATEWAY SIGN - NCSTEP PLAN

C.1.3 Old Fort

The Town of Old Fort is located in western McDowell County at the base of the Blue Ridge escarpment just north of Interstate 40. In 2009, the NCSTEP and NCSU Community Design process for Old Fort identified signage as a major concern, and as a result, welcome signs were installed at the town limits. A large sign highly visible from Interstate 40 formerly advertised local industry. The base of the sign still exists and provides an opportunity for the Town to promote the Mountain Wonderland and Old Fort branding to tens of thousands of motorists that pass the site daily.

ACTION ITEMS: • Upgrade content of the existing welcome signs to incorporate the Mountain Wonderland branding and aesthetic. • Partner with the landowners of the former industrial site located north of Interstate 40 and west of Lackeytown Road to re-establish the sign located there which is currently in disrepair.

OLD FORT GATEWAY SIGN - NCSTEP PLAN EXH 32

A sign visible from Interstate 40 formerly advertised local industry that called the Old Fort home. The base of the sign still exists and provides an opportunity to create a large monument sign near Exit 73 to increase awareness of the Town and nearby assets.