If in the Southside neighborhood of Jefferson City you spot a large yard sign of a dachshund, then chances are that property has been recognized for its appearance.
On Saturday, members of the Old Munichburg Association gave out its inaugural Southside Pride Appearance Award to Chris Griggs to recognize his efforts at enhancing the beauty of the neighborhood. Griggs is in the process of renovating his property at 708 Washington St., and he received the award during the Golden Hammer Award ceremony, which Griggs also won.
Laura Ward, with the Old Munichburg Association, said the Southside Pride Appearance Award is expected to be given quarterly to people and businesses whose properties "enhance the beauty and appearance" of the historic neighborhood. According to information provided by the association, nominations are submitted by the Appearance Award Committee to the Old Munichburg Association Board for approval.
"Our whole idea is to recognize property owners in Old Munichburg for their commitment to its unique history," Ward said. "We just want to recognize their pride."
Winners receive the "very unique" dachshund yard sign, as well as $25 in "Munichburg Bucks," which can be used at participating Southside businesses. The yard sign itself was designed by Matt Holland, of Madison Street Realty, which is sponsoring the award.
Holland said the new award enables the association to reward property owners who may not ever qualify for the larger renovation awards, such as the Golden Hammer, but who have still chosen to invest in the historic neighborhood and improve it.
"Just kind of highlight some of the small stuff that never really gets recognized," Holland said. "Somebody with cool Christmas decorations or something like that really makes pride in a neighborhood. You can tell that the people who live down here care. It's just that they never get any recognition for it."
To be eligible for the award, the property must be located within the boundaries of the historic Southside neighborhood, and the property owner must agree to display the yard sign during the month of the award. As more are awarded, another requirement will be the property cannot have received an award the previous year in the same category.
The association covers the Old Munichburg area, which is 14 blocks located south of U.S. 50, west of Monroe and Poplar streets, north of Franklin Street and east of U.S. 54 West, but it also extends farther into the city's south side, going east to Jackson Street, south to Stadium Boulevard and west to Myrtle Street.
Griggs was surprised with the award Saturday, as he showed attendees of the Golden Hammer presentation around the first floor of the home. As the large sign was brought in by Holland, those gathered laughed and smiled.
"Wow," Griggs said as he saw the sign for the first time. "Wonderful, I love that!"
Check back in the July 28 Style section for more on the historic renovation of Chris Griggs' property.