Cindy Regier proposed building an authentic Swedish telephone booth in downtown Kingsburg, saying the installation would be “a small but meaningful touch point that promotes cultural appreciation, tourism, and local pride.” The proposal was presented at the Kingsburg Downtown Business Improvement District Advisory Board meeting on Nov. 4.

The project concept calls for a freestanding wooden booth—approximately 4-by-4 feet to fit one or two people—finished in traditional Swedish colors and architectural details, with a prerecorded Swedish-language greeting and the ability to update messages seasonally. Regier estimated materials costs at “$5,000 or less,” listing line items such as roofing (about $900), wood framing ($600) and decals (about $500) but said the telephone hardware and a decorative finial remain to be priced.

The telephone-booth pitch drew questions from multiple board members about permit requirements, electrical supply, maintenance and siting. Chair Carpenter said staff should check with public works and city permitting, and members asked proponents to identify two or three proposed downtown locations and clarify who would maintain and update the prerecorded messages. “We need to find out about electrical and SNS’ time frame, dial in a closer budget,” Carpenter said during the discussion.

Board members suggested high-visibility locations—near City Hall Square, by the clock display used seasonally, or at prominent intersections on Draper Street—and noted the installation should avoid locations with heavy children’s play activity where the booth could be overlooked. Members also raised long-term maintenance as a key question: prerecorded messages and seasonal updates would require an ongoing labor commitment, and the board asked the proponents to specify who would carry that responsibility.

By the end of the discussion, the board signaled general support for further investigation rather than approving construction. Members asked proponents to return to the BID’s Dec. 2 meeting with a refined budget, confirmed site options, permit and electrical requirements, and a maintenance plan. Cindy Regier indicated she and collaborators would gather the requested details and report back.

If permitted and funded, proponents said the installation would be a low-dollar, high-visibility placemaking asset intended to increase photo traffic and visitation to downtown Kingsburg. Formal city permits and any required right-of-way approvals were not resolved at the Nov. 4 meeting.