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Kingsburg BID hears proposal for an authentic Swedish "phone booth" to boost downtown tourism
Summary
Cindy Regier presented a plan for an interactive Swedish telephone booth ('kung') for downtown Kingsburg, estimating a build cost of about $5,000 or less; the board asked proposers to return with more detail on permitting, electrical needs and maintenance and tentatively invited them to present on Dec. 2.
The Kingsburg Downtown Business Improvement District advisory board heard a presentation Nov. 4 proposing an authentic Swedish telephone booth to serve as a small, year‑round cultural attraction.
Cindy Regier described a freestanding telephone booth — to be styled in traditional Swedish architectural detail and labeled “kung” (Swedish for “king”) — that would play a prerecorded Swedish welcome when a visitor picks up the receiver. “When visitors step up and pick up the receiver…they'll hear a warm prerecorded welcome message spoken in Swedish,” Regier said. She said the message could be updated seasonally to advertise events and festivals.
Regier provided preliminary cost estimates for materials: roofing (about $900), wood framing (about $600) and decals (about $500), with the metal framework and a specialty finial still to be priced. She said the group’s current projection is for a total cost of $5,000 or less, excluding the telephone hardware, which the proposers are still sourcing.
Board members asked several practical questions about placement, permitting and upkeep. Members said the installation would need review by Public Works and likely City Council permitting for a permanent fixture in the downtown right‑of‑way, and they raised concerns about electrical access and who would maintain and update the recorded messages. Regier acknowledged those concerns and said proposers would gather additional information on power needs, timeframes and a firmer budget.
The board did not approve funding on Nov. 4 but signaled general support for the concept and asked the proposers to return with more detailed plans. The proposers were invited to present progress at the BID’s Dec. 2 meeting.
