As the decision for a potential $2.8 million landmark for the intersection of U.S. 31 and Ind. 32 grows near, Westfield residents are becoming more vocal in their thoughts about the project – both for and against it.
The 100-foot towers will be created with precast concrete and stainless steel. The top and joints will be illuminated with digitally controlled LED lights, which can change colors depending on the season or special events.
At the June 23 Westfield City Council meeting, 18 members from the public spoke – five were against, three were neutral, and the rest were in favor. Proponents said the project will drive economic development and tie together two major city projects – the Grand Park Sports Complex west of U.S. 31 and Grand Junction Park and Plaza downtown.
“It would be a shame to pass up this opportunity to create this highly visible work of art,” resident Mic Mead said. “The landmarks say to the world, ‘We are confident, we’ve arrived, this is the place.’”
Brian Morales is not opposed to a gateway enhancement, but said he wished the scope of the project was smaller and less costly.
“I wish it was a smaller scale that brings out the history instead of a modern look that could be out of date in 30 years. Westfield will continue to grow with or without the towers,” he said.
Resident Chris Blutto said he supports the towers concept, but was realistic. During the presentation, the GJTG used examples of iconic designs such as the St. Louis Arch, Seattle Space Needle and Eiffel Tower. Blutto said those structures are different because they are places people can visit and are not “viewed other than 60 mile per hour.”
“I like it, I don’t agree with it on the highway. Children should be able to view it and take it in and authors write about it,” he said. “What is the next step in ensuring this becomes a true iconic piece than just a highway design?”
Ken Kingshill, chairman of the Grand Junction Task Group, said the project is the result of “two years of dreaming and drawing.” It was initiated by Mayor Andy Cook who asked the group to dream big and come up with “something iconic.”
“The Ind. 32 interchange is downtown Westfield’s most visible gateway and the place where most visitors will form their first impressions of the Grand Junction brand,” Kingshill said. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. These things don’t happen every day and there is a risk of not doing anything … Most people would not identify the skyline of St. Louis without the arch there.”
Mark Beebe of architecture engineering firm RQAW Inc. said the towers include curves which add color and texture and stainless steel and painted steel at the top to provide a new look depending on sunshine and viewing point.
“It will be built with no maintenance in mind and to last a hundred years,” he said. “Single forms tended to make the stronger impact. Color and lights are for dramatic effect.”
The cost
Westfield solicited bids for the project earlier this year, and announced at the council meeting that it received five proposals ranging from $2.45 million to $3.07 million. Ken Kingshill, chairman of the Grand Junction Task Group, said the cost includes lighting and installation and the price is “about as much as a roundabout.” As INDOT begins work at the intersection, it is installing the foundations for the towers at a price of $300,000 each tower. Kingshill said this cost is included in INDOT’s $350 million highway overhaul, but city leaders need to decide soon whether to proceed. If approved, City Council President Jim Ake said the project will be funded from the proceeds of the utility sale. He said it would cost 3 percent of the total budget and because of other federal and state funding received the U.S. 31 landmarks would not affect any other item from the predetermined list of city needs. “The city is fiscally healthy. I would not stand here and speak to this if the city couldn’t afford the towers,” he said.
