Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza construction: 1 month till dedication

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We’re at Alki checking on Heat Wave ’08 (warm and hazy but not THAT bad) and just noticed the Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza is really taking shape in a big way. The big dedication celebration, in fact, is scheduled for exactly one month from today (tomorrow marks one month since construction began with site demolition/prep). After we took today’s photo and went across the street for a beverage and wi-fi, we looked back across the street and noticed two people we believe to have been the original architects, Matt Hutchins and Chris Ezzell, over at the construction site, taking pictures (added later: Matt confirms it was an onsite meeting for SSLPP reps and adds, “Construction is proceeding nicely, and we’re pretty excited to see it starting to take shape!”). We’d also received word a few days ago from David Hutchinson that “Kenadar has just about finished the production of all inscribed bricks. The bronze bench and landscape plaques will be cast by the end of (this) week and the new pedestal is being cast offsite for later installation.” All our Alki Statue of Liberty coverage is archived here, including video from the early stages of construction last month, such as the semi-famous “flying lady” clip.

9 Replies to "Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza construction: 1 month till dedication"

  • Bob Loblaw August 6, 2008 (3:45 pm)

    Useless trivia: Yesterday was the anniversary (1861) of the pouring of the original base for the “other” Statue of Liberty.

  • JanS August 6, 2008 (6:22 pm)

    thanks, BL..looking at this picture, I really like the stairs and the way everything is situated.I think it’ll be lovely, despite all the controversy.

  • add August 6, 2008 (7:17 pm)

    I’m glad to hear it will be completed so soon (let’s hope it’s on schedule)! I was down at Alki today and it just seemed so noisy and busy with all the construction projects going on. It will be nice when things get back to normal!

  • cjboffoli August 6, 2008 (7:29 pm)

    Bob Loblaw: Are you sure you have your dates right? If the statue came over for assembly in 1886 they probably did not pour the pedestal 25 years early, especially with all resources being devoted to support the Union forces for the war effort.

  • Bob Loblaw August 6, 2008 (8:28 pm)

    Frédéric Bartholdi is laughing at Bob Loblaw from the grave. I sit corrected :-)
    .
    “The cornerstone of the pedestal, designed by American architect Richard Morris Hunt, was laid on August 5, 1884, but the construction had to be stopped by lack of funds in January 1885.”
    .
    Funny that this great monument, like so many things in our little corner of the world, was hampered by funding, squables, etc. Yet, 100+ years later, when we think of the Statue of Liberty, we think of a really cool monument, a symbol of all sorts of things, etc.
    .
    100+ years from now in West Seattle, I bet they’re looking at so many things the members of the community fought so hard for and not thinking twice about the efforts it took to get them (Yes, I’m thinking Trader Joe’s. Movie Theater, etc.)
    .
    Whatever those things may be, here’s to the tireless efforts of all in West Seattle who care!
    .

  • Bob Loblaw August 6, 2008 (8:29 pm)

    Oh, and I agree Jan. This will be great.

  • Libby Carr August 7, 2008 (8:55 am)

    We too are very pleased with the rapid progress being made building this plaza. Parks and all the constuction workers are doing a great job and we are looking forward to a wonderful Celebration now being planned for Sat., Sept. 6th.

    By the way, we are now looking for any Scouts who were present for the 1952 Ceremony here at Alki Beach as they dedicated the new statue. We hope to round up as many as possible and have an event planned with the younger scouts. Please call me with any Scout contacts from 1952.

    Also, if you would like to help out on the day of the event, please let me know your name and phone number. Thanks – Libby Carr (206-938-8721) or email: libby@carrbiz.com. Also, go to http://www.sealady.org. Thanks. LC & PC

  • Living in West Seattle since 1985 August 7, 2008 (7:16 pm)

    it looks lovely. the space looks very open and friendly!

  • Mimi Bouchee August 28, 2008 (11:58 am)

    My class, must have been from Madison if it was 1952, participated in the placing of a time capsule, but I don’t remember much about it – just that I was there for the ceremony.

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