Scottsdale City Council Approves Scottsdale Public Art Program's Proposed Soleri...

Scottsdale City Council Approves Scottsdale Public Art Program's Proposed Soleri Bridge and Plaza

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(Business Wire)--
Scottsdale Public Art announces today the long-awaited downtown
pedestrian bridge and plaza designed by famed architect Paolo Soleri
will move forward this fall/winter, following the Scottsdale City
Council's final approval Tuesday of a new budget.

The City Council earlier this year unanimously endorsed funding
the bridge in the final version of the 2008-09 budget. Tuesday's vote
means the remaining $1.7 million for the project is officially in
place and construction can begin fall/winter 2008.

Scottsdale Public Art Program has funded $1 million for the
project and an additional $500,000 funding is from developer, Starwood
Capital Group and Golub & Company, which has also pledged another $1
million in art at the Waterfront.

The 100 foot-long bridge spans the Arizona Canal west of
Scottsdale Road, with a 22,000 square foot plaza on the south bank.
The bridge will connect the Scottsdale Waterfront on the north side of
the canal with the various retail and dining establishments on the
south side of the canal. However, more important than its structural
function is the project's cultural significance. Paolo Soleri, one of
the Valley's most revered cultural icons, has designed the bridge and
the plaza. As a result, the project will serve as a key cultural
destination and gathering place, enriching Scottsdale's art scene, in
addition to providing convenient pedestrian access.

"The Soleri Bridge project will no doubt garner national
attention, which will emphasize Scottsdale's incredible offerings and
passionate commitment to the arts," said Valerie Vadala Homer, program
director for the Scottsdale Public Art Program.

This is the first bridge by Paolo Soleri to be constructed in the
world and is anticipated to be one of Soleri's greatest projects. The
design for the bridge draws upon solar and celestial events, an
important element in much of Soleri's work. It will feature two
steel-clad, 64 foot pylons that will generate a light beam on the
walking surface of the bridge, to mark solar events and reiterate the
connection of humans to the environment, light, and architecture. The
plaza on the south side of the canal features a second set of pylons,
which will house the largest bell assemblage ever created by the
artist. Cast bronze bells are the signature retail item of Soleri's
Cosanti studio.

For more information on the Scottsdale Public Art Program or the
Soleri Bridge and Plaza project, please visit
www.scottsdalepublicart.org or call (480) 874-4645.

for Scottsdale Public Art Program
Amy Monier, 480-344-0140
amonier@martzagency.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008