City of Lakewood announcement.
Under cloudy skies Wednesday and clad in a bright orange jacket, Seattle artist John Fleming installed his “Colonial Plaza Gateway Arch” to the entrance of Motor Avenue. Those passing on Gravelly Lake Drive may have noticed the large crane stationed at the entrance to Motor Avenue as it slowly and carefully lowered the large, steel pieces to the ground.
The installation marks another milestone in the evolution of this community gathering space that once was a sparsely traveled two-lane road that passes by the Lakewood Theatre and former shopping center commonly known as the Lakewood Colonial Plaza.
Motor Avenue was renovated in 2019 to become a community centerpiece. On top of the cobbled street and classic architecture, was a vision to place a welcoming metallic gateway arch with metal strands etched with phrases from residents and community groups entwined within the piece.
The Lakewood Arts Commission selected Fleming to create the custom piece and solicited Lakewood residents and community groups to share their stories to be incpororated in the piece.
Wednesday the sweeping steel arcs were placed at the corner where Motor Avenue and Gravelly Lake Drive meet. Made from inch-thick curved steel plates, the pieces form a gateway. The larger stretches 50 feet wide and the smaller 34 feet. Both rise about 4 feet from the ground.
Aluminum “story strips” are found within the arc, each etched with quotes and memories gathered from the community.
When walking Motor Avenue, people can read these stories and memories up close. From the street, the aluminum strips reflect a luminous glow through triangular cutouts.
A public “unveiling” is planned for the spring. More details will be announced soon.
What an idiotic waste of metal, money and time. Yeah that’s just what the city needed. Never mind the delapidated and vacant eyesore that’s been sitting behind this stupidity for several years now. Where is the brain trust?
Obviously, not with you. This is a beginning, and what better way to begin than with a beautiful piece of art work. Art is so important. People are moved by it, renewed by it, and given hope by it. What better way than by a public work of art? Thousands will see it and enjoy it for years to come.
The buildings behind it will be upgraded or perhaps replaced. This is just a beginning. Rather than berating our city officials, let’s thank them for their service and their foresight that will help make our city a better place for all.
Spoken like a true looney-leftist and wacky-woke-ster. Enjoy being in your own private minority. Of the dozens of comments I’ve seen and heard, your’s is the only one with unicorn-vision. Moving on.