RENOVATION PLAN ANNOUNCED FOR FIVE SEASONS PLAZA
2/1/2010 11:16:29 AM
A private group is stepping in to fund the restoration of the Tree of Five Seasons, repairing flood damage while designing a new plaza and lighting for the city monument that stands prominently on the bank of the Cedar River.
Objectives for the project are flood recovery, downtown development, tourism development and plaza maintenance.
Though the Tree itself survived the Flood of 2008, its base and surrounding plaza were heavily damaged, with original donor plaques washed away and floodlights that had spotlighted the tree destroyed. City officials recognize the Tree’s value and role, yet other flood-recovery needs have forced its repair to be a low priority.
“The Tree has been a Cedar Rapids focal point for years; it identifies our city, and visitors shoot pictures there,” said City Manager Jim Prosser. “It’s important that the Tree and its surroundings be maintained in attractive condition. This assistance from volunteers will permit us to continue to focus on other priorities.”
As a result, a committee has been organized to raise private funds to rehab, expand and maintain the flood-damaged Five Seasons Plaza. The flood-damaged base of the Tree will be faced off with granite-finish slabs instead of the 500 separate tiles that were there originally, as well as an expanded new plaza floor. Three elevated, lighted flagpoles will be included, as well as a water feature of rapids pouring over boulders in the background.
“Cedar Rapids will again have a ‘rapids,’” said Committee Co-Chair Bill Munsell.
Originally constructed in 1996, the tree was made possible through more than $800,000 in private funds and in-kind construction contributions. Its designer intended the Tree to be a physical symbol of the “fifth season,” which is defined in Cedar Rapids as “a time to enjoy life.”
“During the 14 years of its existence, the Tree has been used thousands of times in brochures, annual reports, ads for companies, colleges, universities, organizations and on local and national TV,” said Tree of Five Seasons designer and Committee Co-Chair Gary Anderson. “It is a symbol of the resilience and can-do spirit of our people, and with this renovation, it will continue to fill its role as a landmark for our city.”
Ryan Companies US, Inc. has estimated construction costs at $350,000, to be paid with private funds that the committee is in the process of raising.
“To help lower costs, we are providing services for cost only, with no mark-ups or profit,” said Marc Gullickson, President of Ryan Companies US, Inc. “We’ll be asking sub-contractors to consider doing the same, which many did when the Tree was built.”
OPN Architects has agreed to handle the design services of the plaza at no cost.
It’s great to have the private sector step up,” said Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett. “The City is up to its neck in important immediate problems, and along comes this group that wants to take on a project the city couldn’t do for several years – and at no cost to local taxpayers.”
The committee is made up of Gary Anderson, Bill Munsell, Vaughn Halyard, Bill Hanes, Tim Kintner, Bob Moorman, Doug Neumann, Steve Nordstrom, John Ryan, Carl Sefl, Julie Sina, Dan Thies and Cassie Willis.
In addition to the repair costs, a $100,000 endowment goal has been established for the purpose of maintaining the site. $30,000 has already been pledged to this effort, organizers said.
“FEMA has obligated $42,600 for repair of our Tree’s lighting and electrical damages,” said Julie Sina, City Parks and Recreation Director. “That’s approximately what Ryan Companies US, Inc. estimated for the electrical costs in this plan.”
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation will be the recipient of construction and endowment funds, with construction intended to begin late this spring. Officials estimate the project would be finished by this fall.
“The interest of Committee members and the response of potential donors has been quick and enthusiastically positive,” said Munsell.
