Park Ridge Art Commission narrows field for 9/11 memorial designs

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One of three designs presented by the LaKota Group shows the Park Ridge Fire Department's World Trade Center artifact displayed on an angle above a tall, round base.

Updated: February 2, 2012 4:09AM

A variety of designs for a public memorial incorporating a steel piece from the World Trade Center were shared with members of the Park Ridge Art Commission on Jan. 24.

Commissioners saw 30-minute proposals from four firms and selected LaKota Group, of Chicago, and Myefski Architects, of Evanston, as their top choices for the Sept. 11 memorial, which will be located outside the entrance of the Park Ridge Fire Department, at Cumberland and Devon avenues. The commission also requested clarification on how much work each firm is willing to provide at no cost to the city.

LaKota presented three different ways of displaying the 200-pound, 6-foot long piece of steel, which was obtained by the Park Ridge Fire Department last year from the Sept. 11th Families’ Association, and the New York and New Jersey Port Authority. Proposals show the artifact displayed upright on a concrete block; upright and encased in glass; and suspended diagonally above a rounded base. In all three designs the piece is surrounded by walkways and landscaping.

Myefski Architects presented one design showing the artifact encased in glass and leaning in the direction of the fire station. It is surrounded by a wall that at its lowest point is 18-inches high and at its highest point, 6-feet tall. An inscription can be carved on the wall and the piece will be illuminated with LED lighting, architect John Myefski said.

Some commissioners expressed reservations about the appearance of the wall, and also pointed out that it could be inviting to children who would like to climb on it.

Commissioner L.D. Buschmann said she was concerned about the amount of maintenance that would be required if extensive landscaping were incorporated into the memorial. She did support encasing the steel artifact.

“It felt safe that way, but was still clear and unobstructed,” she said.

Firefighter Christopher Cleary said he liked the glass concept, but pointed out that cracks, chips and dirt would affect the look.

“I’m concerned about the longevity of the glass,” he said.

But funding the project remains the group’s biggest obstacle. Because the Art Commission does not expect city funds to be made available, community fundraising has been suggested, but for now the total cost of designing and building the memorial is unknown.

“The ideas sound good, but we have to get some idea of what we’re talking about, cost-wise,” Commissioner Rich DuSold said.

He suggested that involving the community in the building of the memorial could make residents more willing back it, financially.