Ballard Bridge sculptures will return

In February of 2006, eight aluminum sculptures were removed from the Ballard Bridge after a fierce windstorm. One of the pieces of art was damaged, and the city worried that they could become a safety issue. Now over two years later, we’ve learned that the sculptures should be reinstalled in the next couple months. So what took so long? We spoke with Tiffany Hendrick at the Seattle Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, and she explained that negotiations over how to reinforce the pieces took longer than anticipated in part because the initial redesign plan was too expensive. But now a welder is at work strengthening the bases of the sculptures (which will not alter the design). And as soon as they’re repainted and pass an inspection from the engineering team, they’ll be reinstalled on the bridge. What’s the price, you ask? That’s not being disclosed. At least yet.

(Our thanks to Mary Jean for sending us an email to check this out.)