PROJECT UPDATE One with the Eagle		Print This Page Email This Page

Artwork Fact Sheet

Relocation of One with the Eagle at Scottsdale Airpark

November 25, 2008

Scottsdale has a long commitment to the arts and to art as a defining feature on our landscape. One of our earliest artworks is One with the Eagle (1988) by Pat Mathiesen. The sculpture was generously donated by the Scottsdale Western Art Association to the City of Scottsdale and placed at the entry of our Airpark and Airport at Scottsdale and Butherus Roads. The winged monument has graced the entry to Scottsdale’s Airpark for twenty years.  

Due to roadway changes at the entrance to Scottsdale Airpark, the median in which the One with the Eagle sculpture was located would be reduced in size.

The narrowed median no longer provides enough space for the sculpture.

In order to maintain this important Airpark landmark nearest its original location on Scottsdale Road, the public art program developed plans to relocate it to an adjacent site.  

To help fund the relocation, the City required an adjacent property developer to move the One with Eagle sculpture.

Public art staff along with City staff and representatives from the developer identified criteria by which sites were to be studied as possible new locations for the sculpture.

Criteria were:

• Maintain the key landmark for the Airpark area and for Scottsdale Road.

• Maintain or improve upon visibility of the sculpture for motorists and for pedestrians.

• Improve upon the original context for the artwork and landscape, possibly adding seating.

• Improve upon safety considerations for pedestrians who may want to view the artwork up close.

• Artwork to be located on public property.

Locations studied and the findings were:

• In the Butherus median where it is wide enough to accommodate the sculpture: Too far from Scottsdale Road.

• At the entry to the Airport: Too far from Scottsdale Road.

• Southeast corner Scottsdale and Butherus: Limited right-of-way and obstructive street poles.

• Chosen site: Northeast corner Scottsdale and Butherus: New construction would allow for site design to be incorporated into pedestrian streetscape while maintaining the artwork on public property on Scottsdale Road, and allowing for visibility of the artwork to passing motorists.

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