Dream Elevator

2012

St. Louis Park, MN

44’ x 7’ diameter

Precast concrete, stainless steel, custom polyester, illumination

Commissioned by City of St. Louis Park, MN

Description:

Less than half mile away from this site, I discovered the underrecognized Peavey-Haglin experimental grain elevator of 1899-1900. Conceived as a solution to the fire-prone wood elevators common at the time, the slip-cast concrete tube became the world’s first concrete tubular grain elevator. A civil engineering landmark, the prototype  effectively changed the rural landscape of America and the world. The sculpture is inspired by this daring spirit of innovation. Dream Elevator is transparent stainless steel mesh cylinder that sits atop a precast concrete base. The structure is woven with custom-braided rope. Inside, the sky is framed through a single view through the cylindrical stainless steel mesh structure.  I worked with both the landscape architect and building architect to ensure that the sculpture, plaza, and building would be cohesive.