Committee discusses lighting, stage cover, water feature
The Tower Green Design Committee met last week at City Hall to discuss design plans underway for the Tower Center at Unity Square project — a project included in the voter-approved 2018 General Obligation Bond Issue.
The $1.75 million project involves the construction of a community gathering space between the Bartlesville Community Center and the Price Tower. Silas Street in that area will be closed to accommodate the project.
Project architect Scott Ambler of Ambler Architects addressed the committee during the meeting, saying he wanted to update committee members on the design plan, which is currently about 60 percent complete.
The committee took no formal action during the meeting but discussed several items, including lighting, trees, the stage cover and parking. Highlights from the discussion include:
- The inclusion of 56 more parking spaces in the area than exist today
- The addition of 20 new, sizable trees
- The inclusion of a 30-foot by 60-foot stage cover
- An effort to utilize only plants native to Oklahoma
- Retaining the existing fountain, which is likely to include “bubblers” and LED lighting, retain statue
- Space to include pathway, ground and tree lighting in addition to ambient lighting from Price Tower and Community Center
- Electrical capacity will be available at the base of every tree
- Possible inclusion of copper and/or red stained concrete on the stage/stage cover
- Installation of electrical, water and storm water systems as well as internet capability
The committee also discussed ideas involving the future inclusion of a water feature at the space. The committee discussed but did not seek City Council approval to use funding allocated to install a splash pad at Johnstone Park for a water feature at Tower Center at Unity Square. However, the committee revisited the idea last week. Some committee members appeared to favor raising money separately for a water feature at the site, though seeking council approval to use the Johnstone Park funds remains a possibility. Vice Mayor and Committee Chair Alan Gentges suggested that some local groups have already donated or plan to donate to enhance the project — funds that could possibly be used for a water feature at the space. (Arvest Bank recently donated $10,000 for the Tower Center at Unity Square project.) Gentges also asked Ambler to compile a “list of wants” so all items on the table can be reviewed more in-depth.
The committee also discussed a possible date to hold a groundbreaking ceremony at the site. The ceremony will likely be held sometime during the last week of March. The date will be announced in City Beat, the City’s website, www.cityofbartlesville.org, Facebook, Twitter and local media.