Pyramids for Headwaters…

From The News-Sentinel today we learn about a proposal for two pyramids in Headwaters Park 

Geoff Paddock, the downtown park’s executive director, today was expected to unveil plans for two 100-foot stainless steel towers that were part of architect Eric Kuhne’s original plans but never built because of a lack of funds.

Paddock still doesn’t have the money he needs about $500,000 for each pyramid-shaped structure — but believes a proposal for a new cell West Central neighborhood may have made his project more attractive to would-be donors.

The park’s towers, Paddock said, easily could be designed to incorporate the cell phone technology. As such, he said, plans for towers used by Verizon and Centennial wireless networks might be moved to the park instead.

City officials, however, said today plans for the tower in West Central — opposed by many residents in the historic neighborhood — may be dropped. Many residents believe the tower will obscure the historic General Electric sign on Broadway.

See also: Journal Gazette 

I applaud Mr. Paddock’s integration of cell phone technology into the design. This is exactly the kind of creative thinking Fort Wayne needs. Fort Wayne Observed offers a great summation here. The Berry Street Beacon also provides an in depth analysis of the cell tower controversy. 

My proposal for a
Headwaters Park Skyride could easily integrate the phone towers as well.  Rather than two pyramids, integrate the cell technology with two tram towers on opposite ends of the park. Not only would visitors be treated to a bird’s eye view of Headwaters and North River, the tower construction cost could be offset by the wireless network companies.

Additionally, my proposal connects North River near the Old Fort and Headwaters Park to the Harrison Square project (see Bringing It All Together).  Three Rivers Apartment residents would be able to travel to a ball game via the skyride (great for those who abhor walking, you know who you are).  An integrated cell/tram tower on Ewing Street adjacent to Harrison Square would be just a few blocks from the proposed West Central neighborhood location opposed by residents.

Need a new cell tower near Glenbrook, Dupont, Jefferson Pointe, or Southtown?  Extend the tram network to these areas and kill two birds with one stone.  Verizon and Centennial could wind up connecting Fort Wayne in more ways than one.

Photo credit: Portland Aerial Tram