Five Seasons Plaza Repair to begin this month

After almost two years of fund raising, Phase I of the privately-funded repair and expansion of the flood-damaged Tree of Five Seasons will get underway during late September this year.

Announced by a local citizen's Design Committee 20 months ago, the group has solicited gifts and pledges totaling $326,000 for repairs, upgrades and an endowment which is to provide perpetual maintenance for Tree and Plaza.Fund raising will continue as work gets underway. An additional $61,000 is needed to fully fund the repair and expansion; $37,000 more is required to establish the planned $100,000 maintenance endowment. Total budget for construction and endowment is $425,000.“What's particularly nice about this project is that this group came in - unsolicited - and offered to take on the planning for rehab and site enhancement, raise the money and direct the project at a time when the City was years away from having time and money to do it right," said City Manager Jeff Pomeranz. "Their provision of a $100,000 maintenance endowment is frosting on the cake."

Developed by OPN, the plan calls for a complete reface of the original Tree base with granite slabs, new elevated and expanded lighting, new expanded Plaza floor, elevated flag poles, waterfall, landscaping, resting benches and a new donor-recognition plaque. “When completed, the new Plaza will signal citizens and visitors alike that Cedar Rapids is recovering," points out original Tree designer and Plaza Design Committee Founder/Co-Chair Gary Anderson.

Ryan Companies US Inc. is primary contractor for the project. Julie Sina, Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Director and Parks Superintendent Daniel Gibbins have been working closely with the Design Committee since the project was initiated late in 2009. Ten sub-contractors and suppliers have cooperated with Ryan Companies to make this an affordable project.

Plaza project donations and pledges have been received from 95 individuals and companies so far. Committee Co-Chair Bill Munsell says, “We'll need at least 25 more donors to complete the fund raising. The project is well liked, but money is hard to raise these days because so many flood-related capital campaigns are being conducted. We‘re looking for a hero who would like to wrap up the project with funds needed to polish and add brighter-than-new luster to the 15-year old Tree. A donation of about $30,000 would do the trick.  Donor can spread a gift over two years."

“The City is fortunate this group took on a project the City couldn't manage for several years,” according to Mayor Ron Corbett. “Currently the Tree and Plaza are not a pretty sight.  The City  will be better served when its most recognizable symbol returns in better than original splendor."

As Plaza Design Committeeman Loren Coppock puts it, “You wouldn't repair and update your home and then leave the front door unpainted. This project is our ‘Welcome to our City' icon and it will make a great statement to visitors and guests."

Final construction Phase II is planned for start and completion in spring 2012.

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