Wednesday, July 14, 1999
Vision calls for tower to light Covington square
BY CINDY SCHROEDER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON — Just as Fountain Square has the Genius of Water, a proposed Covington square near the the Suspension Bridge could be home to the Tower of Light.
As envisioned by Southbank Partners, the multistory tower, topped by a flashing light beam, would be the focal point of Park Place Square, planned to open in the year 2000.
Park Place Square would lend an identity and more personality to an area already rich in popular restaurants such as Barton's on Park Place, Jack Quinn's, Down Under, Scalea's and Coco's, through extensive landscaping and pavers.
Wally Pagan, president and CEO of Southbank Partners, a group promoting development and tourism in the region's river cities, said Tuesday that the square and tower, with a combined price of $3.5 million, could become the region's next social destination.
“We are looking at this facility as a gathering place, or a Fountain Square for Kenton County, if you will,” Mr. Pagan told Kenton Fiscal Court.
The Tower of Light would be directly across the Ohio Riv er from the future National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Last week, Mr. Pagan presented his idea for the tower, to be topped by a laser or gas light, to the center's building committee.
“There was no formal endorsement, but people were very excited that Northern Kentucky had some ideas that tie in with the Freedom Center,” said Ed Rigaud, the group's president and CEO.
Mr. Pagan said Southbank is trying to raise mostly private funds for the park and tower.
“We're squarely behind the effort to raise money and get that park done,” said Tom Steidel, Covington assistant city manager.
Vision calls for tower to light Covington square
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