Pontiac unveils latest Woodward Tribute sculpture

Thursday, August 12, 2010 | Source: Metromode

A tribute sculpture commemorating Pontiac's role in the history of Woodward Avenue is to be fully in place today, with a celebration planned for next week.

The Pontiac Tribute, the second such monument along Woodward, was installed last month to raise awareness about the history behind Michigan's Main Street and its importance to not only the state but the U.S. and the world. The sculptures are robust columns that depict part of Woodward's history. Ferndale's was installed in 2008.

The final touches on the sculpture are expected to be put in place today. It will also be absorbing light so it can be turned on, says Nicole Brown, outreach and promotions coordinator for the Woodward Avenue Action Association, the organization behind the effort. "The significance of it in Pontiac is celebrating transportation heritage," she says.

The tribute came about as a result of a lot of hard work, Brown says, and a laundry list of supporters and sponsors, including the city of Pontiac, Oakland County, and the Michigan Department of Transportation. "People are really excited about it," Brown says. "It's something positive that's happening in the city of Pontiac. It's been received really well, from residents and members of the business community."

Pontiac's Tribute is at the corner of Woodward and Whitmore, in the area commonly known as the "teardrop." Negotiations are currently ongoing with Detroit for its tribute, with an announcement expected later this year about its location. The ultimate goal is to have one for each city along Woodward to recognize each of their unique contributions.

The Pontiac Tribute's $150,000 price tag was funded in part by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration's National Scenic Byways funds and other contributors.

WA3 and the city of Pontiac are hosting a public tribute illumination reception on Wednesday; click here for details.

Source: Nicole Brown, outreach and promotions coordinator for the Woodward Avenue Action Association
Writer: Kristin Lukowski