Wednesday, October 10, 2007

MVB's Monuments 'r Us: Miami's Gateway Arch to the Americas


According to today's Miami Herald, Miami-Dade Commissioner Carlos Gimenez thinks the county should consider building a massive Ferris wheel at the Port of Miami, duplicating England's hugely successful London Eye and an even taller one being built in Beijing for next year's Olympics.

We would like to counter offer with another re-cycled idea: MVB's Miami's Gateway Arch to the Americas. Yes, it's a rip-off of the St. Louis Gateway Arch but it serves a specific purpose other than reminding everyone that Miami is the Gateway to the America's. If moved further west along Government Cut, it could act as a pedestrian bridge/tourist attraction between the Port of Miami and Watson Island (Yes, security would be a problem but not insurmountable). The scale is the same as the St. Louis Gateway Arch and if the same technology has been warehoused since it was built, i.e, the climbing cranes that rode the outside of the original arch, perhaps they could be used to build this East Coast version at bargain discount prices.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dude, I think I love it.

Verticus Erectus said...

Roger that. Now spread the word. Thanks, V

Steve ("Klotz" As In "Blood") said...

You're on to something here (again). Maybe modify the shape and color to make it a gigantic McDonald's arch? The perfect icon for a Brave New Americans' World. And McD's might pick up the tab!

Verticus Erectus said...

Brilliant! I love the symbolism. Perhaps the McDonald's Arch (it has a certain ring to it and I'm sure they'd pay for it especially if we allow them to open a "McDonald's World" on the Watson Island side) could be turned into the ultimate rollercoaster with two zero-gravity apexs! Ye-Haw!

10:44 AM

Anonymous said...

Hi, I know that this is not the topic but the Wynwood Art District Second Saturday gallery walk looks very interesting. I've found a list of openings and exhibits for Oct. 13th @ http://miamiartscene.blogspot.com

The Herald should support arts in the Wynwood Art District and the Design District including a listing of openings and exhibits. Thank you.

JC

Anonymous said...

If it is tastefull, cost no taxpayers money, and the County can make a profit to offset costs of Port capital improvements, I am all for it.

Verticus Erectus said...

Hey, man, it passed the "tasteful" test a long time ago. Of course, it didn'tr pass commissioner Seijas' test on "tacky" of which she seems to be an expert on. We like the idea that it could offset Port capital improveaments-- if said improvements did not include a tunnel which we are adamently against.