by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
The owl is almost here.
Despite the construction delays inside, ornamental progress at the new Main Library continues to move forward and its signature piece, a huge bronze owl, will be installed on March 11.
A dedication ceremony will follow two days later, according to Public Works spokesperson Marcy Cook.
“If you look at the corner of Monroe and Duval , you’ll notice that there is a place specially carved out for the owl,” Cook said. “We shouldn’t have any trouble getting it in there and ready for public viewing after it arrives.”
Heavy and tall, the owl weighs five tons and stands more than 25 feet tall. The bronze-cast piece is part of the City’s Art in Public Places program.
“It’s a very original piece and we think people are really going to like it,” Cook said.
Designed and crafted by Washington D.C.-based artist Larry Kirkland, the owl was finished just before the first of the year and currently resides at the Walla Walla Foundry in Washington state.
It will make its 2,800-mile trek across the country by truck next week.
Kirkland said he’s proud of the piece.
“It is my purpose for the exterior artwork to clearly signify that this place is a library,” Kirkland said. “It is the place for the pursuit of information, knowledge and wisdom.”
The “inside” owl also is ready; it was designed by the Sally Corp. on Adams Street and will be installed as soon as the interior work is finished.
Cook said the library, which is part of the Better Jacksonville Plan, should be “substantially complete” on June 30 and that, by September 1, more artwork will be be headed its way.
Murals designed by Katherine Freeman will be on display indoors.
“The opening date has been pushed back a bit, but there honestly haven’t been any huge surprises for us,” Cook said of the delayed opening. “This is obviously a very complex and high profile project and we are looking forward to finishing it as much as anyone.”
Cook said the project is still within its $95 million budget. That money is expected to cover construction, move in and pay for new materials.