2012: Transforming the Bridge | 12194

Team: Steven Seefeld

Location: Ames, Iowa

Overview: Historically the river has served a utilitarian purpose for the city of Cleveland functioning as the fresh water source for factories and a distribution highway for freighters although through heavy use and exploitation the river was damaged substantially. Although steps have been taken in the recent past the river still struggles with its image today taking on the stigma of being dirty, polluted, and strictly utilitarian. However in the recent past niche river activities have emerged from the Cleveland area celebrating the river and its potential. The project idea is to stoke the flames of this cultural movement to the river by bringing the river up to the bridge, showing people what an extraordinary and underutilized gift the river is.