The Bridge of Lions From El Galeon
by D Hackett
Title
The Bridge of Lions From El Galeon
Artist
D Hackett
Medium
Photograph - Digital
Description
The Bridge of Lions From El Galeon by D Hackett
The Bridge of Lions
St. Augustine�s skyline, in its simplicity, starts with a graceful 1,574-foot bridge that connects the city�s barrier island to the mainland. Since its initial opening in 1927, the drawbridge has not only carried thousands of people across it on a daily basis, but it also holds the memories of St. Augustine�s growing population.
Originally designed by the large Baltimore firm J.E. Greiner Co., the bridge complements the design of St. Augustine�s Spanish and Flagler-era architecture. Construction began July 20, 1925, and was completed in time for Heard�s friend to cut the ribbon during the opening ceremony two years later.
As the city continued to grow, the Bridge of Lions needed repair after decades of foot, vehicular and boat traffic. Concerns were raised in the 1970s after fractures were found in the bridge�s support structure. In addition to the cracks, narrow travel lanes, safety railings and pedestrian features did not meet Florida Department of Transportation safety standards and the bridge was threatened to be replaced. By 1999, the Bridge of Lions had found itself listed as one of America�s most endangered places list by the National Historic Preservation Board.
In 2003, rehabilitation was chosen over demolition and in May 2006, the bridge was closed to start a multi-year, $82 million rehabilitation. The original 1920s structures were by Italian sculptor F. Romanelli and commissioned by former mayor and medical doctor Andrew Anderson. Joe Segal said the structures were beautifully done and his intention was to restore them rather than reconstruct them.
By 2010, the historic bridge was completed and the following year, the lions were perched back on their stands after being in storage and undergoing refurbishment for six years. Today, the noble white marble lions watch the community thrive while they stand guard over the bridge�s west entrance.
In July of 2015 The Bridge of Lions received a new pair of lion statutes on Anastasia Island.
The two lion statutes are the largest single, private donation to St. Augustine in honor of the city's 450th Anniversary. The gift comes from Wolfgang and Miki Schau. The new pair is from the same family of Medici lions found at the Loggie de Lanzi in Florence, Italy as the Bridge's existing lions. The new lions are made out of granite. They'll be placed on the east side of the bridge in Davis Park next week
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December 2nd, 2015
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