Continuing Sundial Bridge Costs

Redding's Sundial Bridge (previous blog here) is a rather expensive work of art, both in the cost of construction (at a stunning $23+ million) and maintenance. Few locals are disappointed with the product, but some are concerned that they won't get an adequate return on the investment.

Redding only had to invest $3 million of its own money in the constrution, the rest being borne primarily by a state bond ($8 million, spreading the bill across the state) and the private McConnell Foundation. However, once the bridge was completed, the Turtle Bay Museums and Arboretum, whose properties the bridge links across the Sacramento River, essentially donated the operation and maintenance of the Sundial bridge to Redding. Redding agreed to spend $130,000 per year to maintain, secure, and provide liability insurance for the bridge.

That anticipated maintenance included an annual estimate of 15 broken glass flooring panels (out of the 2,140 the bridge has overall). In just over two months, there have been three broken panels, though it is unknown whether the damage was accidental or vandalism. The 170-pound panels (from Quebec) cost $560 each, before shipping and installation. Fortunately so far, the repairs are being done with spare panels that were bought just in case for the construction.

The Sundial Bridge has been a big draw thus far for the Turtle Bay park system. Attendance (which is free) is up significantly. It remains to be seen if once the novelty wears off, the bridge will cause more out-of-town visitors to stop and spend some time and money. In the meanwhile, the simple eatery near the bridge has been unable to handle the additional customer load and has asked to expand...and to have a liquor license (to sell things like wine), something that also sparked a bit of controversy.

For years, Redding has struggled with a perception that it is rural and unsophisticated, something accentuated by the views of its arrogant downstate neighbors in places like San Francisco and LA. As Californians have streamed north in search of a more affordable cost of living, the growth of places like Redding, Red Bluff, and Anderson has exploded, as has their competition with each other. As the biggest, Redding wants to be the best. The Sundial Bridge is a beautiful product of that one-upsmanship and ambition.

Having more sophisticated arts, architecture, etc. costs plenty of money. Redding just did a review of its budget for the next few years and claims to have the money to support it's nice-to-haves as well as the essentials like police, fire, etc. Maybe they do, but how many times have we heard that, then seen city leaders subsequently come forward and suggest various tax increases to cover budget shortfalls, support/buy the votes of the needy, etc. This is a recipe for cities to gain their sophistication (and entrenched poverty) while driving their middle class to the suburbs.

Redding is a nice town for which being nice evidently isn't enough. It will be interesting to see as they agressively step forward if they can avoid taking even more steps back.

Comments

[Eric Measles]

A past resident of Redding I wish to commend the community on this forsight. A town that has been locked into a rural lumber& mining past needed a swift kick to join this century. The generous wishes of the McConnell Foundation will enable the future generations of truly Northern California children an opportunity to enjoy nature being nurished. This bridge is beautifull in sunlight as well as moonlight. Not many pieces can boast this....As an old friend used to say, "no harm, no foul"...congratulations Redding, you've come a long way baby..sincerely...Eric W Measles, Enterprise HS 69.

[San Francisco Click]

Great article. I have an honor to illustrate my Sundial Bridge Virtual Walking Tour with the link to this text. Could my virtual tours find a more prominent place in your logs?
San Francisco Click is a Virtual Tour Photo Magazine.

[joan anderson]

I saw the sundial and recommend it as part of the complex of tourist attrations at the same location. Anyone interested in the beatufy of structures -- human made and natural -- will enjoy visiting the sundial compound.

[mania]

hi!
I am from Iran.and happy to view your blog.
babay
mania

[Shirley Samuels]

I have visited the bridge. Beautiful bride, but way too expensive for CA at this time especially since it serves no purpose for all of CA.

[Justin]

I saw the bridge and think it's literally the most beautiful bridge in the world. It is the only reason I stopped in Redding on my cross-country trip!

[Kremmit]

Expanding the cafe and granting them a liquor license would be a terrific idea. Right now it just comes off like a little afterthought, nothing more than a museum cafeteria. There ought to be a full-service restaurant in that location.