Century Plaza

The South Downtown Concept Plan noted that an opportunity for a landmark is located at the terminus of 2nd Avenue. The extension of 2nd Avenue is proposed to culminate in a turning circle that can act as a visual terminus. This feature should become a "natural draw" and an interesting feature that is a focus for this area.

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Following a national call for submissions, City Council chose “Prairie Wind” by Lee-Koopman Projects/Friggstad Downing Henry Architects from London, England and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  In recommending this submission to Council, the selection jury noted that:

“The jury was most impressed with this submission’s grand scale, movement, innovation, and charming connection to prairie grass blowing in the wind.  This is truly a landmark that will be visible and attention grabbing from a distance – from 2nd Avenue, across the River, or from the Senator Sid Buckwold and Traffic Bridges.

It has artistic integrity and sophistication, yet it can be readily understood and appreciated by residents and visitors. Prairie Wind serves as a visual link between the urban and the rural, the old and the new, the high-tech and the organic.

An interesting and engaging piece is dynamic – and the variable swaying of the stylized steel rods, depending on wind speed and direction, will serve as an ongoing attraction to viewers.  Likewise, the option to include the use of coloured lights to mark special events or holidays is an added attractant."

Design, fabrication and installation of Prairie Wind is ongoing with the unveiling scheduled for the fall of 2006.

Last updated September 13th, 2006