What treasure, you ask? Many of us go by it each day and overlook it completely. Head west on Main Street, just before you cross the Main Street Bridge look to your left and down. There you will see a massive modern sculpture. Even though it is made of Corten steel and is 10 feet high by 20 feet long and 10 feet wide, it is often overlooked because it is well below street level.

On Nov. 17, 1974, Chicago residents Albert, Howard, and Robert Haas presented this sculpture to the City of Niles in memory of their grandparents Albert and Freda Green. The Greens had settled in Niles, Michigan, in 1874 and the dedication commemorated the hundredth anniversary of their arrival in Niles.

Internationally renowned sculptor Richard Hunt was commissioned by the Haas family to create this work. Hunt was born in Chicago in 1935. He began his art training at the Junior School of the Art Institute and later at Art Institute of Chicago. As a young artist, Hunt began to experiment with materials and techniques and he was influenced by the progressive 20th Century artists.

Richard Hunt has received and continues to receive critical acclaim from the art community. He has completed more public sculptures than any other artist in this country. Hunt was appointed by President Lyndon Johnson as one of the first artists to serve on the governing board of the National Endowment for the Arts. He has also served on boards of the Smithsonian Institute. His accomplishments, honors and awards are too many to list here.

When the Main Street Bridge is closed this month, the State of Michigan will move the Hunt sculpture to an indoor location. When the new bridge is completed and with the approval of the City, Niles Main Street DDA’s Design Committee hopes to have this artwork placed in a new and highly visible location in Riverfront Park.

Any city in the country would be thrilled to own this sculpture, and our Downtown Historic District is really fortunate to have such an important work by a great artist. We should show it off.

 

Jeanne Watson is a sixth generation Niles resident who wants to see the downtown strong once again. Jeanne has volunteered her time with the Niles Main Street/DDA for nearly 15 years. She can be reached at jeanne0503@comcast.net.