The Town of Banner Elk has finalized the architectural plan and donor opportunities for the new Corner on Main park.
The park, made possible thanks to a donation by Elk River resident Elaine J. Wold, began taking shape this summer at the intersection of Main Street and Shawneehaw Avenue. Initial phases involved the demolition of a vacant structure that had fallen into disrepair, followed by extensive grading work to the site and sodding it with fescue grass.
With those two phases complete, the town now moves to the next phase of the project. That phase involves releasing the site plan created by architect Robert Mann and soliciting naming rights for design elements of the park, which is to be fully funded by private donations.
“Removing the vacant structure has transformed that corner into a beautiful space for everyone to enjoy, which was Mrs. Wold’s vision,” said town manager Rick Owen. “The town staff and town council are excited to continue working with Mrs. Wold and her representatives to further implement the park’s master plan.”
The design calls for an inviting green space anchored on the north end by a stone clock tower with chime and on the south end by a covered colonnade seating area with benches.
Other design features include: brick paver pathways, planter beds, a rock retaining wall, lamp posts, benches and an elk statue across Main Street near the Chamber of Commerce.
There are 26 design features available for naming rights. Mrs. Wold kicked off the process by making a donation to fund the clock tower, which will be completed by late spring, 2017.
Owen said there is no timetable for construction or installation of the remaining design elements. Because the park is privately financed, donations will dictate that.
“As donations come up and opportunities are taken we’ll work on the rest of the project,” Owen said “The good news is that it’s already a public space that is grassed and available for people to enjoy. It was a vast improvement to our community to have that building removed. It has definitely been well-received by the business community and residents alike.”
Naming opportunities range from $3,000 for a bicycle maintenance station all the way up to $115,000 for brick paver pathways.
For further details or to make a donation, contact Rick Owen at (828) 898-5398, or via email at manager@townofbannerelk.org.
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