Client: Metropolitan Council, St. Paul, MN
Location: The Green Line, St. Paul, MN, United States
Completion date: 2013
Artwork budget: $184,000
Project Team
Artist
Foster Willey
Foster Willey Sculptor, LLC
Art Consultant
Hadi Sajadi
Hadi and Structures
Architect
Guy Willey
Guy Willey Design
Overview
Hamline Priairie Station is one of eighteen stations along the new Green Line connecting downtown St. Paul to downtown Minneapolis in Minnesota. “Hamline Prairie Station” celebrates the Twin Cities Prairie School Architecture by interpreting regional designs. Drawing from the combination of geometric and organic motifs the station provides a modern context for new designs that are both original and faithful to the prairie vision.
SCR & SER Cabinets: 12’ L x 6’ W x 8’ H at 4 locations, Artwork dimensions vary.
Materials Used: Glazed Masonry Thin Brick, Hand Cast Glazed Terra Cotta Tile, Stainless Steel Decorative Panels, Stainless Steel Frames
Goals
"Hamline Prairie Station" is inspired by Prairie School Architecture and plays on the motifs of regional sources, specifically the work of William Purcell and George Elmslie. Their domestic and commercial buildings are considered a “unique expression of the American Spirit”. The Twin Cities were an important part of this artistic movement, also known as progressive architecture. The artist worked with architect Guy Willey to carefully integrate the artwork into the existing design of the platform shelters and service structures. The Prairie theme was selected for its historical significance and relevance to both Minneapolis and St. Paul. University Avenue has been called “a true American street”, the integrated public art offers an aesthetic experience that will enhance the daily commute by bringing to light this important Midwestern art form.
Process
The artist collaborated with architect Guy Willey on all phase of the design for the project; they carefully researched various sources of Prairie School Architecture through out the Twin Cities. Research included a meeting with local historian and author Larry Millet whose knowledge of the regional history provided valuable insight. Production of the artwork included consultations with local artisans and suppliers in order to fabricate custom tile in the most efficient manner. Glazed thin brick veneer covers the primary structures of each platform providing a colorful and unified appearance. All of the Terra Cotta artwork was sculpted, cast, glazed and fired in the artist’s studio. Decorative railings are water-jet cut Stainless Steel. The project also involved working closely with Hadi Sajadi our team structural engineer, along with various product consultants, and subcontractors. Metropolitan Council project management carefully monitored design development and implementation.