Client: Greystar Development / City of Escondido

Overview

Commissioned for the City of Escondido’s 13.8-acre Palomar Heights District redevelopment project. The project includes both residential and commercial components (510 new living units and 12,000 square feet of commercial space to include a restaurant, farmers market, and a 4th story roof top bar with 360 degree views of Escondido). Following a design competition, I was selected to create BEACON for installation in the plaza at the the entrance to the Palomar Heights District, My concept was to create a beacon to draw people to the redeveloped site of the former Palomar Hospital and surrounding blocks. A beacon is a guide, its light a signal in the dark. My sculpture is a modern take on that concept. BEACON is a unique motorized kinetic sculpture with a slowly rotating top-piece that contains an illuminated infinity mirror. It will be viewed from ground level but also from a sky lounge on the rooftop of the adjacent building. The sculpture was completed in 2023 but construction delays have pushed the artwork’s expected installation into 2024. Stainless steel, glass, LED light, motor drive. 15’H x 5’W.

Goals

The commissioners expressed a strong interest in kinetic sculpture, lighting components and low maintenance requirements. BEACON is designed to have a strong presence, standing out both day and night, with the expectation that it will draw people to the location and become a landmark associated with the project.

Process

The developers created a detailed overview of their project and invited selected artists to submit proposals and maquettes for consideration. BEACON was selected for the site at the corner of East Grand Avenue and Valley Boulevard with the proposal approved by the City Council.