Progress as Promised: Work Begins on Columbia's Memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In 2003, Columbia came together to raise funds for Columbia’s Memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In less than eight months, over $83,000 was raised in gifts from individuals, foundations, and businesses to save the Memorial – one of two in Missouri and the second largest in the country.
The first phase of the restoration work has been completed. This included removing the granite pavers and damaged blue tile on the amphitheater, leveling the foundation, and replacing the granite pavers and installing new blue tile. Currently, there is a test section in the center of Memorial (approximately 1/3 of the total) that will be under observation for one year of seasons.
Other work that has been done includes the addition of a new drainage system to redirect water away from the site. Russell-Marti Conservation Services, Inc., based in California, Missouri, has been contracted with the City of Columbia to complete work on the Memorial. The firm’s expertise is in outdoor art.
The entire restoration project will take some time, in order to allow for observation and study of replacement material through a full year of seasons. The work may appear slow, but will help ensure a long-term solution to the Memorial’s water damage.
In November 2004, the Columbia Public Works Department began removing the digesters located at the Memorial. These were remnants from when the site was used for sewage treatment. In the future, this area will be the site of an interpretive shelter.
Federal grant will mean other site improvements
In late 2003, the City of Columbia learned that the Memorial would be receiving a $98,000 grant from the Department of Interior’s “Save America’s Treasures” program. The grant is one of two given to Missouri projects and was received with the help of Senator Kit Bond.
The "Save America's Treasures" Grant will be used to fund the restoration of the Memorial, build the interpretive shelter, install interpretive signs, and improve the ADA parking and walkways at the site.
A sign near Stadium Boulevard has been a high priority for the Memorial committee. The Columbia Parks & Recreation Department will likely replace the sign and make it more visible through lighting and landscape changes in 2005.
The City of Columbia will continue to update donors to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Project on the project’s status in future newsletters. You are also welcome to call the Office of Cultural Affairs at 874-7512, 7488tty, or oca@GoColumbiaMo.com to learn more about the work being done on the Memorial.
updated 11-22-04
