It's down to 2 sites for locating 'The American'

One site is out, and there will not be a decision Thursday on where to build a giant statue called "The American." <br><br>A Tulsa Riverside location under consideration won't work because of unstable

Wednesday, March 31st 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

One site is out, and there will not be a decision Thursday on where to build a giant statue called "The American."

A Tulsa Riverside location under consideration won't work because of unstable soil and possible flooding. News on 6 reporter Emory Bryan has new developments on what's next.

It's not easy to pick a site for anything on the scale of the Statue of Liberty. But that's the challenge for picking a site to build "The American" - what will be a 22 story tall monument.

With the Riverside location excluded - the two possibilities are the hill underneath "Pioneer Plaza" downtown - and "Holmes Peak" at the site of the planned Botanical Garden.

Karen Keith, City of Tulsa: "That's probably the easier site for us to do but when we talk about downtown and all the things that are happening and when we have visitors to the convention center and the arena, this would be much easier for them to get to." Mayoral aide Karen Keith says city leaders like both sites - and each has its own advantages.

The best thing about the downtown location is the view that it offers of downtown and the economic development potential, but it's also the more expensive option, about $20 million to tear down the public housing complex and rebuild it elsewhere.

Holmes Peak on the other hand is bare - and offers a more unobstructed view of Tulsa - and the rolling hills. A few curious Tulsans are already coming out to check out the view.

Paul Blystone, Holmes Peak visitor: â€œThe view couldn't be better, it's spectacular.â€

Judy Blystone, Holmes Peak visitor: â€œIt's a beautiful and we thought letâ€™s go see what it looks like.â€

The artist and the investors are reported to prefer Holmes Peak - with its historic significance and ties to the Osage Nation. Bob Schooley, Post Oak Lodge: â€œWhat a better way to cap it off by putting this statue here with the botanical garden.â€

Whether it's Pioneer Plaza - or Holmes Peak - the artist plans to make the announcement within two weeks.