Troutdale breaks ground on arch

Long-delayed project could be completed before next spring

By Shannon Wells

The Gresham Outlook, Nov 3, 2009, Updated Nov 3, 2009

Jim Clark / Gresham Outlook

Troutdale Mayor Jim Kight speaks Tuesday, Nov. 3, during the groundbreaking for the future Troutdale Centennial Arch.

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The initial concept sprung from his own head, but even Rip Caswell admits he wasn’t sure he’d see actual ground broken on the Centennial Arch Monument.

“There were times when I gave up on the project,” the bronze sculptor said of the concept that started in 2005. “But other people would pick the ball up” and carry it forward. “It’s a real remarkable example of persistence and what can be done with teamwork.”

Caswell was among those who gathered at the West Columbia Gorge Chamber of Commerce offices on a blustery Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 3. About 50 citizens, merchants and local dignitaries were on hand to break ground on construction of a 64-foot steel arch to span Historic Columbia River Highway.

Former Mayor Paul Thalhofer, an early arch supporter, was there, as was Multnomah County Commissioner Diane McKeel and Fairview Mayor Mike Weatherby. Representatives from Verizon were there to present a $5,000 check donation to the project.

Designed as a soaring celebration of downtown Troutdale and its “gateway” position to the Columbia Gorge, the arch was supposed to be completed by the city’s 100-year birthday celebration in 2007. Funding and planning setbacks, however, knocked the project well off track. An intervention from the City Council — which led to a $258,000 loan from the city — brought the arch back into view.

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