In these turbulent social and political times you’ll hear many calls for greater unity, for understanding, for “building bridges”. It’s this last image, of creating a connection between individuals and communities to better the entire Milwaukee area, that a new non-profit venture is trying to (quite literally) shine a light on.
Light the Hoan is a new organization (#lightthehoan), bundled below the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, spearheaded by a veritable who’s-who of Millennial movers and shakers. Their seemingly straightforward goal is to raise donations to install LED lighting on the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge. Controlled by computer programming, the energy-efficient lights would allow the iconic Hoan to be illuminated in a variety of different patterns and colors.
The concept is already in place in bridges (and other infrastructure) around the world, many of which choose to mark major events or show sympathy for tragedies by lighting up in specific colors (RIP Prince). But on a regular basis, the Hoan lighting could serve to showcase the sunrise-mimicking bridge design in all it’s yellow-arched glory.
Light the Hoan plans to run their fundraising efforts for the next year, soliciting both the general public and private businesses for help raising the estimated $5.5 million needed: $1.5 million via crowdfunding and $4 million from industry. In a forward-thinking move, a portion of that initial total is already dedicated to a 10-year maintenance fund.
Some may recall the debate over just such a project back in 2013; when the $278 million rebuilding of the Hoan was approved, it included an estimated $500,000 – $1 million for LED lighting. However, upon completion in 2015, the rebuilding project (which ended up only costing $226 million) had seen the relatively-small allocation for lighting cut without comment.
Today’s estimated $5.5 million cost is quite a bit steeper than that $1 million, but it’s likely a combination of factors: 2013 vs 2018 costs, lack of savings by bundling as part of a larger infrastructure project, and…generous…estimating by past public officials looking for approvals. Though by no means a sure bet, Light the Hoan’s endeavor, even with it’s larger price tag, should garner much less controversy considering it is based solely on (tax deductible, mind you) donations.
The donations they’re asking the public for are affordable: $25 for a light and dedication, and more’ll get you different levels of swag. For the record, The Squeaky Curd put in $25 from our meager coffers (taken directly out of our dwindling GWBT fund) and encourages each and every reader to do the same.
Is lighting the Hoan Bridge going to close the racial and economic gaps in Milwaukee, solve the opioid crisis, or make the Foxconn deal seem less shady? No; but just as the People’s Flag of Milwaukee has surprisingly re-instilled some visual local pride around town, the beautification of an unmissable Milwaukee icon can help rally support for the continued revitalization of the entire city. Plus, Socialist Mayor Danial Hoan would’ve loved the idea.