Description
1. Which city department is the overall owner for this monument which celebrates the participation of France on the side the American colonists during the Revolutionary War?
2. Is this issue being formally tracked as a deferred maintenance item?
3. The wooden "girdle" is growing taller every few years. Can the city summarize its plan for restoration? Thank you.
3 Comments
Newport Public Services (Verified Official)
Closed Parks, Grounds & Forestry Superintendent/Tree Warden (Verified Official)
Hello,
The monument is in a public park managed by the Newport Public Services Department.
In 2015 Alliance Francaise of Newport requested and received approval from the Newport City Council. At that time to assist the effort the city obtained a quote for full restoration totaling 100k from the vendor that restored the adjacent walls. The organization made a similar effort to find funding for the project under previous leadership.
The wooden cribbing with steel support cables was installed per the recommendation of a local conservator with a higher level added a number of years later.
It has been determined that restoration will require full deconstruction and the installation of a new internal support structure. It is surmised that the original mortar is failing because it contained beach sand.
To date the city has not identified a funding source to complete the restoration.
Please contact me if you would like to discuss further.
Scott Wheeler
401-490-1859
Parks, Grounds & Forestry Superintendent/Tree Warden (Verified Official)