The Salisbury East Portal

The Salisbury East Portal’s main purpose is to act as a beacon welcoming visitors and residents to the Historic Downtown area. As a portal to the Downtown area, they clearly indicate that the viewer is passing into a “special” area. The intent of the columns is to demonstrate the pride the Salisbury community has in its historic past.

The Columns are designed to fit into the environment in a harmonious manner, not conflicting with the ambiance of the Historic District. The design and materials are related to the surrounding area. Brick was chosen as the main media as it has a strong traditional southern presence. The columns were designed with the intention that they do not take on a “dated” look over the years.

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The Center Column

Located in the median of the East Innes road, close to the new railroad bridge, the center column stands approximately 36’ high. The flow of traffic is limited to 20 MPH along the East Innes Road bridge area.  The column has precast concrete base, bands and cap. The North and South sides of the column are veneer brick. The North and South sides have sculpted relief veneer brick. The relief sculpture features historical representations depicting Salisbury’s rich history. The design used on the model is only a preliminary design. It is intended to only portray the kind of design envisioned. A fully researched design would be necessary.

The preliminary design features brick with sculpted relief. The subject matter for the relief on the columns will be developed with community involvement to determine the most appropriate design to welcome visitors and to be the beginning of the City's History and Art Trail.  Above the sculpture relief is a lighted band area. Intended to serve as a beacon, the blue Plexiglas area is lit with long-life blue LED rope lighting.

Creating the portal/gateway effect, the side columns are smaller versions of the Center column, without the relief sculpture. They also feature signage marking the beginning of the History and Art Trail. The railing on the center signage section is similar to the railings used on the bridge in size, shape and color. The columns stand approximately 28’high.

The vinyl banners are changeable with the seasons. The designs can be altered to meet the City needs as an informational conduit. The color, shape, text, and graphic designs can be changed.

Historical Site Markers

The historical markers are modular units that are designed to compliment the East Portal Columns. They are to be located around the city at historic sites. The markers are color coded to coincide with the five historical categories designated in the Historical Trail and Art Draft: Early Salisbury, Civil War and Reconstruction, Railroad and Industrial Expansion, 20th Century, African-American History. Two styles are suggested, a wide marker with four panels and a narrow marker with two panels. The panels would be cut acrylic with a Lucite protective covering.

The panels would contain artwork depicting the site, and historical reference filling the needs of a walking tour. The color band at the top below the cap would change to match the historic category. The artwork can be derived by the artist, the Committee or additional separate art work commissioned with other artists.

The preliminary large marker dimensions are 60” x 20” x 20.”

Copyright 2006 Culbertson