FORT WALTON BEACH — It’s been more than a year since the archway at the Indian Temple Mound Museum was demolished after standing on the site since 1970.
“It’s been a historic marker in downtown Fort Walton Beach,” Museum Manager Gail Meyer said the day when the archway was torn down. “We tried everything we could to save it. Unfortunately, we had to go to our last resort and tear it down.”
The arch on U.S. Highway 98 downtown, which was made out of oyster shells, had been falling apart and causing a hazard to pedestrians. Now, Fort Walton Beach officials say they will build a one beginning this summer.
The city is scheduled to build a new arch in June, and officials say residents will be pleased with the tribute to one of the area’s most historic sites.
“We had a little contest for a new design, and that portion of the project was completed last month,” City Manager Michael Beedie said. “The archway is extremely important to our area, especially with the Heritage Park and Cultural Museum. It adds that creative doorway to our history.”
Beedie said five design proposals were submitted. Officials used ideas from each of them to develop a plan for the arch.
The entire project, including the demolition of the former arch, will cost about $50,000, Beedie said.
He said the removal of the old arch upset some residents, but that they will be proud of its replacement.
“When we took the old one down, because of the age of it, we caught a lot of flack,” Beedie said. “(The new archway) is going to fit right into the theme of the whole museum and history of it.”
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Angel McCurdy at 850-315-4432 or amccurdy@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @AngelMnwfdn.
