By Frankie McLister
ST. PAUL, Min. — A massive new work of art just landed in St. Paul’s Midway. It is a silver diver and he flies in with a message for the neighborhood.
It is near what used to be a bus barn and is now home to Allianz Field. But the newest resident is a 100-foot culvert called “The Calling.” The placement of the feet takes the community one step forward.
“Where we are today is a really useful step forward because we have a tremendous amount of economic development planned here and across the street to rebuild the vitality around this area,” said Melvin Carter, Mayor of St. .
A press conference Thursday introduced the sculpture to Minnesotans. And super fans from all over the world were in attendance.
“The whole promise of Allianz was to turn an abandoned bus barn into a real community, and this seems like one of the most important steps,” said Justin Lewandowski, who works nearby.
Economic development steps were a big topic of discussion.
“We cannot allow this to be the only thing happening here in this neighborhood,” said Sen. Sandra Pappas, DFL – St. Paul.
The Scottish artist who created the diver in California said it took about 50,000 metal springs to put it all together. It took two years and a lot of minds put together.
“Nothing speaks to the state of Minnesota like crazy. It is loved by the people. It represents the formation of this state and many of its businesses… the waters,” said Dr. William McGuire, Managing Partner of Minnesota United FC. .
You can watch “The Calling” for free.
