FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: December 31, 2013

For decades the Gordon Monument and Tomochichi Monument in Wright Square have been illuminated at night with old, ineffective spotlights. The outdated lighting cast an orange glow over the historic monuments, obscuring their architectural features and the natural beauty of the square’s landscaping at night. This week City of Savannah Park and Tree crews began installing new underground conduits and pull boxes around the monuments, and new special-order fixtures are being installed that are lower maintenance, energy-efficient, durable, and use a warm white color temperature that will dramatically improve the monuments' appearance at night. Night-time visitors will be able to experience the height of the monuments without over-lighting. The uncomfortable cross-glare around the monuments will be eliminated.

“These monuments are truly works of art and people should be able to enjoy viewing them at any time of day or night. We’re pleased to offer new lighting that enhances these historical treasures, while also being easier to maintain and less expensive to operate,” said Park and Tree Director Jerry Flemming.

The monument lighting scheme is part of a broader effort to improve lighting throughout our downtown squares with a more natural glow, which improves aesthetics, increases public safety, and saves money by using more energy-efficient fixtures. Over the past year, lighting has been upgraded in Wright, Whitefield and Lafayette squares. Work begins this week to replace lighting in Troupe and Chatham squares.

The work was recommended as part of a comprehensive lighting plan for downtown parks and squares created in 2011 by the City of Savannah, the Savannah Park and Tree Commission, the Downtown Neighborhood Association, and the Historic Savannah Foundation.