Two Philanthropic Organizations Make Major Contributions Towards The Planned Landmark

The Wright Image Group has received a major financial boost towards their planned memorial to Orville and Wilbur Wright at the intersection of Interstate highways 70 and 75 just north of Dayton Ohio near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

The Dayton Daily News reports that two philanthropic organizations have made substantial pledges towards the project. The Berry Foundation will provide funding for the first year of a planned option-to-buy the property on which the monument would stand, and an environmental assessment of the site will be paid for by the Kettering Fund, according to the report.

The planned monument will stand almost as tall as the Statue of Liberty, and will be visible from up to three miles away, according to a statement from chief architect Steve Brown. It will feature a facsimile Wright Flyer III with a 144-foot wingspan on a pedestal of woven stainless steel panels.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be about $22 million, which would include a $2 million endowment for operation and maintenance of the memorial.

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report, Wright Image Group