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Historic-commission member urges moving Thomas Sanchez statue to a more accessible location
Summary
A historical commissioner said the Thomas Sanchez sculpture’s current location near a busy bridge crossing limits visitor access and visibility; the commission discussed preparing a recommendation for city council to relocate the statue and install an explanatory historical marker nearby.
A member of the historical commission told the Fine Arts & Culture Commission that the Thomas Sanchez sculpture is currently sited where pedestrian access is poor and that the piece would be better served in a more walkable, visible location with an interpretive marker.
The historical commissioner said the sculpture sits in the middle of a multi-lane crossing by a bridge and that tourists and local visitors are unlikely to stop at the current site. The historical commission is working on a “Thomas Sanchez” historical marker to tell the statue’s story and suggested placing the marker and statue near a church or Saragustin Plaza area where pedestrians can more easily view it.
Commissioners discussed the practical challenges: the current location has heavy traffic, and moving a statue requires city approvals. One commissioner noted the statue never had a formal unveiling and that the cover protecting it had failed. Staff said any relocation would need to follow city procedures and likely come to city council for approval; the commission agreed it would be appropriate to assemble a recommendation and potential alternate location options for council consideration.
No formal action was taken; staff and commissioners agreed to research suitable alternative locations and prepare materials for a future council agenda item.
