Gateway Plaza

Located at the corner of Providence and Broadway, The Gateway Plaza is now open to the public! After nearly a decade of planning, the Plaza was unveiled on November 4th, 2021.

View full unveiling brochure here

Close up of the Gateway Plaza Globe. Photo by Jonathan Asher, 2021.

Background

Following eight years of public input, design development, and project modifications, the Gateway Plaza is now a reality. Located at the intersection of Broadway & Providence on city-owned land, the plaza is part of The District’s master plan to bring public art downtown.

Columbia Sculpture

Fabricated by local artist Emmett Russell, the centerpiece of the plaza is a large sculpture spelling out “Columbia” featuring an eight-foot globe for the “O” and dimensional stainless steel letters. Artwork on the globe includes words submitted by residents that describe our community and dates of significant events.

Bicentennial Celebration

Although solely a project of the Downtown Community Improvement District (Downtown CID), Gateway Plaza is designed to complement the city’s expansion and redevelopment of Flat Branch Park. The dedication of the plaza was an early hallmark of Columbia’s Bicentennial events, with installation of the sculpture completed in November 2021.

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

The Downtown CID began saving for the Gateway Plaza over eight years ago. While the CID funded more than 75% of the project, it has always been important that the community be involved. The following local businesses, community leaders, and historic institutions helped make this civic art piece a reality.

Globe Sponsors

The globe represents the letter “O” in Columbia and is the central feature of the Gateway Plaza installation. It is a commanding eight feet in diameter, installed on a tilted axis, and internally illuminated at night. The globe includes 11 critical dates in Columbia’s history as well as words and images collected through the public “One Word” initiative.

We are honored to have the globe sponsored by -

Columbia College - Changing lives through quality education since 1851. We are CC!
Stephens College - Preparing graduates to succeed since 1833. Learn. Grow. Lead.
University of Missouri - Respect, Responsibility, Discovery & Excellence: Mizzou is committed to world-class research, teaching and statewide outreach as Missouri’s flagship university.

Letter Sponsors

The letters used to spell out Columbia (except for the “O”) are locally sourced stainless steel dimensional pieces standing five feet tall. Text highlighting an important aspect of our community is etched on the side of each letter, inviting visitors to read and interact with the sculpture.

Thank You To Our Letter Sponsors -

Letter C: Courthouse Square
Columbia Cosmopolitan Luncheon Club – Contributing to community well-being through donations and service, with emphasis on efforts to find a cure for diabetes.
Letter L: Public Schools
Dan Rader / My House Nightclub & Sports Bar - In recognition of the wonderful education I received from Columbia Public Schools.
Letter U: Higher Education for Women
The District ~ In honor of the Gateway Committee members and staff who dedicated their time to this project.
Letter M: Healthcare
Debbie and Bill Sheals - In recognition of science and the health professionals that brought us through the pandemic of 2020.
Letter B: Transportation
Commerce Bank ~ Commerce Bank is committed to helping individuals, families, businesses and communities thrive so our neighbors can focus on what matters most.
Letter I: Groundbreakers
Moberly Area Community College - Columbia – In honor of the community’s support, which creates pathways to affordable educational opportunities in Boone County.
Letter A: Creative Community
Tootie and Richard Burns and Kenny Greene - In appreciation of artists, arts supporters, and our creative Columbia community.