Former Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton will be honored this fall when the Third Avenue South Bridge over I-94 will be renamed in her honor.
Mayor R. T. Rybak, who announced the renaming Thursday, said the project will include renovation of the bridge, which was inspired by the work of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Also, an adjacent plaza will feature a display of new public works of art.
“Rededicating this iconic Minneapolis landmark the Sharon Sayles Belton Bridge is a fitting tribute to our former mayor, who was, and continues to be, a bridge builder,” Rybak said in a news release from his office.
The bridge was built in 2000 under the leadership of Sayles Belton. She was the first, and only, woman to serve as Minneapolis mayor and the first, and only, African-American to hold that post.
“Public art is a wonderful way to tell a story about the values and aspirations of a community,” she said in the news release. “I am delighted that the city is committed to the power of public art to connect us.”.
The bridge renovation will include rehabilitation of the pedestrian-style lighting, repainting of the railing and restoration of the colorful sidewalk.