Project Description
Outside the Lines (OTL), a design-build construction company specializing in one-of-a-kind water features, rockwork and themed environments, has announced the completion of a unique celebratory construction project on behalf of Alaska’s 50th year of statehood, according to Chris Roy, Director of Creative Design at OTL. A joint effort between The Whale Project—a non-profit created to finance and develop the project—and the City and Bureau of Juneau funded the sculpture and accompanying fountain. The project has been in the making for ten years. Nature expert and sculptor R.T. “Skip” Wallen created “Tahku,”—a six-and-a-half ton, 25-foot tall breaching humpback whale statue. The park was designed by Tetra Tech, Inc., and the project was built by Admiralty Construction, Inc. of Juneau using local subcontractors for electrical, plumbing, control panels, concrete, waterproofing and finishes. OTL’s Chris Roy was called in to help Tahku come to life. Using state-of-the-art engineering techniques as well as a quick and efficient timetable, Roy worked with all partners on the project to employ equipment supplied by Roman Fountains to operate the basin weir, splash effect jets, filtration system, lighting and internal plumbing, successfully replicating the effect of water streaming off the enormous bronze mammal. “Now in regular operation, the sculpture, fountain and park are being enjoyed by Juneau’s citizens as well as the thousands of tourists that flock into the city each day from the large cruise ships that visit the port throughout the summer,” says Roy. The whale sculpture and infinity fountain project is located on the banks of the Gastineau Channel at 350 Whittier St., Juneau, Alaska.