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News and Updates about the Horizon Drive District
A time lapse captures “King of the Trail” being painted by local artist Pavia Justinian as part of the Electric Art program. Pavia won a Call for Artists issued by the Grand Junction Commission on Arts & Culture to bring public art to unexpected places, like utility boxes. Pavia submitted a proposal showing Kokopelli riding his namesake trail. The background scenery is inspired by some of the most memorable sights along the trail, including the Colorado River and the iconic red rocks seen throughout the Grand Valley. The Horizon Drive District paid for the artwork on the corner of Horizon Drive and Crossroads Boulevard as well as a second box painted by Josh Anderson on the corner of Horizon Drive and Crossroads Boulevard. The District asked for artwork depicting local history, agriculture, attractions, industry, or recreational opportunities.
Alternate Routes During Horizon Drive Utility Work
Please consider using an alternate route during Horizon Drive utility work:
Thank you!
Help the District Prioritize Future Projects
Descriptions of projects being considered
We want your opinion! Take our survey to help prioritize future projects in the Horizon Drive District. Click this link for a brief survey: Link to survey
Expand the Horizon Drive District
Recruit commercial and industrially zoned properties south of G Road and bordering H Road to join the business improvement district
Horizon Drive Trail
Begin planning and design of a walking and biking trail running west of Horizon Drive between existing businesses and Bookcliff Country Club
Corridor Improvement Plan – Phase 2
This phase of corridor improvement would begin at the roundabout south of I-70 on Horizon Drive and continue south to G Road. It would include crosswalks and a center median to improve pedestrian safety in the areas where three people have been killed in recent years attempting to cross Horizon Drive.
Design Standards
Create an overlay district with design standards, including signage height and size, along the Horizon Drive corridor
Phase 3 Landscaping
Currently, the curb buffer zone north of the Clarion to the airport contains
everything from mud and weeds to river rock. The proposal is to add crushed red granite, matching the landscaping in the recent construction, in this area between the street and the sidewalk for a more uniform look.
How we got a Herd of Wild Horses on Horizon
Before construction began on Phase 1 of the Corridor Improvement Project, the Horizon Drive Business Improvement District conducted a survey to see if there was support for adding artistic elements to the plan. 74% of the respondents said they believed adding public art to the corridor would encourage tourism and visitors to the area.
The District issued a call to artists and received 120 entries, from across the globe. A jury comprised of local art experts and other interested parties culled the entries down to a manageable number. The top three artists were invited to Grand Junction to present their ideas for Horizon Drive to the public at a well-attended reception. The artists were asked to present art that would “reinforce the strength and individuality of both the wild horses and the people of this western community.”
Sculptor Joseph Fichter was awarded the commission based on his proposal to create six wild horse sculptures within the two roundabouts being constructed. It took over 18 months and 8 ½ tons of steel to fabricate these six magnificent steeds at the Gateway to Grand Junction.
Watch Phase 1 construction as it happens and see a time lapse video of partial progress:
