The Buckhead Community Improvement District will hold a ceremony in Charlie Loudermilk Park to unveil the park’s newest addition, a sculpture called “Aspiration,” on Tuesday, May 9 from 11:30 a.m. – noon.

“Aspiration” is a 12-foot-tall abstract made from stainless steel that symbolizes Buckhead’s past and future success. It was created by Atlanta artist and nationally renowned architect and real estate developer, John Portman, who is known globally for his projects, like the Westin Peachtree Plaza and the Hyatt Regency.

“When my dear friend, Charlie Loudermilk, asked me to design a sculpture for his park, I knew that I wanted to represent the bonds the two of us share - friendship, of course, but also the shared commitment to our hometown, the great city of Atlanta,” said Portman. “Because of the significance of the site, the sculpture is also intended to recognize the continuing emergence of Buckhead as an important community in its own right, thus the title, Aspiration.”

Formerly known as the Triangle Park, Charlie Loudermilk Park sits between Roswell Road, Peachtree Road and Sardis Way and was renamed in 2009 to honor Charlie Loudermilk’s immense civic contributions, including founding and chairing the Buckhead Coalition.

In 2013, the BCID, with help from the City of Atlanta, redeveloped the park into a more vibrant green space that residents and visitors can enjoy for years to come. The renovation was completed in 2015 and the park was awarded the Buckhead Business Association’s 2016 Beautification Award.

“I am honored to have a park named after me, but even more thrilled that a sculpture, designed by my good friend, John, is being installed in the park for all of Buckhead to enjoy,” said Charlie Loudermilk.

The BCID has several other projects in the works for 2017 to make Buckhead more attractive, livable and walkable, including a Wieuca Road and Phipps Boulevard roundabout, streetscaping and restriping along Peachtree Road and continuing community outreach for the park over GA400.

“The “Aspiration” sculpture is just the beginning of the Buckhead CID placing new and innovative artwork throughout Buckhead, which was discussed at recent BUCKHEAD REdeFINED meetings,” said Jim Durrett, BCID Executive Director. “We want to ensure that people who live, work and shop in Buckhead enjoy all features of the community.”