Santiago Calatrava: Innovator has Designs on Bridge

Santiago Calatrava Innovator has Designs on Bridge
Another world-famous architect has come forward who would like to design a new Peace Bridge.

Santiago Calatrava, known for his designs of public buildings and bridges, recently told Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., that he would like to design a signature bridge for the Niagara River.

But like other designers, he's going to have to wait for a design jury to recommend a bridge concept and for the Peace Bridge Authority to decide whether to build it.

Calatrava, who studied art and design in Valencia, Spain, and trained as an architect and engineer in Zurich, Switzerland, has designed signature cable-stayed spans in Europe.

"Like you, I believe the construction of a new Peace Bridge is a rare opportunity to showcase Western New York as a magnificent international gateway between the United States and Canada," Calatrava said in a Sept. 20 letter to Schumer.

"I would be highly honored to work with you, the Peace Bridge Authority and the people of Buffalo to design a signature bridge," Calatrava wrote.

Calatrava said he has formed a team with New York-based STV Inc., an engineering, architectural, planning and environmental firm, to pursue the project.

Schumer said Swiss bridge designer Christian Menn and Figg Engineering Group of Tallahassee, Fla., have also contacted his office because they want to work o