A new gateway arch was installed last month in the Melrose District, across Seventh Avenue just north of Indian School Road. A dedication ceremony was held on Nov. 20.

Drivers heading into, and out of, the Melrose District will now be greeting by a gateway arch spanning across 7th Avenue just north of Indian School Road (photo by Teri Carnicelli).

“The Melrose District and Seventh Avenue as a whole are two of the most vibrant, growing areas of central Phoenix,” said Councilman Tom Simplot. “It’s an artistic and community hub, and this gateway is a perfect way to celebrate its diverse identity.”

The arch adds a distinctive artistic element to one of Phoenix’s main arterial streets, constructed using an 80-foot steel truss structure with 24-foot columns. Lit at night, the sign lettering mirrors Seventh Avenue’s distinctive curve in the Melrose district.

“Business owners and community members are ecstatic about the arch,” added Teresa Stickler, president of the Seventh Avenue Merchants Association. “We really see it as aiding our mission of building and beautifying our community.”

The Melrose arch is made of half-inch steel plates, with decorative lettering etched in using a plasma cutter. All together, the truss and panels weigh approximately 43,000 pounds, with each column weighing 9,800 pounds.

The Weitz Company was the contractor for the project, with Gensler as the prime consultant and architect, and the firms of Aztec Engineering Group, Inc; PK Associates and Henderson Engineers serving as the design team.