Millennium

The elegant, ten-foot-tall sculpture reflects the energetic movement along the central boulevard and surrounding streetscape. It is comprised of two forms that work together in a harmonious relationship moving gracefully towards a common and uplifting goal.

According to the artist, the sculpture draws the eyes upward to suggest strength and positive inspiration. It mirrors the City’s movement into the 21st century; from its beginnings in industry through vision and dedication, with guided technologies and efforts, to a beautiful, shining present and even brighter future.

Background:
In 1998, as the millennium approached, residents envisioned incorporating a public sculpture at a prominent SSF location that would commemorate the moment. The median on Westborough Blvd and Junipero Serra Blvd was identified as a vital transit point connecting the commuters on the heavily traveled I-280 freeway and SSF’s westernmost neighborhoods to the rest of the city. Selected via a nationwide competition, James T. Russell was chosen for his site-specific proposal that among other requirements served to heighten community identity by establishing a recognizable landmark.

The nationally recognized sculptor and Lomita, California resident specialized in creating “elegantly polished ribbons of stainless steel.” He considered stainless steel the perfect urban material due to its reflective energy, malleability, beauty and durability. Creating over 150 commissioned and public artworks over his lifetime, his vision for ‘Millennium’ was to “demonstrate the City’s pride in the community and their commitment to the quality of life.”

“Millennium” was the first sculpture the City purchased through the auspices of the relatively new Cultural Arts Commission. Based on the tremendous success of this project, more public art commissions were pursued in the years that followed.

Location

Median at Westborough Boulevard and Junipero Serra Boulevard., South San Francisco 94080  View Map