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Artists, Carpenters Will Create with Eagle Tower Materials

Artists, builders and carpenters will recreate sculptures, cabinets, benches and more using reclaimed Eagle Tower materials before auctioning off the finished pieces as a fundraiser for the reconstruction of the iconic tower.

People sifted through the rusted metal and weathered wood for parts in the garages of Peninsula State Park, choosing the pieces they will repurpose.

Bob Spielman sifts through the reclaimed metal from Eagle Tower’s deconstruction to construct his own piece that will be sold at a fundraising auction. Photo by Jackson Parr.

“This is absolutely fascinating to me,” said local woodworker Bob Spielman as he stood over the metal braces and bolts. Spielman was not sure what he was going to create with the pieces he chose, while others came in with a clear goal in mind.

Brian and Tim Penchoff from Square Construction will create a bench and some cabinets, while Baileys Harbor artist Erin Tauscher hopes to use the pieces for her photography placed on metal and reclaimed wood.

The artists and builders will volunteer their time and are free to use any other materials beside the Eagle Tower parts in their projects.

“They can make whatever they want,” said Rachel Stollenwerk, campaign director for the Eagle Tower Fund. “They will bring the pieces back to the Friends [of Peninsula State Park] and then we will categorize those items for sale in either a silent or live auction depending on the overall value of the item.”

The Eagle Tower Fund has raised approximately $597,000, though a final cost for the reconstruction is still unknown. The state has agreed to match private donations up to $750,000.

The auction will take place Sept. 30, 1 – 4 pm, as part of the first annual Southwest Florida Fest at White Cottage Red Door in Fish Creek. Tickets for the event are sold at the door, $25 for adults and $15 for kids, which includes food, drinks and a raffle ticket. The auction will also feature Eagle Tower materials that have not been repurposed. All proceeds will go toward the Eagle Tower Fund.

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