QUINCY, MI (WTVB) - With help from the Branch County Community Foundation, the Quincy Courtyard Art Project is wrapping up with only $1,600 left to fundraise to bring the iron tree sculpture to life in downtown Quincy.

Formerly there was a live tree in the courtyard, but an idea put forth by a local businessman has resulted in the Quincy Courtyard Art Project Committee commissioning local artisan, Joel Sanderson of Sanderson Iron to design a tree sculpture to represent Quincy’s past, present, and future, as well as the agricultural heritage of Quincy. 

The cost of the tree sculpture is $9,200. The Quincy Downtown Development Authority committed $4,600 to the project but donations are still needed.

The 12 foot iron-sculpted tree will branch out 6-8 feet and display roots entwining a rock which will be anchored into a concrete pad and placed in the center of the downtown courtyard. This is the first phase of several ideas to help enhance the courtyard.  Construction of the tree can be viewed on You Tube by searching Quincy tree sculpture.

The courtyard is the site of the old Quincy Hotel, located on the north side of US 12 in downtown Quincy. It is believed that the three-story, red brick structure may have been built in the mid 1850’s. On November 15, 1971, the hotel suffered severe smoke and fire damage from a blaze originating on the third floor and remained unoccupied until April 1973 when it was demolished.

Several years ago dedicated community members worked hard to put up the “Spirit of Quincy” iron-work arch, which kicked off the courtyard project.  The committee is hoping to have the project completed by June or July with a dedication ceremony at the time of installation.

Donors can purchase a souvenir coin or blossom crafted by artisan Joel Sanderson or make a donation the Branch County Community Foundation with a note to Quincy Courtyard project. To order a souvenir coin or blossom, contact Committee Chair Karen Hargreave at 639-4595 or look for order forms at Quincy business locations.