Calabasas may have a New Year extravaganza
By Sharon Makokian
Acorn Staff Writer

The city of Calabasas may try to re-create last year’s Paris millennium fireworks display with a 55-foot Eiffel Tower of its own this year.

The French monument is one of many famous structures that could be featured in an outdoor exhibit on the site of the new civic center, across from The Commons, for the two years before the complex is finally constructed.

Laureen Morick, founder of the Calabasas Arts Council, brought the proposal to the council at last week’s meeting.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to bring the world of art to Calabasas," said Morick. "It’s an excellent opportunity for … art, education and entertainment."

The authentic miniature reproductions would be on loan from Wonderworks, a Canoga Park company that’s making them for a foreign theme park. Apparently that project stalled and the company needs a place to store its creations for two years, said Morick.

The idea for the exhibit came from longtime Calabasas resident Brick Price, owner of Wonderworks, who offered to lend his work to the city.

"Calabasas has always been an artists’ area for years," he said. His company creates props for films. The items are later donated to museums because Wonderworks doesn’t want to discard them.

"This would be a wonderful opportunity to show the world’s best architecture," said Price. "Imagine what it would be like to see it from The Commons."

His project would eventually consist of 100 miniatures, which could be rotated in the Calabasas display. In addition to the Eiffel Tower, other creations include the Taj Mahal, the White House and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. All are built on a 1/24 scale. Wonderworks also has many models of rockets and airplanes that include light and sound effects.

"We went to the company that produces them. It’s Hollywood and better—it’s incredible," Mayor Dennis Washburn told the council. "The Space Shuttle goes through the blast-off cycle, with rocket exhaust," he added.

The loan of the exhibit would be free and the only expenses facing the city would be the costs for moving the statues and setting them up (some require concrete foundations).

Washburn suggested the city establish a revolving fund to cover the costs, which could be offset by sponsors and other donors.

"I’m hoping that volunteers will keep it open," said Morick.

The outdoor display is designed for people to walk around and enjoy each piece, she said.

Councilwoman Lesley Devine said that the exhibit could be a part of the city’s 10th year anniversary "extravaganza," which will occur in April.

Washburn said he hoped that the Eiffel Tower could be in place by New Year’s Eve so that the city could replicate the famous millennium display.

Because of the time factor, the council approved the project "in concept," with details to be worked out later.