Welcome to Roy Slade's artworld!

The Memorial Causeway Bridge opened two years ago on August 27 2005. The bridge replaced the old bascule bridge that was demolished upon completion of the new structure. The bridge provides a clearance under the bridge of 74 feet to allow passage on the Intracoastal Waterway for big boats and tall masts of yachts. At the same time, the bridge opened up traffic between downtown and the beach. Problems and accidents occurred with the increased traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian. However, let us consider the bridge as a visual enrichment of our neighborhood. The bridge is clearly visible from Horizon House, particularly for those living on the east side and from the pool and sundeck areas.

Driving across the bridge offers views of the Gulf, waterway, boats, buildings, condos, palms, shoreline and sky. For those who, with care, walk or cycle on the pedestrian pathway, the vista can be enjoyed more leisurely, particularly at the small overlooks. Pedestrians can stop and look down on to the water below and to the far distant views.

The most dramatic views of the bridge itself are from the water or the distant shore. Drive across the bridge to the parking by Harborview Center. Walk along the shore road, underneath the bridge, look up and enjoy the views. In the distance, Horizon House is clearly seen, a dominant landmark. Crumbling concrete supports of the old bascule remain, in stark contrast to the towering spans and elegant engineering of the new bridge with nine spans and 2,343 lineal feet of roadway. The curves of the structure, tall spans and massive elegance can be seen from below much differently than driving on and over our bridge.

While viewing the bridge from the distant shore, if you have not already done so, visit the library. The Main Library was designed by Robert A. M. Stern, a world-renowned and, at times, controversial architect. He is the Dean of Yale School of Architecture. The 90,000 square-foot library is constructed on a bluff overlooking the harbor. The library is a distinctive building of four floors, with rooftop terrace and west façade of glass. From within the building, there are great views of the bridge, waterway and, in the distance, Horizon House.

The library, which opened in 2004, is an impressive and spectacular facility. The lobby entrance gives way to a tall atrium and four storey grand staircase. Take the elevator to the upper floor and walk down the stairway where great views are to be seen. The library has a computer lab, gallery, reading areas, local history Center, children's library, gift shop and café. Stop, have a coffee and enjoy the view of Coachman Park and the bridge. Of course, you can always borrow a library book, DVD or read the newspaper, even get on a computer. The library offers much and everyone in the community is welcome to visit and use the many resources.

Below the library is Coachman Park, not only a venue for concerts but an attractive park with walkways and benches. Across from the library is the Stein Mart store and below is Pickles Plus Too, again with convenient parking and water views. From inside or out on the deck, the deli offers good food and views, particularly of the waterway with boats passing under the high and slender bridge.