Development entrepreneurs Brent Blake and John Glassco have this one all figured out. They've worked up the artist concept for a 60 ft. + Lava Lamp that will squat at the intersection of Highway 17 and Main Avenue in their home base of Soap Lake.

"People will come to see this from all over the world, just as they do when visiting other structures of awe," says Brent Blake.

The press release fills in some of the exciting details. It will be "constructed of cast 4-6 inch thick reinforced recycled glass with a structural metal base and top cap. The contents of the lamp will be similar to conventional lava lamps, which use a combination of liquids and colored treated water. The base will contain the electrical units that power the lamps to warm and light the contents of the glass cylinder structure."

"The top cap will house a large searchlight that will shine directly vertical with a shaft of light visible for 50+miles at night."

"At midpoint of the structure, where the base meets the glass cylinder, an observation platform with a catwalk surrounding the glass cylinder will be constructed with access to the platform provided by a circular stair weaving up the base from the ground. A fee will be established to access the platform, which will provide money to help maintain the structure."

We'd love to see this pan out, but beyond the cost, we're concerned that the delightful thermal effect of normal-size Lava Lamps may be difficult to achieve on this scale. Brent assures that the "project is real and in funding and feasibility studies." [09/01/2002]

February 10, 2012