"Shorehenge": Is Sandy monument a tribute or eyesore?

Like it or not — and some residents do not — a new monument in Highlands devoted to those who survived superstorm Sandy isn't going anywhere.

The monument, if nothing else, is a marvel of design and physics. The roof is defined by the three cone-shaped, rounded openings that allow those inside to gaze up at the sky, while also getting some shelter from the sun.

The canopy weighs 173 tons, or 346,000 pounds. Lifting it a dozen feet in the air and placing it on the four wall panels was an unprecedented feat of engineering, according to contractors who worked on the project.

Inside, there is about 1,000 feet of concrete floor space that is completely open with the exception of four Ipe wood benches.

It's a simple space with a variety of uses, but not everybody is thrilled with the aesthetics or how it came to be.

"We go to the beach for a natural experience and a desire to escape the concrete jungle," said Highlands resident Kevin Thompson.

A handful of residents contacted the Asbury Park Press to question the look and location of the monument, which was donated to the borough.

Highlands Councilman Doug Card said he felt that council had failed to both communicate with residents and exercise proper oversight over the project. Council's official involvement was limited to a single resolution, passed unanimously in January.

The monument, which is an open-air shelter, is located on the beach, behind the Robert D. Wilson Community Center, which town leaders hope to reopen this fall.

People on Facebook jokingly called the monument "the Bunker" or "Shorehenge." Most were saying they would withhold judgment until they could see the final product, but others were angry about the lack of local input on the design and its dominant position on the public beach.

The project was facilitated by the Tilt-Up Concrete Association, which is an industry trade group, and was done at no cost to taxpayers.

Nearly all of the attendees at a dedication ceremony Thursday were members of the association who were on a bus tour as part of the group's annual conference, which is being held in New Brunswick this year. A public grand opening is tentatively set for the end of this month.

"There could have been better communication on this. It happened very quickly," said Councilwoman Tara Ryan on Thursday. "We did wind up with something that is unique to Highlands ... and is there for the use of the community center, for the use of people who come to the beach, for the use of people who come to our town."

Designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, a husband-and-wife team from New York City, the monument was inspired by Roman structures, like the Pantheon, and the form plays with the ideas of sun and shade.

"It's an unusual structure, no question," Williams said Thursday when asked about the mixed reaction. "I hope that in time they will come to love and appreciate it."

Fred Anton, sales manager for A.H. Harris & Sons, which handled the steel reinforcement on the project, said they established a new world record for a concrete lift when they hoisted the canopy into place. It was built within a week last month using a technique called tilt-up construction, where the concrete slabs are cast on site instead of being trucked in.

The monument was meant to be a gift to a community that lost so much, organizers said.

"It's not like we're coming in here with a 'mission accomplished' badge," said Tilt-Up executive director Mitch Bloomquist. "This community is still recovering and will continue to recover for a long time. (This) is what we have to give and we wanted to give it and recognize this community and give them a pat on the back."

Russ Zimmer: 732-557-5748, razimmer@app.com