'Lucky' Baldwin Statue Model Unveiled

The artist commissioned to create a statue of Arcadia founder Elias "Lucky" Baldwin unveiled a scale model of the statue Tuesday before the.

Southern California-based artist Alfred Paredes designed the statue to depict a pensive-looking Baldwin at around age 80. The flashy businessman, known as much for his tumultuous marriages as for stricking it rich with investments in the Ophir mine, slouches slightly, fedora in hand.

"I wanted him to feel natural, like he's a real person standing there," Paredes said of his decision to depict Baldwin in a relaxed, rather than imposing, stance.

"I think (Baldwin would) be admiring what has taken place in this city," Paredes added.

The Council, for their part, appeared pleased with Paredes' vision.

The bronze statue will stand approximately 9-feet-tall and be mounted on a 4-foot-tall pedestal in the rose garden, facing west. It costs in the neighborhood of $60,000.

Paredes said he plans to have the statue ready for installation in five or six months.

Margaux Viera, Baldwin's great, great granddaughter, donated the cost of the statue itself. The city will cover the costs of the pedestal, base, lighting and other accoutrements up to $25,000. It will also be responsible for maintaining the statue.

Arcadia has a trust fund for public art, established by Westfield as part of the deal the firm struck with the city to expand the in 2005. The money for the city's portion of the statue will come from this fund.