Phil Graham Landscape Architecture was selected to provide lead design services for Flight 2014, Inc. The organization was created to realize a monument memorializing the world's first scheduled commercial airline that departed from downtown St. Petersburg and arrived minutes later in Tampa on January 1st, 1914.
Mark Aeling, a locally-based and nationally-recognized artist designed, constructed and installed a full-size replica of the airboat that is the center piece of the plaza. Historical photographs and original newspaper reports displayed within the plaza also help bring the historic event to life.
The Benoist Centennial Plaza is located on its actual historic site alongside the St. Pete Pier.
Phil Graham, IV is the fifth generation of a pioneering family in St. Petersburg. The firm is deeply honored to have participated in this tribute of St. Petersburg's contribution to aviation's world history. The firm has also provided complimentary design services to numerous other local organizations in its 50-year history to advance the enrichment of outdoor environments.
Making of the World's First Airline Monument
Watch a documentary on how the city's newest monument came to be with a behind the scenes look at the design and fabrication of the sculpture and plaza.
