Heart in the Park in Port St. Lucie is a larger-than-life sculpture in the Tradition community. At 73 feet, the metallic art installation is the largest heart sculpture in the world. The City of Port St. Lucie is excited about the Heart’s potential to attract tourists worldwide, and its construction has captured the attention of residents.
The Heart in the Park project was announced in 2021. The Port St. Lucie City Council and Public Art Advisory Board approved the heart sculpture in June 2022. Because of its size, the gigantic sculpture had to be brought in by pieces. Port St. Lucie police escorted each piece to its destination. Eight pieces were brought in, each weighing tens of thousands of pounds.
Once work on the sculpture began, the mayor of Port St. Lucie, Shannon Martin, released a public statement. The mayor said she was thrilled to have the heart sculpture in Port St. Lucie. Mayor Martin said the sculpture would be a symbol of love and unity. The mayor and the City have high hopes for the sculpture, believing it will become an iconic gathering spot and boost the local economy.
Who Designed Heart in the Park?
Jefre Figueras Manuel designed the Tradition heart sculpture. He also goes by the name JEFRE. JEFRE is a Filipino-American artist known for his large-scale sculptures and other amazing artwork. He has created an impressive list of internationally known art installations. Mattamy chose JEFRE because of his impressive record of artwork that draws people worldwide. JEFRE has artwork in London, Miami, Abu Dhabi, New Orleans, and many other cities.
Each time JEFRE starts a new project, he asks lots of questions about the location and the community so that he knows exactly what to create. After learning about Port St. Lucie, the award-winning artist decided that a heart would be perfect for Tradition. JEFRE’s inspiration for the design was that “tradition is in the heart.” JEFRE explained that the Tradition heart sculpture is “a postcard moment that brings people together.”
The Heart’s shiny material is intentional. The material reflects the pretty blue skies, green grass and shines brightly in the sun. One of the best features of Heart in the Park is its illumination. The heart will contain numerous LED lights. At night, the heart will light up the Port St. Lucie sky.
Lucido and Associates are also involved in the sculpture’s construction. The firm will create an incredible public space surrounding the sculpture. Lucido and Associates will create spaces to relax, socialize, and hold exciting community events.
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Why Was Heart in the Park Constructed?
Mattamy Homes constructed Heart in the Park as an art contribution to Port St. Lucie. The sculpture was part of an agreement with the City of Port St. Lucie to contribute art to the community in exchange for the developer’s access to land. Mattamy hopes the sculpture will give the community a sense of togetherness and provide a point of contact between residents. The sculpture will increase tourism and business in the area.
When the heart is finally complete, locals can enter through a doorway and climb to the top of it via a circular staircase. The staircase leads to a glass bridge. The City envisions the bridge will become a fantastic spot for photos, date nights, and marriage proposals. As pictures of the heart circulate online, people worldwide will learn about the sculpture and want to visit Port St. Lucie.
How Much Did the Tradition Heart Sculpture Cost?
The sculpture’s cost has also sparked curiosity among locals. Mattamy Homes funded the Heart in the Project sculpture; the developer pays the entire bill.
The artwork was initially projected to cost $4.5 million, but Mattamy expects to spend significantly more. Some estimates have placed the sculpture at more than $7 million. The expensive price tag has been an excellent investment for Mattamy, as the homebuilder has had great success in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and has significantly benefited from Port St. Lucie’s increased growth and popularity in recent years.
Where is the Heart Located?
Heart in the Park is adjacent to the Shoppes at the Heart Commercial Center. The Shopping Center currently houses an Aldi grocery store, but the area is still growing, with additional businesses expected to come. Kyle G’s, Le Bistro de Paris, Carmela Coffee Shop, and other restaurants and businesses will make their home in the commercial center.
The area will also have a Visitor Center along Tradition Trail where onlookers can get more information about the sculpture and the surrounding community. The City plans to create public seating near the landmark, which it wants to use as a gathering space for locals and a focal point for public events. The heart will sit on a giant raised plaza so visitors can see the sculpture clearly.
Some locals disagree about the sculpture’s location; however, despite its location, people will likely visit the heart for significant events and photographic memories. The enormous heart offers a perfect photographic space to take pictures with family and friends.
The sculpture will likely have a recognizable impact on the Treasure Coast region. The City hopes the art sculpture will make Port St. Lucie a cultural designation and strengthen community ties. The heart will be a prominent feature in the town and a reminder of Port St. Lucie’s inclusivity during growth and prosperity. Locals and tourists interested in Heart in the Park should visit the Park at Village Parkway and Discovery Way. The Tradition Heart sculpture will be completed in 2025.
