What Is That Obelisk at Fifth and Pike? Just Asking

Cincinnati’s Gateway Monument: A Mysterious Obelisk in the Heart of the City

Cincinnati is home to a vibrant collection of public art, ranging from striking murals to intricate sculptures and statues. These pieces often tell stories, honor the city's rich history, or provoke thought. However, some works are more enigmatic, leaving people curious about their purpose and meaning. One such piece has sparked questions from locals and visitors alike.

The Question: What Is That Obelisk on Fifth Street?

A reader recently asked about a mysterious structure they encounter each year during the Taste of Cincinnati festival. As they walk east on Fifth Street toward the food trucks, they notice an obelisk with no signage or explanation. They wondered what this sculpture represents.

The Answer: The Gateway Monument

The sculpture in question is known as the Gateway Monument or the Gateway Fountain. This 48-foot-tall Art Deco fountain features a 6-foot aluminum sphere at its peak. It was erected in 1997 on an island at the intersection of Fifth and Pike streets, serving as a welcoming landmark for those entering Downtown Cincinnati.

According to historical reports, the monument was designed to create a formal entry point for downtown’s eastern front door at the end of Columbia Parkway. The project aimed to enhance the city’s “front doors” by creating unique identities for each entrance, offering a sense of place and visual appeal.

The Creation of the Gateway Monument

The Gateway Monument was constructed by the city of Cincinnati’s engineering, architecture, and urban design department. It was funded in part by Procter & Gamble, whose headquarters is just a block away. Additional support came from the Taft Museum of Art and Western-Southern Life Insurance Co.’s Eagle Realty Group.

This monument was one of ten proposed gateway monuments intended to be built at various entrances to downtown Cincinnati. The goal of the Downtown Gateway Program was to improve the areas most visible to the public while giving each location a distinct identity.

Other Gateway Projects

The first completed gateway monument was the carillon, or bell tower, located at the intersection of Reading Road, Liberty Street, 14th Street, and Interstate 471. This three-sided brick tower, featuring a clock and bells of varying sizes, was built in 1996 by the Verdin Co., a renowned bell-making company, in collaboration with the Corbett Foundation.

Several other gateway projects were planned, including:

• Pylons at Third and Vine, Third and Main, and Third and Elm across Fort Washington Way
• “Gateway trees” at Fifth Street and Central Avenue
• A kiosk and message board at Seventh and Central Avenue
• Landscaped islands along Central Parkway
• A pedestrian bridge on Gilbert Avenue

Although these plans were outlined, it is unclear how many of them were actually built. According to the city’s website, only the Reading Road tower and the obelisk at Fifth and Pike are listed as completed. Designs for the Central Parkway and Gilbert Avenue gateways are still available, but it has been nearly 30 years since the program was initiated.

The Mystery Continues

Despite the efforts to beautify and define the city’s entrances, some pieces remain unexplained or overlooked. The Gateway Monument stands as a reminder of Cincinnati’s commitment to public art and urban development, even if its significance is not immediately obvious to passersby.

If you have a question that has been puzzling you, consider reaching out to local experts or community resources. Sometimes, the answers may not be readily available, but they can lead to fascinating discoveries.