TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A new art piece will soon pay tribute to a former high school in the 12 Points area.

Dozens of Garfield High School graduates attended the groundbreaking of Purple Eagle Plaza. The idea for the plaza is to enhance the current monument with a new eagle with a wingspan of 8 feet wide, made by local artist Bill Wolfe. The eagle will be perched on top of a staggered stack of concrete schoolbooks, surrounded by an etched memorial brick plaza.

Artist Bill Wolfe said he’s honored to be apart of this.

“This is where Garfield High School was. So, normally people will drive by and not even realize it. So, with this larger eagle and this plaza people are going to notice it and they’ll know Garfield High School was here, ” Wolfe said.

Organizers of the Garfield Purple Eagle Plaza have looked forward to planning and creating a space for graduates, families, and friends to honor the high school. The plaza will sit ensconced between the Collett Park Neighborhood and the 12 Points area.

Susan Mardis graduated from Garfield High School in 1971, and said she has a connection where her school once stood.

“To me it was just community and family, on and on and on. Like I said my dad went to another school, but my whole family went there and you build a bond,” Mardis said.

The Purple Eagles Board has been working on this project since 2019, and said it will be finished within 4 to 6 weeks.