Stewart Iron Works

More than 120 years ago brothers Richard C. and Wallace A Stewart formed the Stewart Iron Works Company. From their roots as Stewart family blacksmiths they began a company that would soon produce wrought iron fence and furniture for the entire country.

Based in Covington, Ky., the company became known as the "World's Largest Fencemaker" with their craftsmanship visible from the Panama Canal to the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., the U.S. House of Representatives, and at many other prestigious and historic sites.

Besides creating ironworks, Stewart also specializes in historical restorations. Every restoration project begins with an evaluation by the "Stewart Restoration Team," a group with combined experience of more than 200 years in restoration and manufacturing techniques. This team determines the restoration processes to be used and also oversees their use through the conclusion of the project.

Adding a unique dimension to the burgeoning creative class and world renowned design talent found in the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati region, the team at Stewart Iron Works creates versatile pieces that can be used to visually integrate gateways, streetscapes and public spaces, enhancing a sense of place and stimulating community pride. The people at Stewart Iron Works feel that their historical perspective and extensive collection of archival patterns make them uniquely qualified to undertake both new developments and revitalization projects.

"From cherished landmarks to comfortable park benches, our work is built to last for generations," they proudly state on their website.

One new project is the Scioto Mile, a new signature riverfront park in downtown Columbus, Ohio. Stewart Iron is playing an important role in a number of architectural elements, most notably the fountain systems that will be a highlight of the Mile.

At the center of the Scioto Mile water park is the "blossom." It consists of 96 individual stainless tubes, 12–15 feet in height, that are welded together and attached to an oval-shaped base plate. After assembly at Stewart Iron Works to ensure proper presentation, the structure was cut into pieces and trucked to Columbus. The blossom was reassembled on site on Sept. 15, 2010. The tubes will be fitted with various water nozzles and intricately controlled for unique presentations. The Scioto Mile is scheduled for completion by 2012 for the city's Bicentennial celebration.

If you're in the area of their shop in Covington and would like to see this process taking place, feel free to call them. Or just drive past their parking lot for a first glimpse of the Scioto Mile halos.



Writer: Wendy Beckman
Source: Stewart Iron Works; Theresa Hathoway, The Hathaway Group