Thread City Crossing (The Frog Bridge)

Centerbrook designed aesthetic enhancements to what started out as a standard highway bridge over the Willimantic River. Working with a local bridge design committee, we researched the town’s history and embellished the bridge with large concrete spools of thread that recalled its status as the “Thread Capitol of the World.” After the design was accepted by the bridge committee, a local historian and writer suggested the design be enhanced further with sculptures that paid homage to a “Great Frog Fight” during the French and Indian wars. Publicity and enthusiasm for the project grew, funds were raised to cover the additional cost of the frog sculptures, and the completed bridge became a landmark in eastern Connecticut.