Homestead mailing list

[Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com>]

> What is you current impression of Arcosanti? I haven't been there in years.
> Kathyann

Paolo Soleri has a tiny body but a huge mind and infinite patience. I hope 
his plans for Arcosanti after his death work out. Arcosanti goes slowly. My 
impression is that the planning is sound. He sure is using a lot of 
concrete. But it will be there for centuries.

Since I first went there in about 1974 I have pondered how one justifies 
the enormous capital cost for so many years with so few inhabitants 
actually using the place. Next time I am up there, maybe this winter, I 
will get the new numbers and give an update on the progress.

They have finally decided to pave the road in; the time and cost of 
maintaining two-and-a-half miles of dirt road and the negative reaction of 
visitors tipped the balance. Inasmuch as Cosanti is in Scottsdale many of 
Arcosanti's regular supporters and might-be supporters drive some pretty 
fine machinery and are disinclined to subject their Jaguars and Beemers to 
that road. So it affected attendance to the various musical productions and 
other events.