Odessa Spire Transformed from Neglect to City’s Shining Beacon

The Odessa Spire, a landmark located at 820 Maple Ave, has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the vision and dedication of Randy Ham, Executive Director of Odessa Arts, and the generosity of local philanthropists.

Constructed in the late 1950s and early ’60s, the spire took on a new identity in the 1970s when it became the Cloth World sign. However, over the years, neglect and decay turned the once-iconic structure into an eyesore, marked by rust and lead paint. Many believed that tearing it down was the only viable option.

Randy Ham, with nearly a decade of service as the Executive Director of Odessa Arts, saw beyond the dilapidation. In 2014, he envisioned transforming the neglected spire into a work of art and embarked on the ambitious task of planning and fundraising through private donations.

The turning point came when Toby and Sondra Eoff, owners of the Odessa Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, stepped up with a significant $100,000 donation, kickstarting the project. Their contribution inspired others in the community to join in, and a wave of private donations followed suit, providing the necessary funds to initiate renovations.

After years of seeking out artists, collecting donations, and hard work, the project reached its completion in December 2019. A lighting ceremony marked the unveiling of the transformed spire.

Today, the finished project stands as a shining beacon visible from miles away. Seasonally lit to coincide with calendar events, the spire currently bathes the City of Odessa in a warm, welcoming glow of red and green, sharing the Christmas spirit with the community.