The exact site for The Fonz statue in downtown Milwaukee will probably be announced within the next two weeks, said David Fantle, vice president of public relations for Visit Milwaukee, who is spearheading the initiative.
"We’re getting real close (to selecting a site)," he said.
A committee of downtown, tourism and arts representatives are looking for just the right location for the statue, Fantle said. It will be located along the Milwaukee Riverwalk between Michigan Street and Wells Street, Fantle said.
The site for the statue of the Arthur Fonzarelli character, as played by actor Henry Winkler, must provide an attractive backdrop that shows off downtown Milwaukee, Fantle said.
"We want this to be a very attractive, picture portrait of Milwaukee," he said. "It’s a selling point for the city. We really want to maximize the opportunity."
As a result, the statue most likely will not be located next to the Chase Tower, 111 E. Wisconsin Ave., as had been previously speculated. A more picturesque location is more likely, Fantle said.
The statue will enhance the downtown by creating more foot traffic and adding a simple, but fun place for people to pose for pictures.
The statue will feature the popular "Happy Days" character in his signature thumbs up pose, Fantle said.
One of the sponsors of the statue, CBS TV-58 WDJT, is thinking about creating a webcam for the statue. Happy Days aired on ABC, but the show was produced by Paramount Pictures, which is owned by Viacom Inc., the owner of CBS.
Several building owners have expressed interest in hosting the statue on their Riverwalk properties, Fantle said. The statue’s host building owner will have to pay for minimal maintenance costs and must assume liability issues related to the statue, he said.
The statue will probably be unveiled in August, and Fantle hopes to have it complete before the Harley-Davidson reunion, Aug. 28-31.
"They’re going to love it," he said.
Virtually the entire Happy Days cast has expressed interest in coming to the unveiling of the statue in Milwaukee, Fantle said
"The only one who is still a question is Ron Howard, and he might be able to make it if he can work it around his feature film schedule," Fantle said.
