Construction of the Pappajohn Sculpture Garden in Western Gateway Park is on schedule and moving forward, said Shane Madison, president of Pinnacle Construction Group.

“We just completed the first of three concrete walls … which is already giving the community a feel for how great this project is going to be,” Madison said, adding that most people have yet to realize the positive impact the park will have on Des Moines.

Madison said that New York-based Agrest and Gandelsonas Architects LLP, a longtime consultant on the Western Gateway concept, told him that the firm is unsure if anything quite like this has been done in a metropolitan area.

The concrete walls, tapering down into the ground and tilted 15 degrees, are one unique aspect of the project, Madison said, creating an almost funnel-type of look.

“Des Moines is pretty lucky to have a park like this,” he said, and fortunate to have John and Mary Pappajohn, the philanthropists who are donating 17 pieces of art valued at $27 million.

“I think it’s going to be a real pleasant surprise to people when they see it completed.” Madison said.

Described as one of the largest free public displays of art in the United States, the park is slated to open in July.