Sansone Group unveils Tree of American Dreams sculpture at Legacy Park at Tradition

A plaque at Legacy Park at Tradition describes the symbolism behind the Tree of American Dreams sculpture, created by local artist Geoffrey C. Smith. SANSONE GROUP PHOTOS

Commemorative installation honors the legacy, values and vision of Sansone Group founder Anthony F. Sansone Sr.

Nick Sansone, principal of Sansone Group, speaks during the dedication ceremony.

ST. LOUIS, MO. — On Friday, May 8, Sansone Group, in partnership with the St. Lucie County Economic Development Council and the City of Port St. Lucie, hosted the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Tree of American Dreams sculpture at Legacy Park at Tradition. The commemorative installation, created by local artist Geoffrey C. Smith, honors the life and legacy of Sansone Group founder Anthony F. Sansone Sr. and reflects the principles that shaped both his family and the company he built throughout his lifetime.

Held at Legacy Park, a key component of the 5 million-square-foot Tradition development, the ceremony welcomed approximately 40 attendees, including community leaders, project partners and members of the Sansone family and Sansone Group team. The sculpture serves as both a tribute and a lasting symbol of the values that continue to guide Sansone Group’s work and community impact.

The event featured remarks from Port St. Lucie Mayor Shannon Martin, Nick Sansone, principal of Sansone Group, and fellow principals Jim Sansone and Doug Sansone. Pete Tesch, senior adviser for strategic initiatives at the St. Lucie County Economic Development Council, provided opening remarks.

The sculpture incorporates meaningful symbolism reflecting the Sansone family’s history and values. Eight branches represent Anthony F. Sansone Sr.’s eight children. The trunk symbolizes his wife, Mary Anne Michaels Sansone, as the family’s anchor. Four roots represent the pillars most important to him: faith, family, community and country. At the top, a bald eagle represents the American dream and the family’s immigrant journey.

The Tree of American Dreams sculpture honors the legacy of Sansone Group founder Anthony F. Sansone Sr. The sculpture Symbolizes the family’s values of faith, family, community and country.

A blessing was provided by Father Bowman of St. John of the Cross, followed by a ceremonial ribbon cutting with participation from the Sansone family, Economic Development Council, city officials and Art Board representatives. Guests concluded the ceremony with a photo opportunity and reception.

“Our father never separated faith, family, community and love of country. They were all connected. This sculpture represents the values he lived by and the legacy that continues to guide our family and the communities we help build. It also is representative of so many who came to this country with nothing but a dream. It will be a continued legacy not just for us, but for anyone who had a dream and never gave up until they accomplished it,” Nick Sansone said.

Legacy Park at Tradition, part of a more than 5 million-square-foot development, was Anthony F. Sansone Sr.’s final development before his passing in April 2020. Envisioned as a place for rest and reflection within the broader community, the Tree of American Dreams sculpture stands as a lasting reminder of the Sansone family’s roots, journey and the values they continue to carry forward.