Commemorative installation honors the legacy, values, and vision of Sansone Group Founder Anthony F. Sansone, Sr.
ST. LOUIS, MO — May 12, 2026 — 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 five-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 Mayor Shannon Martin of the City of Port St. Lucie and Nick Sansone, a Principal of Sansone Group, alongside the other principals at the firm, Jim and Doug Sansone. Pete Tesch, Senior Advisor for Strategic Initiatives at the St. Lucie EDC, provided opening commentary to begin the program.
The sculpture incorporates meaningful symbolism that reflects 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 anchor of the family. 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.
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 till they accomplished it,” said Nick Sansone.
Legacy Park at Tradition, part of a 5 million+ square foot development, was Anthony F. Sansone, Sr.’s final development prior to 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.
Please find photos from the event linked here.
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About Sansone Group
Sansone Group is a family-owned, nationally recognized commercial real estate and development firm specializing in industrial, retail, and multi-family projects. Headquartered in St. Louis, the firm and its team has developed over 50 million square feet across 32 states. With a proven track record of high-quality, strategic developments, Sansone Group is dedicated to creating lasting value for clients and communities. Rooted in teamwork, creativity, hard work, faith, and professionalism, the firm takes a hands-on approach to development, asset management, property management, and brokerage – building strong relationships and shaping the future of commercial real estate. For more information, please visit www.sansonegroup.com.
