Condos with views of Sauron's burning, lidless eye will be on the market by 2023 if a new Indiegogo campaign gets its way.
The campaign is raising money to build Minas Tirith, the fantastical mountainside city from “The Lord of the Rings.”
The organizers initially described themselves on the Indiegogo page as “an ambitious team of architects and structural engineers,” but now describe themselves as “a team of Tolkien fans who are passionate about creating a beautiful, inspirational and fully-functioning replica of Peter Jackson's depiction of Minas Tirith, as seen in his Lord of the Rings films.”
Whoever they really are, they say they have two possible sites in mind for the city, both in southern England.
And they seem to be at least somewhat realistic about what it would take: Their Indiegogo goal is GBP1.85 billion, or about C$3.78 billion.
As of Friday afternoon, the campaign had raised just short of C$120,000.
A GBP100,000 (C$204,000) donation will land you the title of “lord” or “lady” of the city, with access to all parts of the city except private residences. A three-pound (C$6.12) donation will get you a follow on Twitter.
“We're fully aware of the scale of our ambition, but we hope you realize just how special this project could be,” the Indiegogo page states. “We could create not only the most remarkable tourist attraction on the planet, but also a wonderfully unique place to live and work.”
They estimate they need the equivalent of C$30.5 million for the land, and some C$2.85 billion for material.
The organizers hope to break ground in 2016, and have the city available for move-in in 2023. If they don’t reach the GBP1.85 billion goal, they say they will refund all contributors’ money.
And the organizers note they may not even have the right to build the city.
“We make no claim on the image or name of Minas Tirith, and will happily cancel this project should any dispute arise over such,” the Indiegogo page states.
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