State lawmakers have now joined in the fight to save Berwyn’s landmark “Spindle,” slated to come down by the end of the year.

State Sen. Martin Sandoval, D-12th District, of Cicero filed a resolution in the Senate Wednesday that encourages the city and Cermak Plaza’s management company to find a way to keep the “Spindle” in Berwyn permanently.

“It represents part of the architectural landscape of the state of Illinois, as now represented in many of our official Illinois tourism posters,” Sandoval said. “It’s synonymous with the landscape of Berwyn and the architectural and cultural spirit of the people of the region. It’s caught so much attention and is worth preserving.”

Opponents of the “Spindle” say the eight-cars impaled on a metal spike is an eyesore more than anything else. Having stood in heart of the shopping center for nearly two decades, the art has deteriorated and is covered in bird waste and rust.

Sandoval said, however, it’s those things that give it character.

“Architecture and landmarks become even more valuable to our communities as they show the wear of weather and decay of age,” he said. “Those comments about bird droppings and decay can be said about the Picasso in Chicago, or the Lincoln Memorial in Springfield, and we don’t get rid of those.”

The resolution was referred to the rules committee on Wednesday, where it will go before being discussed on Senate floor, Sandoval said. He said state Rep. Lisa Hernandez, D-24th District, of Cicero plans to file a similar resolution in the House, and that he expects the support of their colleagues.

Meanwhile, residents have gotten involved in the cause, planning a party in support of the sculpture.

Berwyn resident Maggie Ragaisis is hosting a party in support of the “Spindle,” scheduled for Friday night at Garv Inn, 6546 Windsor Ave. The party goes from 8 to 10:30 p.m., with free entry and the entertainment of singer John Eddie and his band. The party will not be a fundraiser, but is hoped to gain support for preserving the art.

“We’re just trying to raise community and area awareness about our goals to keep the ‘Spindle’ in Berwyn,” Ragaisis said. “I saw the story and knew there had to be a way to keep the ‘Spindle.’ We all want to see it stay in town, and I’m excited to see how many people do care and show up.”

Ragaisis said representatives from the Berwyn Arts Council and Berwyn Main Street program, which is working to revitalize Cermak Road, will be at the party. “Save the Spindle” T-shirts will also be available, as well as petitions to sign in support of keeping the art in the city.