HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/03/2003, C5 - DOWNTOWN TRANSFER CENTER PUBLIC ART SPECIFICATION NO. 99267.90565 Counci 11 L M ung Dare
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C I T Y OF SAN L U IS O B I S P O
FROM: Michael McCluskey, Public Works Director
Prepared By: Christine Cornejo, Engineering Technician
SUBJECT: DOWNTOWN TRANSFER CENTER PUBLIC ART
SPECIFICATION NO. 99267.90565
CAO RECOMMENDATION
As recommended by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC), approve contract with James
O. Jacobson in the amount of$18,000 for the construction and installation of public art for the
Downtown Transfer Center and.authorize the Mayor to execute the contract.
DISCUSSION
Background
Under the City's public art policy, 1% of a project's construction budget is designated for public art
unless it is exempt. On January 22, 2002 the City Council designated $19,000 from the Public Art
fund to be used for public art related to the City Hall Downtown Transfer Center project. (See
Attachment 1)
The Downtown Transfer Center, located at Palm and Osos Streets, is at the heart of a series of daily
journeys throughout the City. Artists were asked in the request for proposals (RFP) to create a
place for transit users to feel comfortable and also to provide imagery, through public art. The RFP
called for a wide range of ideas for public art with emphasis on, but not limited to, public
transportation, city and county government and the City/County library. A desire to reflect the
environment and respond to the architecture, create a sense of place and address the concept of
coming and going was also addressed.
The intent is to make the Downtown Transfer Center a "people friendly" area, and as such, the
artwork should reflect, inspire and delight the public for whom it is intended. In this way the visual
language of public art can both contribute to the community and develop a sense of ownership
while adding to the character and atmosphere of the area.
Process
Staff invited artists to create proposals for this project and received eight different project proposals.
A public art jury consisting of Heather Stepensen, a volunteer from the SLO Arts Council, Landy
Fike, chair of the design committee for the Downtown Association, Carol Astaire, a local artist,
Melody Mullis, a representative of the City/County Library, Mike McGuire, a representative from
City staff and Chuck Crotser, the architect for the Downtown Transfer Center was formed to jury
CS- 1
Council Agenda Report—DOWNTOWN TRANSFER CENTER PUBLIC ART
SPECIFICATION NO. 99267.90565
Page 2
the proposals. The Jury met twice, the first time on March 19', 2003 to select the top three
proposals and the second time on April 24`x, 2003 to select the finalist. The jury reviewed the
artists' experience and proposals for appropriateness of scale, form and design and evaluated the
materials for longevity, maintenance and safety. The jury felt the finalist Mr. Jim Jacobson,
invested a great deal of thought and research into the concept to meet the criteria of the RFP.
The jury found his proposal to be interesting, thoughtful, playful, informational and creative.
The public art jury unanimously felt this proposal was excellent and met the entire request for the
public art proposal guidelines. (See Attachment 2)
Selected Piece
Mr. Jacobson, who is a sculptor, will create the proposed piece with the cooperation and assistance
of Will Carlton, a glass blower and Erick Wand, a graphic artist. All three artists have over twenty
years of experience in their respective areas of expertise.
The design is based on an obelisk, approximately 33" at the base tapering to 6" at the 16'/Z' high
top. The shape of the obelisk allows for the incorporation of 16 inscribed panels, four on each of
four sides, which address the social, cultural, and historical qualities of our community in relation
to transportation. It incorporates lighting, abstract wheel patterns, backlit blown glass in red, green
and yellow and a crowning amber and red blown glass flame representing the spirit of American
inventiveness. (See Attachment 3)
CONCURRENCES
The public art selection committee recommended this project for the DTC on April 24, 2003.
The ARC reviewed the proposal on May 19, 2003 and recommended that the project be forwarded
to the City Council for approval. (See Attachment 4)
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted funds:
2001-2003 CEP appropriation for public art $19,000
Advertising,dedication,plaque& stipends for finalist 1,000
Contract award 18,000
Total: $19,000
ALTERNATIVES
Council could choose not to approve the proposal and refer the process back to the staff and
selection committee. The committee would review the runner up proposals and either decide to
recommend one to the council or ask for new proposals.
G:\Staff\Kiser\Agenda Prep Files\Council Agenda Report DTC.doc
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Council Agenda Report—DOWNTOWN TRANSFER CENTER PUBLIC ART
SPECIFICATION NO. 99267.90565
Page 3
ATTACHMENTS
1. Location drawing
2. Artists approach to project
3. Proposal sketches
4. ARC Minutes
5. Agreement
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Approach to Project: The American Spirit
Artists Experience
This is a joint venture of three artists: a sculptor, a glass blower,and a graphic artist, each
contributing their unique skills to this sculpture. All three artists have over 20 years of
experience in their respective areas of expertise. The slides accompanying this proposal
depict the work of the metal sculptor and glass blower, while the graphic rendering
exemplifies the graphic artist s work. All three artists are long time residents of San Luis
Obispo County. Additional references provided upon request.
Key Elements
The design will incorporate neo-classical building elements reflected by both a
symmetrical quality and flush eaves. The colors will reflect the glazed tile and terra-cotta
ornamentation found in City Hall.The base of the sculpture will be faced with brick
reflecting the nearby street intersection, sidewalk pavers, and brick exteriors of the
Library,City Hall,and County Government buildings.The location for this sculpture is
the intersection of Osos and Palm Streets, site number one as noted on Exhibit G of the
RFP.The obelisk portrays a grizzly bear on two:sides and a palm tree onthe opposing'
two,sides`to reflect the streets after which they were named.(Osos and Palm)).This
sculpture provides a visible impact for both pedestrians and vehicles at the intersection.
The Design
The design is based on an obelisk, which is an Egyptian symbol meaning light and life,
dating from approximately 1900 B.C.The shape of the obelisk allows us to incorporate a
total of 16 inscriptions and design anel-four on each of the four sides.Thirteen panels ,
use photos or sketches to "uf9 R,ttiesocial,cultural,and historical qualities of the
community.Latin and English expressions are inscribed on one panel similar to the Osos
Street wall of City Hall-The library director provided a brief poem illustrating the
pleasures of reading along with the library s logo for another panel.The final panel space
will give credit to the City s Percent for the Arts Program, sculpture title,date, and artists
involved. The historical panels are labeled with a brief description and approximate
period of the photo or sketch. -
Early modes of transportation were solicited from our communities older population and
research to incorporate into this proposal.These historical local photos or sketches of
public and private transportation modes are created with pre-sensitized aluminum plates
with sapphire-hard,chemically sealed surfaces. A sample will be provided.The etchings
include: the early Chumash tomol(planked canoe),carreta cart from the Mission period,
the Steamship Steamer Santa Maria, a Pacific Coast.Railway train,a Model T car,a
Street Railway Carriage,an early motor bike,planes at San Luis Obispo airport, early
bicycle,horse-drawn Wagons, a Southern Pacific train,vaqueros,and a stagecoach
coming down Cuesta Grade.
ATTACHMENT 2
Page 2 of 2
Above the display panels will be four stylized wheels,dating from the early carreta cart
wheels to modern wheels. The abstract horizontal design segments between thesections
represent partial tire treads, focusing on the transfer center theme.
The crowning design elements are molded glass tiles of red, green, and amber to reflect
the colors of transportation lights. The tiles represent the coming and going *of
transportation on land., sea and air. Two styles of tile designs will be faced with a circle or
X, universal physics symbols for coming and going. The obelisk will be topped with an
amber and red glass flame representing the spirit of American inventiveness. The
sculpture will be titled The American Spirit in reference to the innovation and
creativeness of our country.
Lighting
The sculpture will be illuminated from within to accent the glass prisms and top flame.
The backdrop for the relief palm tree and grizzly bear will be perforated metal so that
light will pass through and thereby outline each of these figures at night. A locking mid-
section panel will open for access to the lights to facilitate this maintenance.
Coloring
The steel sculpture will be colored similar to the green glazed tile on the City Hall and
Library buildings. The relief figures,bears,palm trees,and tread designs will be the terra
cotta color of ornamentation on City Hall. Coloring will be applied by powder coating
(baked on finish)with an extra ultraviolet protective coat to guard against fading.
Fabricating time
Four months from the signing of a contract.
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-- DRAFT --
SAN LUIS OBISPO
ARCHITECTUAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES
Item 3 - Excerpt
May 19, 2003
ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners Allen Root, Michael Boudreau, Zeljka Howard, David
Smith, and Chairperson Charles Stevenson (with one vacancy).
Absent: Commr. Jim Lopes
Staff: Associate Planners Phil Dunsmore and Pam Ricci, and Recording
Secretary Irene Pierce.
3. 990 Palm Street. ARC PA 55-03; Review of a proposed public art piece at the
comer of Osos and Palm Streets as part of the downtown transit center, PF-H zone;
City of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department, applicant. (Hilary Hodges)
Pam Ricci presented the staff report, explaining the look of the art piece, and
recommending the ARC find that the proposed artwork entitled The American Spirit
meets the City's Public Art Guidelines, with one condition: That the base of the
sculpture be modified to have steps that are 7-inches to 9-inches high, or to be a color
that will contrast with the surrounding concrete and brick so that it is not a tripping
hazard.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Jim Jacobson,_ originator and sculptor of the project, noted the RFP for the project
requested that the sculpture relate to transportation, City and County government, and
City/County Library, and that it reflect the environment to which it will be situated, as
well as the architectural elements. He felt this piece meets the criteria requested. He
explained the piece has an engineered base, which he would like to be of red brick,
which will tie it with the buildings. He gave a detailed description of the piece, noting
above the base is a diamond plate to give it an industrial look, and about that is 16
panels applied from the inside that depict variations of transportation from the early
Chumash to more modem times such as .the railroad, with other depictions noted
throughout the piece. He noted there will be a low-voltage light inside that illuminates
the piece so that the background of the Palm trees and grizzly bears will be outlined;
another light towards the center and one at the top. He also noted;_some abstract
designs are included in the piece which are similar to car treads.
He distributed a color sample that depicted the shades of powder coating proposed.
CS- 10
'1 ATTACHMENT 4
Draft ARC Minutes _ Page 2 OF 2
Excerpt Item 3
Page 2
Eric Wand, graphic artist for the art piece, explained his portion was the "public
information" section of the obelisk that will be near eye-level with the 16 "historical
transportation" panels. He felt that adequate research has been done to find a variety
of different topics and will incorporate photographs and historical imagery from the
County Historical Museum, the library, and other sources, that will be incorporated
along with the text and descriptions of those images. The proposed materials are
impervious to extemal criteria such as the elements and vandalism.
Christine Comejo explained that some of the smaller details were removed at the
request of the Committee to make each panel visible and aesthetically pleasing.
Wilt Carlton, glass blower, explained that because the tiles are 12-14 feet tall, he
needed something graphic without much detail. He proposed the idea of coming and
going. An "x" and "o" was used and was described as the universal physics symbols of
coming and going, and was depicted in abstract form. He explained that they will be
mounted in the metal frame with silicone. He noted the flames at the top will be 14-16
inches tall and will also be mounted with silicone.
Christine Comejo clarified that the location of the art piece is in the center tree well, and
this tree well was originally thought of as a future public art piece location. The existing
tree is in a planter container and can be easily removed. She also noted the footings
will be recessed down into the well, and there is existing water and lighting to that well.
On motion by Commr. Boudreau to find-that the proposedpublic artwork, with the added
condition that the base of the sculpture be modified to have steps that are 7-inches to 9-
inches high, or to be a color that will contrast with the surrounding concrete and brick so
that it is not a tripping hazard, meets the City's Public .Art Guidelines. Seconded by
Commr. Root.
AYES: Commrs. Boudreau, Root, Howard, Smith, and Stevenson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commr. Lopes
ABSTAIN: None
The motion carried 5-0.
� Attachment 5
Page 1 of 4
AGREEMENT TO DESIGN AND INSTALL PUBLIC ART
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into in the City of San Luis Obispo on
this day of , by and between
the CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, a municipal corporation, hereinafter referred to as
City, and James O. Jacobson, hereinafter referred to as Artist and referred to jointly as
PARTIES.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, City requested proposals for the design and fabrication of artwork in
accordance with the specifications in the proposal package dated February 27, 2003, for
the Downtown Transfer Center; and
WHEREAS, the proposals were reviewed by a selection committee; and
WHEREAS, the committee selected James O. Jacobson's proposal for an obelisk
as the Downtown Transfer Center public art piece; and
WHEREAS, the Community Development Department has granted a categorical
exemption for this project; and
WHEREAS, the Architectural Review Commission on May 19, 2003 reviewed
and approved the proposal for compliance with the City's public art guidelines.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual promises, obligations, and
covenants hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1: ARTWORK INSTALLATION AND COMPENSATION.
A. The Artist agrees to fabricate the artwork as shown in Exhibit A by no later than
November 3, 2003, for a total not to exceed $18,000 to be paid by the City. The total
Attachment 5
Page 2 of 4
fee includes labor, materials, equipment, insurance and related costs of designing,
fabricating and installing the artwork.
B. The Parties agree that minor modifications to the artwork's design and/or materials
may become necessary during fabrication and installation. Artist may undertake
minor changes without the consent of the City. No major or significant changes to
the design or materials may be undertaken without the City's prior written consent.,
Said consent shall be entirely at the discretion of the City.
C. The schedule of payments to the artist shall be as follows:
1) 25% of total fee upon execution of this agreement; and
2) 50% of total fee upon fabrication mid-point; and
3) 25% of total fee upon City acceptance of artwork.
SECTION 2: OWNERSHIP
A. The Artist warrants that the artwork is the result of the artistic efforts of the Artist and
that the artwork will be installed and become the property of the City, free and clear
of any liens,claims or encumbrances or limitations of any kind.
B. Upon completion of the artwork as shown in Exhibit A and upon its final acceptance
by the City's Utilities Department, the City shall assume ownership and full
responsibility for maintenance of the artwork, as determined necessary by the City
prior to acceptance of the artwork.
C. The Artist hereby grants to the City and its designees: a) the exclusive right to display
the artwork; b) ownership of the models, sketches, renderings and other documents
relating to the design, city approval and installation of the artwork; and c) the right to
reproduce the artwork using photographs and other two-dimensional images for
educational, civic, public relations, arts promotional and other non-commercial
purposes, including the right to sell derivative works based on the artwork, The Artist
shall receive acknowledgment in connection with the artwork or any reproductions or
promotional materials prepared by the City. Except as provided in this agreement,
the Artist retains all copyrights in the artwork.
SECTION 3: INDENMFICATION AND WARRANTIES DURING DESIGN
AND FABRICATION
A. The Artist and his subcontractors agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the
City and their officers, agents and employees, from and.against all claims, costs,
expenses; attorney's fees and damages arising out of the Artwork (including Artists
agents or employees activities under this agreement.)
B. The Artist and his subcontractors hereby warrant that the artwork is fabricated in
accordance with approved plans, specifications, and industry standards, and that is
shall be free from faulty or defective workmanship or materials.
C5- 13 .
Attachment 5
Page 3 of 4
SECTION 4: INSURANCE
A. Prior to installation the Artist shall assume the entire risk of loss or damage to the
artwork by theft, vandalism, fire or other casualty. When fabrication of the artwork is
complete, the artist is responsible for theft, vandalism, fire, breakage or any damage
from the place of fabrication to the site.
B. The City may require general liability insurance depending on the nature of the
selected artwork.
SECTION 6: REPAIR AND RESTORATION
The City will, whenever practical, consult with the Artist regarding repairs and
restoration which are proposed to be undertaken by the City during the Artist's lifetime.
If the artwork requires repairs and restoration, the City agrees to contact the Artist to
determine appropriate methods necessary to accomplish identified concerns..
SECTION 7: LOCATION,ALTERATION OR REMOVAL
The City retains the right to relocate or remove the artwork from public display for any
reason, at the sole discretion of the City Public Works or Utilities Director. Reasons for
removing the artwork from public display shall include, but not be limited to: hazards to
public health, safety or welfare; unsightly or deteriorated conditions of artwork; or needs
to access, repair and maintain public facilities. The City agrees to properly store and
maintain the artwork if taken out of public display, until such time as the City decides to
re-install it for public display, sell or transfer ownership of the artwork.
SECTION 8: SALE OR DISPOSITION
A. The parties agree that the City shall have the exclusive right to sell, loan, lease or
transfer the artwork at any time and to whomever or whatever entity the City may
choose.
B. The Artist expressly waives, as to his successors in interest, to.the greatest extent
allowed by law, any rights he may have under California Civil Code Sections 986
through 989. Specifically; but not exclusively, the Artist disclaims, for himself and
his successors in interest, any right to collect a royalty payment upon the sale or
transfer of the artwork by the City or its successors interest, and agrees that in no
event shall the Artist have the right to place a lien upon the site where the artwork is
installed or to receive punitive damages.
SECTION 9: MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
A. The personal skill, judgment, and creativity of the Artist are an essential element of
this agreement. Consequently, although the Parties understand that the Artist may
employ qualified personnel to work under his supervision, the Artist shall not assign,
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Attachment 5
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transfer or subcontract the creative and artistic portions of the artwork to another
party without the prior written consent of the City.
B. This agreement contains all understandings, and no changes to this agreement shall be
effective unless authorized representatives of the Parties sign them.
C. All correspondence and submittals under this agreement shall be delivered as follows:
City Christine Comejo, Engineering Technician
City of San Luis Obispo
955 Morro St
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Artist James O. Jacobson
6912 Live Oak Lane
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
805.595.7605
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be
executed the day and year first above written.
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO,
A Municipal Corporation
By: - - -
David F.-Romero,Mayor
ATTEST-.
By:
Lee Price, C.M.C.
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ARTIST
By:
onathan Lowell James O. Jacobson
City Attorney