HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/06/2005, BUS 5 - RELOCATION OF PUBLIC ART BENCHES 1
council Mmin.D�9 4 Os
ac,Enaa Pepont �K 5
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
FROM- Wendy George, Assistant City Administrative Officer
Prepared By; Betsy Kiser;Principal Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT. RELOCATION OF PUBLIC ART BENCHES
CAO RECOMMENDATION
L Consider a request by Mark Rawson of San Luis Obispo Court Street to relocate the
public art benches entitled Community's Bridge.
2. Provide staff with direction as to whether or not this request should proceed through
advisory body review.
DISCUSSION
Situation
On July 27, 2005, the City Council received a letter from Mark Rawson on behalf of Tom
Copeland seeking approval to relocate public art benches entitled Community's Bridge from
Higuem Street"in front of the Court Street project to Mitchell Park. (Attachment 1) Citing the
following reasons, Mr. Rawson expressed a willingness to absorb the costs associated with
transporting and installing the benches in the proposed location:
1. With the completion of the Court Street center, the benches are no longer appropriate for
the location.
2. The Court Street center includes numerous benches that provide plenty of seating.
3. Public art suitable to the look and ambience of Court Street will be a part of the project.
Currently, the benches are being stored at the Public Works Corporation Yard, awaiting re=
installation.
Background
Community's Bridge is a set of six benches approved on July 18, 2000 as the public art
component for the Higuera Bridge repair capital improvement project. (Attachment 2) The
work, created by artist Allen Root, was selected by an art jury and subsequently approved by the
Architectural Review Commission and City Council per the Visual Arts in Public Places process.
The sculptural benches were selected for a number of reasons, but particularly because they
responded to the Request for Proposal (RFP) asking that the artwork reflect the "character and
atmosphere of the downtown" and"consider incorporating the work into the streetscape either by
way of work imbedded into the sidewalk, street, a part of the street fixtures, such as benches,
lighting; drinking fountains, or in any way that would be appropriate." (Attachment 3) The
5J _ (
i
CAR—Relocation of"Community's Bridge" Page 2
Higuera Bridge repair project included widening of sidewalks at. the corners and along side the
Court Street Parking lot to accommodate the RFP criteria and a public art project.
As described by the artist in his proposal cover letter, the seating surfaces represent the creek
meandering between the mountains and the City, much the same as San Luis Creek flowing
beneath the site. They are painted in muted green, blue, cream and brown, again representing the
various elements in the area, with the color blue chosen as the unifying element to portray
water's importance in all of our lives. The letter provides further detail on the principles used to
guide the design of the project. (Attachment 4) Location, function and relationship to the
surroundings were interwoven to create the final project design, and as such, were integral
components leading to the selection of Community's Bridge from the 17 public art proposals
submitted.
Knowing that the Court Street project was envisioned for the Court Street parking lot, when
Community's Bridge was selected for the Higuera Bridge project, staff provided Mr. Copeland
with an opportunity to review and comment on the selection of the benches for that location. At
that time, he expressed no concerns with the proposal.
Attempt.to Identify Alternate Relocation Site
After preliminary discussions with Mr. Rawson and Mr. Copeland, but prior to receiving the
formal relocation proposal, staff met with the artist to discuss their interest in possible relocation
sites for the piece. Staff concentrated on locations which met the criteria stated in the RFP,
namely location, function and relationship to the surroundings. Unfortunately, in staff's view, no
appropriate locations emerged that responded to the original intent of the RFP or were feasible
within the near future for installation.
Proposal.for.Placement at Mitchell Park
In his letter, Mr. Rawson suggests relocating Community's Bridge to the existing lawn area of
Mitchell Park near the comer of Pismo and Osos Streets. (See Attachment 1 for proposed
location.) He states that-the benches "will provide a visual connection between Mitchell Park
and the nearby San Luis Creek..." and "...will expand the seating options in the Park allowing
for increased enjoyment of events held in the Bandstand." In support of Mr. Raivsdn's proposal,
the artist Allen Root submitted a letter endorsing the,relocation of the benches to Mitchell Park.
(Attachment 1)
Mitchell Park Master Plan and Advisory Body Review
The Mitchell Park Master Plan was adopted in 2001. In discussions with the Parks and
Recreation Director and City Attorney, relocating the benches to Mitchell Park requires an
amendment to the Park's Master Plan, including public input and appropriate approvals by the
Parks and Recreation Commission, the Architectural Review Commission and City Council. In
reviewing the proposed amendment to the Master Plan to allow additional benches in the park,
both commissions would also review the proposed location with respect to the Public Art
Guidelines. Specifically, they would look at the following adopted criteria:
GAProjects&Progams\Public Art\Current Projects\Relocation of benches\CAR—Direction for Relocation of Root Benches 90605.90C
- 5 -a
Y
1
CAR—Relocation of"Community's Bridge" Page 3
1. Public art shall be located within the public right-of-way, or shall otherwise be easily
visible or accessible from a public right-of-way.
2. Interior locations for public art shall be freely open'and accessible to the public.
3. Consideration shall be given to the size,-massing, location and scale of the proposed
piece and to potential conflicts with present or future vegetation or construction.
4. The design and placement of public art shall not impede pedestrian or vehicle traffic,
or conflict with public or private easements.
5: Consideration shall be given to any public safety or public health concerns created by
the artwork.
6. Public art shall be integrated with the site, and include landscaping, lighting,
interpretive information and other amenities where appropriate.
7. Public art shall be securely installed:
In addition to advisory body review, the Public Works Department will need to thoroughly
investigate how the park would be effected by the addition of the benches, (i.e. the irrigation
system is old and may require expensive modifications to accommodate the benches; what are
the effects on maintenance/mowing around the bases of the benches,etc.).
No additional review would be required of a public art jury, since the artistic excellence of the
artwork was evaluated during the previous public art process completed.in 2001.
Options
It does not seem that the proposed Mitchell Park location closely parallels the original siting
considerations reflected in the RFP, however this is ultimately a judgment to be made by
Council. As such, the Council has essentially four options, which are listed in the order of staff's
preference.
1. Conclude that the original location remains appropriate and direct staff to reinstall the
art.
2. Conclude that the Mitchell Park location is not appropriate and direct Mr. Rawson to
pursue the feasibility of better alternative locations, and return to Council in two
months with other proposed options. If this search for alternative sites is not
productive;then the art benches should be reinstalled prior to the holiday season.
3. Conclude that the Mitchell . Park proposal at least merits review and a
recommendation by the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Architectural
GAProjects&ProgranuTublic Art\Current Projects\Relocation of benches\CAR-Direction for Relocation of Root Benches 90605:DOC.
5 -3
1 i '
CAR—Relocation of"Community's Bridge"
Review Commission, and return the matter to Council for a decision after_ this process
is complete.
4. Accept the Mitchell Park alternative location without further advisory body review.
(While the.Council technically" has this kind of discretion, given that Mitchell Park is
guided by a master plan,this option is discouraged.)
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this recommendation. 'However, should Council
direct staff to take the relocation proposal through the review process, fiscal impacts may be
identified with regard to modifications to the irrigation system and long-term maintenance of the
benches and park. Staff would recommend that all costs associated with the relocation become
the responsibility by Mr. Rawson and San Luis Obispo Court Street.
ALTERNATIVES
See the four options identified above.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposal from Mr. Rawson
2. Photo of Community's Bridge
3. Original RFP for Public Art
4. Allen Root's Public Art Proposal Letter
G:\Projects&Progra=\Public Art\Cuneat Projects\Relocation of benches\CAR-Direction for Relocation of Root Benches 90605010C
MACHMNI
San Luis Obispo Court Street
P.O.Box 1085 .
San Luis Obispo, California .93406
(805)593-0200
FAX#(805)593-0109
July 27,2005
Mayor Dave Romero HAND DELIVERED
Vice Mayor John Ewan
Council Member Allen K Settle'
Council Member Christine Mulholland
Council Member Paul Brown_
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San.Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Re: Benches previously located on Higuera Street
Adjacent to the Court Street parking lot
Dear Mayor,Vice Mayor and Council Members:
We have previously met with various members of City Staff and the Art Council to discuss the
public art benches which had been located along the Higuera Street frontage of the City parldng
lot that has become our Court Street project.
With the completion of our Court Street center,these benches are no longer appropriate for this
location. The Coo=t Street center already includes numerous ben_ ches— similar in style to others
in Downtown—that provide plenty of inviting seating.
Moreover,public art which is suitable to the look and ambience of Court Street will be a part of
our project. Our proposal for public art at Court Street is currently under consideration by the
Art Council.
With the recent addition of the Bandstand to Mitchell Park,we would suggest looting the public
art benches in the
existing lawn area as shows on the attached diagram. In addition to providing
a visual connection between.Mitchell Park and the nearby San Luis Creek,these benches will
expand the seating options in the Park allowing for increased enjoyment of events held in the
Bandstand.
We have also received a lot of support for the idea of relocating the benches,including from the
artist,Allen Root A copy of his letter supporting this relocation is enclosed
Further, we would be willing to pay the costs for transporting the benches to Mitchell-Park and
installing than there.
5-5
A1MACHMEV11
Mayor,Vice.Mayor and Council Members
City of San Luis Obispo
July 27,2005
Page 2
We ask that our Proposal to relocate the public art benches to Mitchell Park be reviewed by the
City. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and welcome_ any questions or
comments you may have.
Sin ly,
Mark Rawson
cc: Shelley Stanwyck
ATTACHMENT 1
P.O.Box?88
San Lnis Obispo,CA 93406
805.544.7960
ftlIvIng
July 22, 2005
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm St
San Luis Obispo, Ca 93401
To Whom it May Concern,
-
I am writing in regards to Community's Bridge, our public art project which was
removed from the 900 block of Hig"uera St. to facilitate construction of the Court St.
Center. Beginning in April of this year we started a dialog with the Copelands, Mark
Rawson and City Staff concerning the siting of the art work. There is some concern over
placing "Community's Bridge" back at the original site because of the history of the
benches that bracket the Downtown Center. Those benches seem to be a magnet for
panhandlers whose presence is perceived to have a negative effect on shoppers and
passers by.
We have explored many potential sites, from the grass adjacent to the Planning
Department, to Mission Plaza, to the area immediately south of the new parking garage.
We view any new site through two important criteria. Does it provide the opportunity for
plenty of use and does it fit contextually with the ideas expressed in the art work.
Recently Mitchel Park was brought to our attention as'a potential site. We
enthusiastically endorse this site for Community's Bridge. This location is dose to
downtown and with the new bandstand and landscaping it will become even more
popular than it is now. Contextually this site works because it is in the heart of town and
dose enough to the creek to reference it We are excited about the new bandstand and
would like to site the benches so as to incorporate them with its use. As shown by the
drawing, placement to the northwest comer in an expanded arc concentric to the
bandstand would provide a shady sitting area for those listening to the music or
speakers. We propose that each of the benches be.mounted on a discreet concrete pad
shaped to echo each of their individual footprints. This will provide for stability and ease
of mowing around each bench.
We realize the placement and mounting techniques may be influenced by the plans
for the park or the concerns of various city departments. That said please give this
proposal your careful consideration. We feel this plan represents our best option of all
the sites we have considered and stand ready to assist in making this a reality. Please
let us know if we can be of any help in this matter. We are excited to be bringing
Community's Bridge back for people to use and enjoy.
Since 7 .
ert 8terromobius
5 �7
AT CNMENT 1
::�;:a;•• `\��'• '��:�;i ;:a�` iii is\\:;aii •ac:;:x`: �,�`
C�\
\"• r '$ti';,f+f4 0 ';n{}SD';f. ir:.;;:• v:n,v',2{,v,::'+F4ti.V:C:$', t:$:1::vrn{4$ \`\\\\;\`
\` :\, 2::':4+!'',•R,•r::}' nj'vri fh$:j.•+.;}:. � tiN. ..}n v::.:• t'.: +�v,Fr:{y
•; y..C•: 4.r ::v H+. $. tiry '^{' •Y;•ri:.;i.y. �. .
�rpr,+v{•: .� ::h}`+f 'n.•}hS' •nt hv:a�.•l:'' : 't 'ti't: t�v+;C�
,;•\r:.i', +:,::\$•:•} f::}< i;h:triit;. { :}{$> 'n} k ;54.:r'. y y • 4 �+:inv:.. ',.,Li:n! iv ;j�Y,;\r,.};::•`vK%{
' '}?i':''•)' ' Y: l 4 .Yhl (J. ! NLS"• •+\"
Y P 1."#lx•.Fi?} y:n:{,}�H;;} "• >''•'!•,,:'••:„ .4..<,'.1:•fr•.{v}:•::{:.fJ.nt•.•V},} ,`.\`:,
:r:v ;S :•}ry$},i??:.>.};r; 't>{::+ , ''' J':}.v•�}•:.5.,•.v::vm h ' �`i2{
0 e :4�:'}'{+�'}• r3 ,;:. :.•F';;: `:;•$: �:a $,. Y:: ;:?{;j::;c?ts';<j:;t}'.;:'.2> �:::::
'v'Svi v:>} p;$::Scs$,•:,;;2>.?$::5•>:+G53.•?{ ' Sc^:.?£ ., ::r.`:::.n t•.}:;$.{?::•.'..%j:;... \:
\�\ nS' : :4{;{:,4ji+;•i?:•Sy}::}:ti{{•}:{•:>{•'.•:{:+:IX.Ayi:':j;.; '..{}';;:l;,tY{.::':T .:,\:•
• ••$'Sti:y :..M1{",�V.r''A,'V;iI.Y?}{{•:rl:f{.:?}{j.}V:��.�}:tA h4yk$i:{4?•Il{'?:•: : ' .n':r�Y:•!:i}; .;{t:l,•:j{hY
��{ f '�trJJr'.•:t%'J�.•q?F.t•n:::::}}:,i,rr,..:.}•.:.•; ',1,.:. +;{;>.?:•:•;{j":>.•j; h4;}:.v. '•:�"`•'i
�i>`FrT�vt;{r:$•.}j•,•;:j{j?{•:(>.}:•j::::•l•?:•}:•,1.:•:.S}:::.ii::i{},il,..f•}'.};. :';:;'i,:;•:::;'i+';.n{.}:{•}':{•} + :•}?'h:hv,� •i4::,^.,+ ::{4.^•.:�:. "•\,.
'�;:+n„'n?•hjj'A,:l::'h:;•'hh',};,;,::C'•,.tYL::>:G{,av'+;):^;{,:li, ..}}}:iq �+v: •'::�} :•;;(+.::}' .i F• Fry:t•4: \
yy 4+..j;. ? ?%h,}:,•::'$4:{. r:::::•}:•.:::}}•:':•:}$:}.:f.:::, ;.{•y+:::::•:iti;
�:1t �4.,r $'j�tfi{.r;��.•}{:$$$$;�{ :;:: :: :::n.}{:;}$s, j:' :}.{::{?:i••;•44:$�� :iA.•}7$v. 2 ;•.4:i.{�,,ti vi' ?�:•v+ .��`::
Y•.;: {•y,:::jti+"•J r:ry:::.}{:v{.}}:}.}i ;:;•i}::Svi':t 'v:1; {?F.:r Yi {1 ?{.f,•.,v fir. ;. `:`t� :\
:#?;?$;:;:t:'•:;^•.:.+,:; > :..::n}xa..;�:;:•vCtyy:$:iax•,of+;<: ;: a{ •'.,'t:�:.:i>'.i�.,>,�\R{+.:t?'�i�. ,.?4.3.•,� :���: :\
4•@.. '{fxts:s;:. ,•:n:. ;'t{;.}:;;;}?ti?,a,.:...n:::....:.4.,,f. •. o: •t.;.i.. ;}� \\,+,
,,4;•i:$$.^;p.;}•:} ry;##i{#..». •$2}}:?'i h••^•';?x•.N.•,J;';{.}:}.;{ t '{•s •.h, $}}j:,}. + < $i' \, `\
$: :ii1{i ^}:r{;.}J:.}::::.+..:; :;h.:?•}:•}:.}?.•. .$:'i::::?.yv;i>.:{.,;.;.,r,:,+.::j: .\N::.$'r:::ti;.,':•t:•v:i:•:;.j:r}'':${:Y.•;ti{•,:;;i' '•. \`:
„`\4` :Nv:••,yN;:;F;}:•}i:�1$<jfr3} �:j:•,:i$':}••:?i'{•}}Y •.v;vnni.?.nii:�,r `\` ` . \`
::\"` ;.t•,4i,>i::Y?i:.}{,:::•:•:::.+..:{.}.{+;•}:{.};:•' ::.:•'{:w`:•`,:}i';?{df'�:.lrl :.i.{•:.:}::•: 'n:,.:,.:;??. •:.:.,:r, :.v:r,.• 4 \\\ +
•����\ ' .} o:{•:\.;,.,{ {.:.:j?,,v,,:;{,$...;.•.4}'F.;r:?}ri?:?'?:::'`:$:'rM1';'' i': ''r:}j:{d ... . : ..}.f. {•,.. �.;j.,. \��::�
\" .}'+:':+.',..,n..t+tel: ;;}}::'::.,y;4l.;;n;. f" :lti'}+:�'1•:}:'}ill J:4f:4•lK:p.{•1 �\��
„`\`:: •v';;,r:Vi'i9•.•:.iss?r:.,.::S:ri+i'r::54.'�i,:{.:x:J::•:'•{:.$i{nt:. v' 'J: ':^vi"i•i:h?:•:+::`r'•�. 'Y i':•"`ii: `:\• : \:
''ti:�•vvU.'}^'.;Y✓'{::j:+:t.j:ti.'•::.:•:::'::'v'::C•:tryi:${}j•::+:::::?d:$:tr. :.: •'�'.•.iv',�::tji;:; .f}?�?j•S$iiv\?:i1M1{•4 }7C�:>\
'':{.L•. Ftj;}::}:;:::::f•;;:%::$•:•>:•:.:i:•:>^:vitt•{:.I.':,.y;. :.; }..::J,,C .;,M1:/,.y'::,r::;,}:`ti• .'Yy:::ni'L '` \`
`..\y::{` +.4.;x{r.•9Ffry,.4'!»i:,:{':':t::.4'F}1;.:$•Y;'tinnf¢{4.,•:l4r ,tr: 7✓, 'j:;�;.}ti{, $$:h jU;,�,y ... ...
::tS ? :}^{.�/,.;.�;;:,:ti::is^•.;}$:,{{ry}iF,.:h>'fr}}$$:4, + :ri'h: w:.\t}n++:. >' w:h•n
a \'::�:: n:?:?:$::1{:�{:�::;:ti{:Y?i::}:::'r'.•{SM;>' :::}''' '•$:$4,4,0?•''.�+ii$•>^,v x ••{'} :\�
\ '•:Y.}:fji n'•:';}{.:S j'tv.:.+.• ^.$+ 4 hiF`Ji}•" LVM:{:• :?•4'
;`� •W?;,ii•4.}i':::v.+,}'r,:i.$:.::. ::>;:v. n• t:v. ,{:}`4}:h.!{::tii
,r. j.}?i'? y 4l:..\h.:yHv.+.yX' F•4Y.R\ }4iti>.:$:v •
��` p.r ;$tis':::::: .::}>;.}::: .,.2'v 2•'>$n }a.'F!'•2: ,,'$''.?' �";
;..,i:5•t't:$?;Y:t4L:''Y•?:•:{:::{' ,l: }r\.:.{Ut•}. pp:;i4'�ry�•W}{:,, ��:\`
� ::v.;••:•'?••:::nJ.?•.n}h:}.} 4+ �.'{N:;.:}l}:vY.•}. \:ij.}:4vti++\s \ `
•*••:.\;:\i;::iti; �i:;4„?Y 1.4:}4R:i.:i:;{�: '$\':\{,�':2'ni�}� '��{ \�
����1` $:l•j. . ,;f.N\r�tV:'V•:: k}?.,rV�V„rM+\'. +^IX• }':,'t,;,”
.ii;iy}'•:.•::.:{'i: ..¢x'v::.:`�(li;:r:::w�' moi;kni'{\i'hF.•}} •iY:C+:: \
•' • Z Y.�4'A 4�VI•;,• :;�:?•:iry;;4\($} ,+l•�'�?'"''V{jJ'.M14yV;4.h�\.;' �11n '
\ jYY.`,•y�, $.. : htJh$ ' 4\ •{:::}•`'�? 'iV:$i,.;y.$t•�. }t:+?,lh: "
\` },�:hj�.}:\.;�ly':y 4" i�y:4\i rY+:i•.l;{r r}Y'`S:"h,: '4{•lF q`\;;�
�
In,
Lq�',}{; Nff::;:nih.,� ;$:p;;j:'rh?;Y•.>::?;t.},;,1:::8�{.t,'.i;\;+... tit• ''::n�F}{ {
�\" ::\w, tvl}f � il;::?\:}•:.•}�n}. 4 4:\� \v{:�'?+ :•4.1.'
eipiA �?*
fill
Bgi " SANTA ROSA STREET t all ® + .
go
21 1
MMHELL PARK CTW Of
r -
g YASTEN PLAN cAn Ime, micnJ
ATTAMM2
IF-
i i ;il. A
............. '�'�.� 1
I � L,� I � �� I i t'A' � t z v l l-
R,-
Ali
..........
AMA-
w'1 1 1 ••� v�„ Y.. � \ r -. ,` •' ,<•� it .-�� � � •F„. Y GS.I \ "- r ? rt
,�!, � •, + r� :�"C v. � � /r7�` .�.... � :'�Y . v t..�f� ^•r rfr, 't( .
yy�� S c '+ -r n � 1 1 • ar � i H
-r;l�` +fi't '� ra.t;��ir� � l � �r.��tv � ey -�.n I 1".. � �,;-.i,� ' M1Y t^. `°»Y y+vJ �r} R •
fir, � r',�- � r .` � ' u *,r t r '�'-'•+ �` ` w°
/ xry, rV`. r'. � �. r�r r /� f , .• J, ± �-L • •r i r'4 /y $ i i� 7� 1.IT.,moi. t^.
e � / it .+ .�_ v t• �. G` \4`�' i-n� .r r r: 1 »a .2 �Z+r� r
p�r7.`\ T i+: � .x> ��. Pf 1}��'V?st •+fv.Y� '.' / J �r " �5 � � 7 4�w. �•Yt
��+lJ"�y'R a � i � `. ( -•� � �" l •. 4 j F� i a ' J 'as' v^tr j� r v'. t
~ � J+q,'� 1 �to r'f J ..v ry ` � ^ r' - � • r r
Yl
Pon
so
�� • arM�
—li • ti � -.� '� y ^.1,.'11l Z r�-1 ':7� a µ �ti r 1ir`�w'Qryy�', n h �,y�.
q
1
t
'{'f �t ����� � � ��� r- � •fir, � �. ��p.,
�^",..-:sem'-�� 7 ��• `' 'I�'1
i
..,"t 1.•a� 7
�, r \a- ,ma�yy,,,, .•rte � t +�v4 „� �.
i� �o "+°'� '`'�Y�—�:r. •C a X29
y
r3 '�"L a'„_.y2 r9��`kr•s'�:.�"� � �'k� �'��q p� .u y,. •� .S"���y�,.�..w�. �..�.y.
-t 'str_�eT-. ,,8' W yw ;i., . �, >, B � TVA _ �wr?,► { fel
F�riJ' 0 4 �_•. 3��j,,���r���� �o �¢.l"�`?+'ap..�-r.. •�� +�µ„p�sx :-,�yy^�,�{F'�.' � �,F
5-11
MACHMENT3
�������►�►����� �►� � city of
san luis oi.mspo
990 Palth Stfeet a San Luis Obispo,CA 93401
Notice Requesting Proposals for
San Luis Obispo downtown_ Public Artwork related to the Higuera Bridge
Repair
Specification no. 99504A
The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking local artists to submit public artwork proposals for
downtown San Luis Obispo. The artwork is envisioned to be located in the vicinity of the
Higuera Bridge Repair project to be constructed during Summer and Fall 2000. The city has
$33,730 budgeted for the design and fabrication of artwork.. The bridge project involves the
repair of the existing bridge under Higuera Street running from just east of Osos Street to Court
Street and the construction of new sidewalks with bulb outs,. Proposals must be received by.
3:00 p.m. on February 3, 2000 at the City of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department, 955
Morro Street, San Luis Obispo.
Proposals will be opened publicly. Proposals received after said time will not be considered.
A pre-proposal conference will be held on Higuera Street at Court Street on January 6, 2000 at 10
a.m. to answer any questions prospective artists may have regarding the City's request for
proposals.
Proposal guidelines and additional information may be obtained by contacting Greg Zocher at
(805) 781-7200.
5 ' I �
ATTACHMER3
Introduction
The City of San Luis Obispo is designing plans to repair a 90-year-old bridge under Higuera
Street in the vicinity of Osos and Court Streets. This project has been identified to include a
public art component. The project is planned for construction during the summer and: fall of
2000. This proposal seeks an artist to design a public art component or components for this
project. The decision regarding which artist will receive the award for this project will be made
by the City Council based on a recommendation by the selection committee and approval of the
Architectural Review Commission. The artist may include their signature in the artwork or a
separate plaque may be affixed.
Higuera Street Bridge repairs. This project involves the "under city culvert" bridge that
crosses under Higuera Street east of Osos Street .and then continues below Higuera Street
westerly under the northerly sidewalk, parking lane and first traffic lane to Court Street where the
bridge turns and runs under "Mo's Smokehouse Bar-B-Q". Most of the project is below the
grade of the street. The surface of the street will be refinished and new sidewalks will be
constructed where disturbed by the bridge repair activity. There will be some changes in the
sidewalk design such as bulb outs at the corners and widening along the Court Street Parking Lot
on Higuera Street. The adjacent parking lot at the corner of Osos and Higuera will have internal
circulation modifications. Since the status of the parking lot is considered temporary any artwork
proposed for this project should not be placed within the public parking lot itself.
While the artwork is being installed in conjunction with this project, it does not necessarily have
to relate directly to the bridge. The artwork should reflect the character and atmosphere of the
downtown. The artist is encouraged to consider incorporating his work into the streetscape either
by way of work imbedded into the sidewalk, street, a part of the street fixtures, such as benches,
lighting, drinking fountains, or in any way that would be appropriate. Issues of traffic and
pedestrian safety, City liability, and maintenance would be a part of the artists and City's
consideration prior to proposing or approving any proposal. Public Art guidelines encourage
artwork that recalls the history of the area. More than one project may be proposed.
Technical issues
The materials used on the artwork shall be low maintenance, durable and vandal resistant. The
artwork must meet code and public safety requirements. Proposals that do not address these
concerns will be disqualified. Project concepts should be reviewed with Mike Bertaccini, City
Permit Engineer, 781-7201, prior to submittal. Note that objects placed within the sidewalk must
have minimal headroom under them of 2.13 meters (7'0") and over the public street of 4.57
meters (15'0"). Structures shall have support foundations and support members designed by a
registered engineer. No sharp or hazardous material may be used. Sidewalks shall have
horizontal clearances as required by the Americans With Disabilities Act. The artist will be
required to provide information to the City prior to installation of the work to assist the City in
installation, and future maintenance. Information will cover the materials, finish, method of
fabrication, methods of handling, moving, and installation, how the work will be effected by the
environment, and what needs to be done to insure that it is not damaged by the environment.
sm lues OBISPO Apt in puBhc pUces ppOcpam
l 5 -13
2 01 : 17 AM P. 031
,r AnACHM
ferromioblu,.
Dear Art Enthusiasts,
We are pleased to present our concepts for this project in downtown San Luis Obispo. The
Art in Public Places program is an essential building block of the rich cultural profile of our
oommunity;a modern addition to the Legacy that includes the 1Vfission Plaza,our street trees,the
Obispo Beautiful program and the Thursday night Panner's Market.
As we considered our approach to this project~three gnidin#principles emerged. First,
what i"s the function of the dowtttowa,and how will our concept fit ta7 We felt it important to
enrich the experience of ail visitors,but especially that of pedestrians. We wanted to have an
impact on people walking by on their way to work as well as those that may sit while enjoying
their lunch. This concept needs to work every day and be useful during events like the Farmer's
Market and the various parades and festivals hosted in our downtown.
Our next consideration was pragmatic.Why not design something that contributes to the
cultural profile while also being useful to a variety of circumstances, This is a high usage area with
no sites for figurative art. Street furniture can have good design and dynamically contribute to its
setting.
Lastly,we wanted our work to relate to it's surroundings. There is, after all,a creek
flowing stealthily beneath_ the site. That creek and the project site are in the midst of many beautiful
and historic architectural icons,which are in turn bracketed by our treasured sheltering mountains.
The abstract quality of ow design is meant to be more evocative than representational. The
layering of articulation provides interest to someone viewing from across the sheet,as well as
those who will want to run their hand across the curves.
The design of the benches brought forth its own set of conditions. We chose materials,
details and finishes that make the benches sturdy and require little maintenance.The muted color
palette we've chosen represents the various elements,while presenting a coordinated composition.
We've chosen the color-blue as the unifying element in our composition to portray water's
importance in all of our lives.
We believe this concept represents good value. We are also confident that our budget
categories are realistic,including installation When measured against the body of work we've
completed in and around San Luis Obispo this project would be our largest. When compared to
je public,civic and co orate art we've completed throughout the state and westem region,it is
t'tehad a budget of
80,000.00 and utilized 13$,000 lbs. of steel. We are well versed in the nature of committees,
work well with governing agencies,are familiar with ADA requirements and Universal Building
Codes. In the 23 year;we've been practicing our craft,you Would be hard pressed to rind
dissatisfied customers or unsuccessful projects. Our concept represents good design, good value,
and our company is well equipped to complete this project.
We are d=MW for the opportunity to compete in this program. We are excited with our
concept,and believe it is well developed. We arc always open to input, with this instance being no
exception. Thank you for your consideration,and for your efforts to improve our community.
Best Regards,
Allen Root
p,o. box 288
son Luis obispo
c9ifomia
phone:80 .M4.7960 93406 Fe"Mobiusefix.Ret