Title
Artist Contract for State Route 303 Public Art Project (Ordinance S-50296)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract with Eric Powell for an amount not to exceed $80,000 for the design and installation of artwork for the State Route 303 Public Art Project.
Report
Summary
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-28 Public Art Plan includes a project to integrate public art into the State Route 303 Improvement Project from Lake Pleasant Parkway to I-17. The project, a partnership between the City of Phoenix, the Maricopa Association of Governments, and the Arizona Department of Transportation, adds additional traffic lanes in each direction, new traffic interchanges at I-17, 43rd Avenue, and 51st Avenue, and bridges to accommodate a future interchange at 67th Avenue in District 1. The public art enhancements will be integrated into traffic interchanges at 67th Avenue and I-17. Enhancements will be cast cement reliefs and may be included on traffic interchange bridge piers, abutments, safety barriers, and other site improvements.
Using a qualified vendor list, a three-person selection committee recommended Eric Powell based on his demonstrated two-dimensional design skills that would translate well into cement rustications and his demonstrated ability to work closely with design teams and involve the community meaningfully. The selection panel included Myesha Harris, Special Project Administrator, City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department; Joe Diaz, City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Deputy Director; Eric Wilson, Horticulturist, City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department.
Financial Impact
The State Route 303 Public Art Project is one of 42 projects in the FY 2023-28 Public Art Plan that the City Council approved on July 3, 2023. The proposed $80,000 will cover all costs related to the design and construction oversight of the artwork, including the artist’s time working with city staff, project consultants, and the local community to produce a complete and buildable design. Additional funding in the Plan for this project will cover staff time, contingency, and administrative costs. Funding is available in the Public Art Program using Arizona Highway User Revenue funds.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Phoenix Arts and Culture Commission reviewed and recommended approval of this item on Sept. 12, 2023, by a vote of 12-0 and one abstention. The Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee reviewed and approved this item by a 4-0 vote at its Oct. 11, 2023 meeting.
Location
Traffic interchanges at 67th Avenue and I-17
Council District: 1
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson and the Office of Arts and Culture.