Title
Recommendation to Approve the Attached Resolution and Conditions Approving the “MAKING WAVES” Public Art Proposal
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Public Art Commission
BACKGROUND
In 2016, Alameda Point Redevelopers (APR) submitted an application for development plan, design review and master use permit approval for an approximately 270,000 square foot existing historic building on an approximately 4.07 acre site located at 2350 Saratoga Street in the Naval Air Station Alameda (NAS Alameda) Historic District within Alameda Point. A Historical Advisory Board hearing was held and the Planning Board approved the application. The development, now called Storehouse Lofts, boasts 274,234 square feet of commercial and work/live spaces.
Pursuant to the City of Alameda’s Public Art Ordinance (Alameda Municipal Code Section 30-98), the project developer, APR, is required to install $150,000 in public art at the Storehouse Lofts development. December 16, 2024, APR deposited $150,000 into escrow where the funds will be held until said on-site art is delivered by July 20, 2026. Should APR fail to deliver the on-site art within the agreed timeline, the $150,000 will be forfeited and deposited into the Public Art Fund for future Public Art. In light of the escrow deposit, there shall be no hold on Certificate(s) of Occupancy for Storehouse Lofts. In order to satisfy the public art requirement, APR is proposing an art installation at the corner of West Ranger Avenue and Saratoga Street in Alameda Point.
At tonight’s meeting, the Public Art Commission (PAC) will review the on-site public art application for the proposed art “MAKING WAVES” by artist and Storehouse Lofts developer, Jonah Hendrickson.
DISCUSSION
The PAC is responsible for reviewing and approving public art proposals to ensure compliance with the following program criteria established by the Public Art Ordinance:
The artist has demonstrated qualifications to complete the proposed on-site artwork with the highest professional standards.
Mr. Hendrickson’s resume and examples of previous work demonstrate the experience and qualifications required to complete the proposed artwork to the highest professional standards.
There is sufficient public visibility and accessibility to the on-site artwork, and the proposed on-site artwork is compatible with and harmonious with the development project and surrounding environment.
The proposed artwork would be located near the corner of West Ranger Avenue and Saratoga Street in Alameda Point. This location would provide ample visibility for passing pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. As a feature in Alameda Point, “MAKING WAVES” reflects its surrounding environment and history. It tells the story of women in aviation and their contribution to our Nation’s war time efforts and our City’s Naval Air history.
The proposed on-site artwork is durable and cost-effective to maintain using ordinary methods of maintenance.
The proposed bronze sculpture would be durable, with an expected lifetime of 50+ years. The ownership of this artwork would remain with the developer, Alameda Point Redevelopers, and they would perform regular maintenance, which would be cost-effective using ordinary methods. Bronze has been used in other public artwork in Alameda, and there are no particular maintenance or durability problems identified to-date.
The budget for the proposed on-site artwork and any in-lieu fees proposed by the applicant is equivalent to or exceeds the required program allocation.
The budget for the proposed artwork ($150,000) would satisfy 100% of APR’s public art requirement for the Storehouse Lofts development.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the attached resolution and conditions approving the “MAKING WAVES” public art proposal.
Respectfully submitted,
Dwayne Dalman, Economic Development Manager
By,
Jackie Keliiaa, Development Manager, Secretary
Exhibits:
1. MAKING WAVES Public Art Application