Title
Recommendation to Approve the Attached Resolution and Conditions Approving the “Musician” Public Art Proposal (Exhibit 1)
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Public Art Commission
BACKGROUND
In 2023, the Planning Board held a public hearing to consider a Use Permit to allow adaptive reuse of an existing commercial property, formerly a tire repair shop, as a tavern use with a commercial kitchen, an outdoor seating area with live music events, new perimeter fencing, and extended hours of operation until 11:00 pm located on a 0.29-acre site at 1200 Park Street.
The tavern use consists of an approximately 1,300 square foot restaurant that is operated by Southie which has been operating in Oakland’s Rockridge District for over a decade. The main building contains the 4,300 square foot tap house serving independent craft beers and a variety of wines. The tavern facility provides restaurant dining and a tap room with a family friendly, dog friendly environment. An existing storage shed between the two buildings was replaced with a new structure for the restrooms for the facility.
The tenant improvements include the installation of aluminum and glass roll-up doors, folding doors, lighting, signage, fencing, awnings, landscaping and more. Pursuant to the City of Alameda’s Public Art Ordinance (Alameda Municipal Code Section 30-98), per the tenant improvement valuation of $1,200,000, 1200 Park Street has a public art requirement of $12,000. 1200 Park Street has elected to deliver On-Site Art to satisfy this requirement and has retained artist Demitrius Omphroy to deliver the artwork.
At tonight’s meeting, the Public Art Commission (PAC) will review the on-site public art application for the proposed art “Musician” by artist Demitrius Omphroy.
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. Omphroy’s artist resume is extensive and includes artwork of a similar design and scale. Staff finds that Mr. Omphroy has 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 is painted on the south side of the Park Station property on a roll up garage door on the 2407 San Jose Avenue building. Of note, the garage door is opened periodically during deliveries and evening removal of waste, thus concealing the mural when open. The proposed mural is 7 feet wide by 8 feet high. While the garage door remains closed, the proposed artwork has ample visibility for motorists, passing pedestrians, and bicyclists. Staff finds the proposed artwork compatible with the surrounding environment.
The proposed on-site artwork is durable and cost-effective to maintain using ordinary methods of maintenance.
The artwork consists of UV-resistant paints and protective sealants appropriate for coastal Bay Area conditions which allows for ordinary methods of maintenance. On-going dusting of the entire mural surface with a soft, dry microfiber cloth or feather duster coupled with annual cleaning with a mild soap solution are the primary requirements. The proposed artwork has an expected lifetime of 15 years. The ownership of this artwork would remain with the developer, 1200 Park Street LLC and they would perform regular maintenance, which would be cost-effective using ordinary methods.
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 job valuation for the Park Station tenant improvements is $1,200,000, making the 1% Public Art Requirement $12,000. The proposed artwork is valued at $8,000 which does not satisfy 100% of 1200 Park Street LLC’s Public Art Requirement. 1200 Park Street LLC will deposit the remaining $4,000 into the Public Art Fund to satisfy the full $12,000 Public Art Requirement for the tenant improvements at 1200 Park Street.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the attached resolution and conditions approving the “Musician” public art proposal.
Respectfully submitted,
Dwayne Dalman, Economic Development Manager
By,
Jackie Keliiaa, Development Manager, Secretary
Exhibits:
Exhibit 1 - Musician Public Art Application