Title
PLN16-0425 - Public Art Proposal - 1625 Buena Vista Avenue - Applicant: City of Alameda Fire Department. Public hearing to consider a proposed memorial at the front of the new fire station no. 3 (facing Hibbard Street), consisting of an Alameda firefighter’s memorial plinth and benches surrounding a firefighter sculpture and other associated ground improvements to create a small plaza. This project is determined to be Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines Section 15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures.
Body
CITY OF ALAMEDA
Memorandum
To: Honorable Chair and
Members of the Public Art Commission
From: Allen Tai,
Secretary to the Public Art Commission
Date: August 31, 2016
RE: PLN16-0425 - Public Art Proposal - 1625 Buena Vista Avenue - Applicant: City of Alameda Fire Department. Public hearing to consider a proposed memorial at the front of the new fire station no. 3 (facing Hibbard Street), consisting of an Alameda firefighter’s memorial plinth and benches surrounding a firefighter sculpture and other associated ground improvements to create a small plaza. This project is determined to be Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines Section 15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures.
BACKGROUND
The Public Art Commission (PAC) is responsible for approving public art proposals for development projects that qualify under the Public Art Ordinance (Alameda Municipal Code Section 30-65). Per the Public Art Ordinance, a public art proposal must be approved prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the development project.
The proposed art is for the new Fire Station No. 3 and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located along Buena Vista Avenue between Hibbard Street and Grand Street (1625 Buena Vista Avenue and 1809 Grand Street, respectively). Staff is requesting that the Public Art Commission consider the public art proposal for the new Fire Station No. 3.
DISCUSSION
Proposal Summary:
The proposed art is a firefighter’s memorial plaza, consisting of an Alameda firefighter’s memorial plinth and bench seating surrounding a firefighter sculpture. The memorial plaza is located at the front of the fire station on Hibbard Street. The plaza covers an area of approximately 17’ x 17’ with associated ground decorations that includes the Maltese Cross, which is a firefighter’s badge of honor, at the center of the plaza in tinted concrete. At the center of the cross is a sculpture featuring a firefighter’s bust in a grieving position. Surrounding the Maltese Cross and the center sculpture are four benches and a memorial plinth. The firefighter sculpture, coat and helmet will be cast bronze, and the plinth will be constructed of sheet metal. (Exhibit 1).
Art Budget:
Pursuant to the Public Art Ordinance, private and municipal developments with building development costs of $250,000 or more must devote an amount not less than one percent of such costs for public art on the development site, capped at a maximum of $150,000. New building construction costs for the fire station and EOC was valued at $6.3 million, so its obligation is $63,000. The artist’s proposed budget for the art installation is approximately $124,500, which exceeds the project’s art obligation (Exhibit 2). Upon completion of the art installation, the Fire Department is required to keep on file final receipts and verification of the expenditures.
Program Criteria:
In reviewing and approving public art proposals, the Public Art Commission must ensure that the proposed art project complies with the following program criteria, in bold, established by the Public Art Ordinance, as follows:
Inherent Artistic Quality - The artistic or conceptual merit of the public art proposals, independent of other considerations. Based upon a review of the application, staff finds that the proposal exhibits inherent artistic quality and is consistent with the objectives and goals of the public art ordinance.
Context - Works of art must be compatible in scale, material, form and content with its surroundings. Consideration should be given to the architectural, historical, geographical and social/cultural context of the site. The proposed public art concept is inspired by local fire fighter history. The firefighter’s memorial theme is very appropriate for these new civic buildings. The proposed art is also unique and different from the art proposals in recent years, which have been predominantly portrayals of Alameda’s modern history. Furthermore, the placement of the memorial at Hibbard Street and Buena Vista Avenue anticipates both pedestrian and automobile traffic along Buena Vista Avenue, which would enhance the streetscape. Staff finds the proposal well-conceived and consistent with the surrounding environment.
Media - All forms of public art may be considered. Works may be either portable or permanently attached. A real example of the artist’s work is available in the form of the Alameda Police Department’s memorial. The proposed art will be created in similar material and appearance. Staff finds that the proposed art is high quality, durable, and overall consistent with the intent of the Public Art Ordinance. The expression of art in the form of permanent sculptures surrounded by garden landscaping is also appropriate for a civic setting in close proximity to residences. The proposed concept and placement of the art also relate to the physical environment and maximize public enjoyment.
Permanence - Due consideration shall be given to the structural and surface soundness, and to inherent resistance to theft, vandalism and weathering. The art project is intended for long-term durability. The materials require simple maintenance and resistant to theft, vandalism and weathering. The installation’s placement along the public right-of-way allows for easy maintenance.
Ability to Maintain - Significant consideration shall be given to the cost of on-going maintenance and repair anticipated, and the applicant's ability to provide adequate maintenance. The proposed artwork will be maintained and protected by the Fire Department and the Public Works Maintenance staff, as required by the conditions of approval. The bronze metal is extremely durable and requires only minimal maintenance annually with a wet rag and when necessary, with soap. Occasionally waxing of the bronze can extend the life of the patina. Special cleanser and solvents are not necessary and should not be used.
Public Safety and Accessibility - Each work shall be evaluated to ensure that it does not present a hazard to public safety and complies with all applicable building codes and accessibility requirements. As proposed, the project will not present a hazard to public safety. Installation of the artwork will require issuance of building permits, specifically for any ground-laid lighting and electrical components. The building permit plan check process will ensure that the final construction details of the project will comply with all codes and safety regulations.
Diversity - The City is committed to acquiring public art that reflects its diverse cultural communities and perspectives. Innovative work as well as established art forms shall be encouraged. The proposed art is the very first public art project with a civic theme commemorating Alameda firefighters. The proposed art plaza and sculptures represent an established art form.
Feasibility - Proposed works shall be evaluated for feasibility and factors to be considered include, but are not limited to: project budget, timeline, artist’s experience, soundness of materials, City approval requirements, and level of community support. The project is feasible and achievable. Due to the location of the art in front of the building, construction and installation of the art plaza will occur at least six months after completion and occupancy of the fire station. Staff anticipates the public art to be well-received by the community because it will reinforce the local pride and appreciation for those who risk their lives for public safety in Alameda.
Duplication - To assure that the public art is a fine art product, the artist will be asked to warrant that the work is unique. Staff finds that the proposed artwork is unique and qualifies as a fine art product. The proposed firefighter’s memorial represents an individually-made and unique work of art in Alameda.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This public art installation is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines Section 15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Property owners and residents within 300 feet of the project’s boundaries were notified of the public hearing and given the opportunity to review and comment on the proposal.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the attached draft Resolution and conditions approving the Fire Station No. 3 and EOC project public art proposal PLN16-0425 (Exhibit 2).
Respectfully Submitted,
Allen Tai
Secretary to the Public Art Commission
Exhibits:
1. Public Art Submittal
2. Draft Resolution