File #: 14-173    Version: 1 Name: Richard Pryor Statue
Type: Action Item Status: Adopted
File created: 4/14/2014 In control: City Council
On agenda: 4/22/2014 Final action: 4/22/2014
Title: Communication from the City Manager with a Request to Accept an Offer from the AFRICAN AMERICAN HALL OF FAME to Lend the City, for Placement at the Corner of State Street and Washington Street, a Statue of RICHARD PRYOR. (1st Council District)
Indexes: Goal 4 - Grow Peoria, Reinvest in neighborhoods
Attachments: 1. Pryor Statute Offer, 2. Proposed Statue Location, 3. State-Washington Street Design
ACTION REQUESTED:  
Title
Communication from the City Manager with a Request to Accept an Offer from the AFRICAN AMERICAN HALL OF FAME to Lend the City, for Placement at the Corner of State Street and Washington Street, a Statue of RICHARD PRYOR. (1st Council District)
 
Body
BACKGROUND:  The African American Hall of Fame has commissioned local artist Preston Jackson to create a bronze sculpture depicting and honoring legendary Peoria comedian Richard Pryor.  More information on the project can be found here: www.facebook.com/RichardPryorSculptureProject <http://www.facebook.com/RichardPryorSculptureProject>.  The statue is about 7½ feet tall and would be mounted on a 4 foot tall pedestal.
 
Over the past few weeks, the committee working on this project has been investigating potential locations for installation.  They have formally offered to lend the City the statue for installation at the corner of State Street and Washington Street.  A copy of the group's offer as well as a location map is attached.  This location was identified within the Warehouse District street projects as a "pocket park" and an area set aside for a public art installation.  The placement of this statue has been reviewed by City staff, which found no issues with the idea.
 
The African American Hall of Fame is seeking Council approval for this location so that it can begin its fundraising campaign.  The hope would be to raise the necessary funds so that the piece could be installed later in 2014.
 
FINANCIAL IMPACT:  None.  The African American Hall of Fame has pledged to raise all of the funds necessary to commission and install this art work.  All maintenance will be paid for by the group, as well as any repairs from damage or vandalism.  As an installment in the public right-of-way, any liability stemming from the statue's placement would be covered by the City's liability insurance.  This coverage does not include the cost of any repairs to the statue.  
 
The installation will increase pedestrian traffic in the area and the overall vitality of the Warehouse District.
 
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS:  While this particular piece of art has not been discussed in an official manner, the Warehouse District streetscape improvements have envisioned this area as a location for public art.  The idea was mentioned at a meeting of the Downtown Advisory Commission and was well received.
      
IMPACT IF APPROVED: The African American Hall of Fame will begin its fundraising efforts and the statue will be placed later this year.
 
IMPACT IF DENIED:  The statue will not be placed in this location.
 
ALTERNATIVES:  The City Council could ask the African American Hall of Fame to select another location.
 
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: Not applicable.
 
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL'S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
 
1. Vibrant Downtown: Riverfront/ Central Business District/ Warehouse District      
 
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
 
1. Reinvest in neighborhoods.      
 
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office