ACTION REQUESTED:
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Communication from the City Manager with a Request to Accept a DONATION from NORMA and GEORGE KOTTEMANN, through the PEORIA ART GUILD, of a SCULPTURE to be Placed in the Center of the Roundabout at Washington Street and Harrison Street (District 1).
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BACKGROUND: In designing the new roundabout at the intersection of Washington Street and Harrison Street, the center has always been planned as a potential location for public art. Norma and George Kotteman have offered to donate a sculpture, specifically commissioned for this space, to the City of Peoria. The piece, created by Illinois artist Bruce White, is entitled "Portal" and would serve a transition piece between downtown and the Warehouse District. A rendering of the sculpture, along with the artist's statement and biography, is attached.
Mr. and Mrs. Kottemann are underwriting the $50,000 cost for this sculpture. They are seeking donations from patrons of the arts to offset their pledge. These donations are being run through the Peoria Art Guild so as to be tax deductible. Any pledges made in excess of $50,000 will be placed in a maintenance fund for the work.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Minimal. As a donation, the City would actually own this piece of art and would be responsible for its care. Like other works of art owned by the City (including the "Love Has No Caste" sculpture in City Hall), the piece would be listed on the statement of assets for insurance purposes. This additional is not likely to increase any costs, but would be nearly negligible if so. The funds raised will be sufficient to cover the cost of installation. The City may consider installing some lighting around the sculpture. Maintenance should be a minimal cost, and as noted above, might be covered by excess pledges.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: While this particular piece of art has not been discussed in an official manner, the Washington Street 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 Kottemann family will begin their fundraising effort and commission the work.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The sculpture will not be placed in this location.
ALTERNATIVES: The City could seek a different piece or decide not to place a piece of art within the roundabout.
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