H.   COMMITTEE REPORTS (discussion items)

1.   Planning and Development Committee, March 18, 2004

a.   Town Hall Campus Gateway Public Art Project (PR04-31)
Committee unanimously recommended approval of items 2-4 of staff’s recommendation and recommended forwarding items 1 and 5 to Council for discussion.

In August 2002 Council designated the corner of Chapel Hill Road and Academy Street as the location for a gateway sculpture for the Town Hall campus and directed staff to work with Cary Visual Art on developing a plan for this project.

In January 2003, Council authorized a partnership with Cary Visual Art to contract with an artist for the planning phase of this project.  Council agreed to fund 50% of this $30,000 planning costs with CVA providing the other 50%.  At the same time, Council endorsed the concept of integrating public art with other components of the Town Hall expansion.  Subsequently, Catherine Widgery was selected as the artist to develop a plan for both the gateway piece and other opportunities for integrated art on the campus.

In October 2003, staff provided an update to Council on the progress of this project including the results of Ms. Widgery’s initial meetings with staff, CVA and the public. Total cost for the project was estimated to be in the range of $250,000 to $300,000 with CVA continuing to partner with the Town to provide 50% of the funding for the project.

Throughout the course of the planning process, Ms. Widgery has made six visits to Cary and conducted 3 Public Meetings to obtain citizen input into the development of the design concept (September 25, November 19, 2003 and March 2, 2004 ). Public notice announcements and advertisements for the public meetings appeared in Cary News, The News & Observer and The Independent Weekly.  The three meetings were attended by over 100 citizens with positive feedback. 

With each visit to Cary , the artist met with Town Staff (Planning, Engineering, PRCR, and Public Works), Public Art Advisory Board members, Town Hall Campus Gateway Committee members, and Cary Visual Art Board and members.

The Public Art Advisory Board established a list of priorities for public art opportunities at Town Hall campus and these were shared with the artist. Some of the opportunities were considered but because of the need not to delay the construction schedule they were eliminated from final consideration.  The artist focused on the priorities that were possible and presented the design concept for the project at the public meeting on March 2, 2004 . 

As a result of the planning process and with input from the public meetings, encouragement from the Public Art Advisory Board and CVA, the artist has proposed four major components for this project. 

The proposed four public art components are listed below as areas A, B, C and D.  Each area is a component of the project titled, “Gates of Light.”  For an understanding of Ms. Widgery’s approach to the design please, see the attached Artist’s Design Summary.

Area A:  Monumental sculpture at the corner of Academy Street and Chapel Hill Road

This is the main component of “Gates of Light.”  It is made up of 100 perforated stainless steel columns set out in an overlapping spiral pattern.  Red brick paths lead to the central area emphasizing the formal pattern.  At the center, a stainless steel cutout of the base of a loblolly pine cone is embedded into the concrete circle.  At night each column is individually illuminated. The artist is working with staff to identify locations for benches at the site that will complement the design.

The designated site for the sculpture is at the rear of the Herb Young Community Center and is currently bisected by a large drainage swale.  Originally the sculpture was planned for the area between the swale and Chapel Hill Road .  Upon further study much of this area would be affected by potential road widening so staff began investigating the possibility of filling the swale.  In consultation with Engineering and Planning it has been determined that it is feasible to fill the swale. Preliminary cost estimate for this work is $35,190. There are additional advantages to this approach.  The original plans for the community center had anticipated a patio behind the building.  Doors still lead from the main lobby of the community center to this location but the area is blocked by hedges and not used.  By filling the swale, the gateway sculpture will be readily accessible from the HYCC and the entire area will become more inviting to the Town Hall campus. 

            Art and installation costs:  $344,065 (includes costs for filling the swale)

Area B:  Stone Seating

In response to input from the public meetings and from the Public Art Advisory Board, Ms. Widgery recommended a complementary sculptural element at the other main corner of the Town Hall Campus near the intersection of Ambassador Loop and Academy Street .  This area has been designed as a seating component made up of massive local granite stones set beneath the trees near the pedestrian path to provide a shady location for visitors to the campus.  The stones are shaped like the spaces in between the design of the columns found at the other corner. 

            Art and installation costs: $37,087

Area C:  Glass Walled Bridge

This area is a prime opportunity to integrate art into an already planned architectural component. This is the glass walled bridge that links the parking area behind building D and the main entrance to the Town Hall complex.  The glass for the bridge is already a part of the project and the artists has proposed to etch the main design element to significantly enhance this prominent feature of the new building. Each of the two walls is approximately 39” high and 99’ long.  The railings of the bridge contain lighting which illuminates the patterns in the glass. 

            Art and installation costs:  $31,498.80

Due to the construction schedule for installation of this glass on the bridge this aspect of the project must be considered ahead of the other components.  Once the glass is installed, there will not be the opportunity to include the new design.

Because of the time sensitive nature of this aspect of the project, staff was asked to obtain costs for etching all glass railing components inside the Town Hall complex which could be etched at the same time as the outside railing.  Additional cost for this work would be $41,360.80.  Because of these additional cost considerations, staff does not recommend extending the etching inside the building.

Area D:  Bluestone floor paving pattern

This area located inside the entrance corridor of the new main building, is another opportunity for integrated art.  The blue stone paving is already part of the project and the artist has proposed to introduce a subtle echo of the patterns found elsewhere.  The arcs are cut into the existing paving and the colors are exchanged so that the pattern of the arcs is visible.  Staff is continuing to work with the project architects on project costs which will be considered at the time that this component of the construction project is ready to proceed.

Project Summary

The artist has taken a comprehensive approach to the Town Hall Campus Gateway project to produce an overall design concept that provides for both individual sculptural elements and integrated opportunities incorporated into new materials proposed as part of the existing construction plans for the new Town Hall.  In order to accomplish all that is outlined above the total budget projection is $412,651.  Recognizing that his total significantly exceeds the original budget projections, staff has begun conversations with CVA regarding developing additional targeted fund raising opportunities with business partners and the general public to provide additional revenue.

Staff has been working with Public Works to determine long-range maintenance costs for the new work.  Those costs will be available when staff presents this report to the committee.

Discussions have also developed with the artist regarding opportunities to incorporate the main design component into anticipated signage throughout the Town Hall Campus.  In addition, the artist is prepared to provide additional design components for the council chamber in coordination with final construction documents for that area.  Public comment at the March 2 public meeting suggested further uses of the design into various elements (including signage) of the Town Center and throughout Cary (e.g. greenway connections and other wayfinding/identifying signs).

Summary of discussion and recommendations from the Public Art Advisory Board

The Public Art Advisory Board met on March 8 to consider the Town Hall Campus Gateway Project Design Proposal and make its recommendations to Council.  It was reported that the Town Hall Campus Gateway Committee and CVA’s Discovery Committee both endorsed the design of “Gates of Light” and that there be further refinements to the gateway piece at the corner of Chapel Hill Road and Academy Street . 

The Board was reminded that the Public Art Master Plan called for the board to prioritize potential public art projects for inclusion in the Capital Improvement Budget and/or Plan.  Also the board was reminded that the Public Art Master Plan places a higher priority on projects where there is a private funding partner.  The board had prioritized projects at its December 2003 meeting.  At the March 8^th meeting, the board confirmed that this project was still its #1 priority. 

The Board reviewed and discussed all aspects of the proposed design.  It was reported that the project is over the original budget.  Staff indicated that the board should still act on the overall design and staff was prepared to recommend phasing the project.  The Board was receptive to this approach and requested the opportunity to review each phase of the overall project as funding became available.

There was a motion to accept the overall approval of the design, which unanimously passed. 

There was a motion that the board review the project phases as they progress, which unanimously passed.

Discussion continued about the etching of the glass walled bridge and recognition that this was a time sensitive area.  Although the board also recognized the potential opportunities for additional etching of glass railings inside the building, due to budget considerations it felt that any potential additional funding should be reserved for other elements of the project.

There was a motion to recommend that Council immediately appropriate funding for the etching of the outside glass walled bridge as proposed by Catherine Widgery, which unanimously passed. 

There was a motion to support consideration of phased funding for the main gateway sculpture at the corner of Chapel Hill Road and Academy Street ; the bluestone paving of the floor in Building D; and the stone seating area near the corner of Academy Street and Ambassador Loop.  The motion passed unanimously.

Summary of action from CVA regarding continuing its partnership with the Town on this project

At the March 10 meeting of the CVA Board of Directors, the board took the following action:

CVA endorses the design of “Gates of Light” subject to further refinement of the gateway piece at the corner of Chapel Hill Road and Academy Street with the understanding that the project would come before the board for funding approval at each phase.

In addition the board approved the allocation of 50% of the funding for the outside etched glass bridge component as designed by Catherine Widgery.  CVA continues to view the project as a 50-50 partnership between it and the Town.  The board also discussed working with Town staff toward developing additional fund raising strategies to continue to move the project forward.

Area A:
Monumental sculpture at the corner of Academy Street and Chapel Hill Road

Placement of column design

Area A:
Monumental sculpture at the corner of Academy Street and Chapel Hill Road

Placement of column design with paths

Area A:
Monumental sculpture at the corner of Academy Street and Chapel Hill Road

Colored drawing for placement of columns with green grass, red brick pavers as paths, dark grey pavers as square in plaza, stainless steel cut out pine cone design to be placed in the center circle.

Pine cone image

Area A:
To be used in the center of the columns. 
Image will be cut from stainless steel and embedded into the concrete.

Area C:
Image will be used as the center area of each spiral etched design on the glass walled bridge.

Area B:
Stone Seating

Area D:
Bluestone floor paving pattern
Catherine Widgery

Artist Summary:  Gates of Light

The Research:

The creation of Gates of Light has been the product of a unique, in my experience, collaboration between the people of Cary and me as the artist.  During a total of six visits to Cary I learned about the place from talking with people I met and in dialogue during three public meetings.  I traveled around and visited its different neighborhoods, read Around and About Cary which describes in detail the history of this town, saw Caryosity, a film about Cary created by students, even subscribed to Our State, North Carolina’s magazine.  I got topographical maps, old plans of the road systems, geological maps, took walks in the parks, collecting specimens of local plants, even bought the botanical guide to North Carolina.  From my first meetings with residents of Cary , I felt an exceptional openness to ideas, a warmth and positive energy.  It inspired me to stretch myself to come up with a design worthy of this place and people. 

My Mandate:

From my discussions with the public and the staff of Cary Visual Arts and the Town of Cary , the goals of the Town Hall Gateway Project were to create a work which reflected the past, the present and future of this town.  “We want you to make a work that people come to Cary to see.”  So the gesture needed to both bold and universal, a vision that goes beyond a history lesson and speaks to the dynamic and highly sophisticated people who have come to live and work here.

There was also a sense that Cary is on the threshold of important changes.  The new town hall is an expression of a dynamic community. Yet to date, there has been no image that can be associated uniquely with Cary ; there is no consistency in the town signage in terms of graphic imagery that would indicate that “Now we are in Cary ”.  I found this an exciting opportunity to try to find an image that might be able to be used in many different ways and could become associated with Cary perhaps beyond the town campus.  Though I have limited my current proposal to the Town Hall Campus, I felt I could provide a vision that could be considered in a more comprehensive way.

My goal, which I expressed before being selected as the artist to work on this project, was to create several artistic interventions around the campus as part of a single work that would create a cohesive image for the whole campus with its collection of buildings. 

The Concept:

Gates of Light was inspired by Cary ’s link with nature so evident from the moment I arrived, by the past when there had been a loblolly pine forest where the town hall now stands and by the expansive warmth and energy of the people that embraces those who come here.  The growth pattern found throughout nature that appears in the loblolly pine cone is of two spirals that intersect; they both expand outward and embrace.  This simple pattern can be interpreted in so many ways both graphically and in three dimensions; I felt it was an ideal image for Cary . 

Area A:  Monumental sculpture at the corner of Academy Street and Chapel Hill Road

Area A, at the corner of Academy Road and Chapel Hill Road , is the main component of “Gates of Light.”  It is made up of 100 perforated stainless steel columns set out in an overlapping spiral pattern like the one found in the pine cone of the loblolly trees that were once on this site.  Stainless steel square plate “leaves” in spiral lines are welded around the column, catching the light.   These spiral ribbons change in relationship with each other and are seen through the layers of columns.  Red brick paths lead to the central area emphasizing the formal pattern.  At the center, a stainless steel cutout of a loblolly pine cone is embedded into the concrete circle.  It, too, catches the light and will be seen shimmering through the columns as one approaches.    

At night each column is illuminated so it becomes a column of light, a gateway to the town that is both embracing and expanding energy.

Area B:  Stone Seating

Area B is located at the other end of the Town Hall Campus on Academy near the corner of Ambassador Loop.  The massive local granite stones are set beneath the trees near the pedestrian path to provide a shady seating area for visitors to the campus.  The stones are shaped like the spaces in between the lines of the growth pattern found in Area A.  The final surface of the large rocks will have the rough texture of the natural stone on the sides and a “flame finish” smooth surface for sitting on top.  This area is both a sculpture and a seating area and suggests the ordered growth of both nature and the town.  Its weight, mass and organic material is a contrast to the light, tall, airy man-made material at the other corner. 

Area C:  Glass Walled Bridge

Area C is the outside portion of the glass walled bridge that links the parking area behind building D to the main entrance to the Town Hall complex.  Each of the two walls is approximately 39” high and 99’ long.  The growth pattern here is dynamic, rolling, dissolving and reforming to suggest the energy and dynamic nature of Cary .  The pine cone is at the center of each of the swirling forms.  There is a syncopated rhythm to the sequence of spinning forms to make the experience of walking up the pathway animated.  The railings of the bridge contain lighting which illuminates the patterns in the glass making the experience of walking up this bridge (especially at night) exciting and energizing. 

Area D:  Bluestone floor paving pattern

Area D inside the entrance corridor of building D is a subtle echo of the patterns found elsewhere.  The arcs are cut into the existing paving and the colors are exchanged so that the ghost of the arcs are visible.  The energy has been brought indoors.

Mr. Joyce is not concerned with the design; instead, it is with filling in the drainage area behind the building, as well as the price of the art.

Mr. Collins stated the artwork is wire mesh circular columns that are 10 feet high by 10 inches.

Mr. Joyce stated he cannot visualize what this will look like from a streetscape standpoint. Mr. Collins stated the council is only approving the concept tonight, and the council and the community will have an opportunity to get a better understanding of what it is as the process moves forward. He stated that action tonight will allow staff to work more with the artist and bring it back to council for further review. He showed council a photo depiction of the art work (refer to Attachment C, which is attached to and incorporated in these minutes).

Mr. Joyce stated he disagrees with the concept.

Mayor Pro Tem Smith stated he is opposed to the cost overrun, and he feels that private contributions should cover the difference. He stated he personally believes that art on a town hall campus should be more traditional, but he is trying to keep these personal thoughts out of the discussion.

Mrs. Robison stated the cost estimate is higher now than it was a year ago when it was first proposed. She stated some of this is due to unanticipated issues with the site. She stated Ms. Harrar of Cary Visual Arts provided comments at the committee meeting, and she has personally encouraged that organization to meet and match and preferably exceed the Town’s contribution. She stated she was satisfied that they are committed to continue to work on fundraising efforts. She stated there has been a lot of public input in formulating the current proposal.

Mr. Collins stated the project was originally expected to cost $300,000, with Cary Visual Art (CVA) sharing the cost 50/50. He stated of the $300,000, $30,000 was originally allocated to the design phase. He stated the design phase is coming to and end, and the Town and CVA have both invested $15,000 each into the design phase. He stated the current total projected cost, including filling the swale and the integrated areas is $412,651.

Mr. Roseland suggested scaling back the concept to stay within the original budget. Mr. Collins stated staff can work with the artist on this idea.

Mrs. Robinson concurred with Mayor Pro Tem Smith’s comments about the cost overruns. She stated the stonework and glass does not add significant cost but does provide a lot of art value. She feels it should be phased, even beyond the 2005 budget. She is concerned about incorporating the art design into other elements, including signage, before people have the opportunity to respond to the art work.

Ms. Dorrel stated the community has shown positive reaction to the preliminary design. She stated the artist set up a column so people could actually see it. She concurred with the phasing of the art work. She stated it costs about $35,000 to fill in the swale, and this was an unexpected cost. She stated this art work will add benefits to the community by providing more usable space where doors are now blocked and an anticipated patio is unusable. She suggested that corporate donors sponsor the columns. She does not feel there is an urgency to make a decision now to incorporate the art work in other design elements. She agrees with giving the public exposure to the art work before this decision is made.

Mr. Collins stated there will be a sign program put together for town hall, and there may be an opportunity for wayfinding signage on the campus. He stated staff would need direction on this particular signage issue very soon; however, other decisions could wait until the art has been tested.

Mr. Roseland stated the council is not voting on a design element, rather the requested council action is to pursue more information about a design element. He is in favor of doing this.

Mrs. Robinson stated she is fine with moving forward as long as it is clear that council is not pursuing a particular design element and making it a component of the downtown revitalization.

Ms. Dorrel suggested that the staff prepare another staff report to address the town hall signage.

Mr. Joyce asked if he would be allowed to put a lighted column in his yard. Mr. Coleman stated it would be allowed on residential property (not withstanding homeowners’ association private covenants).

Mr. Joyce is opposed to spending Town money on this project.

Ms. Dorrel stated this is a discovery art experience. Mrs. Robison stated she sees this as a great opportunity for families and children to experience art in a different way.

Mrs. Robinson stated it is difficult to spend municipal money on art that is subjective. She wished the artist had left the column and model for the council members to see. Mr. Collins stated the column and model are both in Cary and he will share these with the council. Mrs. Robinson added that she is concerned about having metal and brick in the hot summer with no shade.

Mr. Roseland stated he sees this project as good for downtown. He stated if Cary decides not to invest Cary money in this public art in the downtown area, then we lose the matching funds from CVA. He stated in other cities, it is a straightforward exercise to incorporate public art in the urban areas. He stated Cary is currently going through a transition period, and this is a new issue for Cary . He feels that tasteful public art that compliments the architecture is a solid investment.

Mr. Roseland stressed the importance of staying within the original budget.

ACTION: Mr. Roseland made a motion to approve staff recommendation #1 – the overall design concept of “Gates of Light” as presented by Ms. Widgery, contingent upon staying within the initial budget of $300,000. Ms. Dorrel provided the second.

Mrs. Robinson stated she will support the motion, but she wants the council to have the opportunity to see the model before council approves the actual project.

Mayor Pro Tem Smith wants to continue to seek public input.

ACTION: Vote was called for on Mr. Roseland’s motion. Mayor Pro Tem Smith and Mr. Joyce voted “no.” All others voted “aye.” The motion carried by majority vote.

ACTION: Mr. Joyce made a motion to not approve staff recommendation #5 (consider opportunities for incorporating the design into other elements of the Town Center and other areas including signage opportunities), and let it be an opportunity that comes forward when needed on a case by case basis.

Ms. Dorrel asked if Mr. Joyce does not want staff to bring back suggested signage for the town campus. Mr. Joyce fears he will start seeing this type of signage without council knowing about it in advance. Mrs. Robinson and Ms. Dorrel stated this will not occur.

Mayor McAlister noted that there is a motion on the table, which needs to be addressed prior to continuing with discussion.

ACTION: Mr. Joyce withdrew his motion.

Mayor Pro Tem Smith stated he does not think that the council needs to address the 5^th staff recommendation at this time. He would prefer to deny or table this issue at this time and have it come back in the future.

ACTION: Mayor Pro Tem Smith made a motion to deny item 5 (consider opportunities for incorporating the design into other elements of the Town Center and other areas including signage opportunities). Mr. Joyce provided the second.

Ms. Dorrel would prefer a motion to consider opportunities to incorporate design into other elements of the town hall campus signage so staff has that direction and it gives something to see.

ACTION: Vote was called for on Mayor Pro Tem Smith’s motion. Mayor Pro Tem Smith and Mr. Joyce voted “aye.” All others voted “no.” The motion failed for lack of majority vote.

ACTION: Ms. Dorrel made a motion to consider opportunities for incorporating the design into other elements of the town hall campus signage. Mrs. Robison provided the second. Mayor Pro Tem Smith and Mr. Joyce voted “no.” All others voted “aye.” The motion passed by majority vote. 

ACTION: Mayor Pro Tem Smith made a motion and Ms. Dorrel provided the second to approve staff recommendations 2, 3 and 4 as follows:

2.         Authorize the etching of the design proposed by Catherine Widgery into the outside glass bridge as provided for in the Town Hall expansion plan.  This authorization would include funding with an appropriation of $15,750 from General Capital Reserve Unrestricted Fund Balance as well as the recognition of $15,750 in revenue from Cary Visual Art to fund $31,500 in contracted services within the Town Hall Gateway Project PR1079.

3.         Consider phased funding for other components of the project during the FY05 Capital Budget discussions.

4.         Direct staff to work with CVA to develop additional fundraising strategies to reduce additional Town appropriation.

Mrs. Robinson does not want to commit to budgeting through only the FY 2005 budget, and instead she wants to be open to going beyond the FY 2005 budget.

Mrs. Robison stated the word consider to her means that this is open to discussion during the budget process. Mr. Collins concurred. He added that staff recommends that this issue be considered during the FY 2005 budget discussion, but there is no commitment of funds other than the 15,000.

ACTION: Vote was called for on the motion to approve items 2, 3, and 4. Council granted unanimous approval.

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