SUBJECT: AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF SAN JOSE AND CORK MARCHESCHI TO FABRICATE AND INSTALL A WORK OF ART FOR THE FOURTH AND SAN FERNANDO STREET GARAGE
Adoption of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to
negotiate and execute an agreement with artist Cork Marcheschi to fabricate and
install a work of art for the Fourth and San Fernando Street Garage in an
amount not to exceed $378,500.
BACKGROUND
A $518,407 budget for public art has been identified as part of the development of a new parking garage at Fourth and San Fernando Streets. This amount reflects an increase in the original funding amount based on a revision to the scope of the project.
In June 1999, artist Cork Marcheschi of San Francisco was commissioned to work in collaboration with City of San José Redevelopment Agency’s architect, Ellerbe Becket, on an integrated artwork that contributes to the nighttime identity of the building. Cork Marcheschi is an accomplished artist whose current work involves the use of metal, light and plastics. Recent works include commissions for the Madison Wisconsin Convention Center, an installation at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport, and a work for a five-story retail center in Fukuoka, Japan.
Over the last year, the
artist has been working with Ellerbe Becket, Redevelopment Agency, and the
Office of Cultural Affairs to develop a concept for the public artwork. The
artist’s proposal is intended to enliven the nighttime identity of the building
through the use of light and color, transforming the building façade into a
neon light sculpture. The artwork is composed
of three elements: 1) the vertical
spaces of the elevator towers are to read as monolithic volumes of light in
three colors. As one color slowly dims another color will be brought up in
intensity to fill the volume of space; 2) the perforated metal façade on the building’s San Fernando Street elevation
will be the backdrop to a sculptural composition of 24 three-foot squares of
light, each with three colors of neon controlled by individual random fading
transformers. The rectangular volume of light created by the 24 boxes will
change color and fade, continually creating new patterns and compositions; and
3) located above the first
floor retail will be a horizontal line of light that visually ties the Fourth
Street elevation to the San Fernando Street elevation.
On September 26, 2000, the Public Art Committee recommended Arts
Commission approval of the artist’s design.
The Arts Commission approved the proposal on October 11, 2000.
During the design development process, the artist conducted a public meeting where he presented his design to community members. All presentations and approvals for the project have been advertised and noticed meetings open to the general public.
COORDINATION
This item has been coordinated with the Redevelopment
Agency, the City Attorney’s Office, the Risk Manager and the Budget
Office. Both Lick Observatory and the
San José International Airport have reviewed and approved the artwork for
compliance.
COST IMPLICATIONS
The funding for the contract is not to exceed $378,500.
BUDGET REFERENCE
Fund: Services (City-wide) for Redevelopment
Capital Projects - 450
Amount: $402,607
Budget Document: The amount of $402,607 will be part of appropriation adjustments
agendized on the 8/7/01 and 8/14/01 agendas.
EIR Resolution 58839 adopted on April 27, 1999.
NANCY JOHNSON
Director, Conventions, Arts and Entertainment