THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT/FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DIVISION/REAL PROPERTY SECTION AND THE CULTURAL DIVISION AND THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT/TRANSIT DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This item supports the Board's value of "Cultivating community culture, arts, recreation, and life-long learning" and goals relating to providing "diverse artistic, cultural, educational, and historical amenities and programs that contribute to a vibrant, multi-cultural and economically viable community".
The Downtown Development Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale (DDA) is an independent taxing district established by the Florida State Legislature in 1965. The district includes non-commercial properties within Fort Lauderdale and is generally bounded by Sistrunk Boulevard, US Highway 1, SE and SW 7th Streets, and NW and SW 4th Avenue (a.k.a. 7th Avenue). The organization is led by a seven-member appointed Board of Directors and initiates projects that ensure that downtown Fort Lauderdale is, and remains, the urban center of Broward County.
"Gateway Broward" is part of the DDA's Urban Acupuncture program aimed at making high-impact, low-cost improvements to the public realm using everyday background infrastructure like public facilities, property fences, utility boxes, street furniture, roadways, and sidewalks. Recently completed projects include murals located on the Riverwalk Center Garage located at SE 2nd Street and the Arts & Science District Garage located at 101 SW 5th Avenue.
The DDA received a grant through the Community Foundation of Broward for a new Gateway Broward project and has requested use of the County’s chain link fence located on the west side of Broward County Transit’s Central Terminal, which separates the property from the Florida East Coat Railway tracks for display of site specific artwork. The portion of the fence that the DDA may utilize is approximately 5’6” high and 50’ long. The aim of the project is to create a welcoming experience for Broward County Transit and Brightline users.
The DDA will competitively select the artist and the artwork through a “call to artists.” The artwork will be constructed of highly durable, sustainable materials such as snap-on plastic discs, or strips of fabric to create visually expressive, attractive designs that will cover all or part of the fence. The artwork will be viewable from both sides of the fence and may also be viewable from Broward Blvd. The project will include community engagement opportunities to increase arts awareness and future participation in DDA initiatives. The DDA’s project budget is $25,000 and the artwork will be completed in late summer 2019. There is no cost to the County for the artwork or use of the space.
The DDA will continue to be the sole owner of the sculpture occupying the licensed property and will be fully responsible for obtaining a building permit and cost of installation. In addition, the DDA will be responsible for all necessary repairs and maintenance and removal of the sculpture within two days of the County’s written notice or in the event that the DDA or the County identifies deterioration that could become a hazard. The DDA shall inspect the sculpture bi-monthly and complete all routine maintenance identified during the inspections within seven calendar days of the inspection. The license agreement may also be terminated for convenience by either party upon 30 days' written notice.
Funding for the project comes from the DDA through a Community Foundation of Broward Art of Community grant in the amount of $15,000. The Public Art & Design Committee approved the request to place public art at the proposed location on March 13, 2019 and the Broward Cultural Council approved the proposed location on April 4, 2019. Prior to installation, the DDA will present the proposed artwork design to the Broward Cultural Council who will review the quality of the design proposal to ensure that it creates an enhanced visual environment for the citizens and visitors of Broward County.
All documents have been approved as to form and legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney. |