Revitalization Commission Agenda and Packet 2021 01 13

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LL �tY.�'t LOUISVILLE REVITALIZATION Lau�sville COMMISSION COLORADO -SINCE 1.878 SUBJECT: DISCUSSION/DIRECTION- COOPERATION AGREEMENT, HIGHWAY 42 REVITALIZATION AREA SOUTH STREET GATEWAY PROJECT FUNDING FOR PUBLIC ART DATE: JANUARY 13, 2021 PRESENTED BY: MEGAN E. PIERCE, ECONOMIC VITALITY DIRECTOR SUMMARY: The South Street Pedestrian Underpass was completed in the summer of 2017 and includes a pedestal intended for a public art placement. In its 2020 Work Plan, the Louisville Revitalization Commission (LRC) included placement of public art at the South Street Underpass as one of its priorities for Downtown and DeLo project areas. At the December 2020 LRC meeting, the Louisville Cultural Council (LCC) presented a proposal for Louisville artist Gregory Fields to create a sculpture for the existing sculpture pad on the west side of the underpass. The LCC is in the process of approving Mr. Fields to also create and install a series of cut steel panels with inset colorful ceramic elements within the underpass. DISCUSSION: While the LCC has committed the funding for Mr. Fields' proposed work within the underpass, the group requested funding from the LRC to complete the sculpture pad, it the amount of $11,500. The LCC would manage the approval process and installation, in hopes of completing the project in summer 2021. The LRC expressed support for the funding opportunity. Based on the LRC's desire to fund the public art project, the City Attorney conducted additional research to confirm the art was an appropriate use of tax increment funds. The City Attorney has drafted an agreement (please see Attachment #1) for the Commission's consideration. The form of the agreement is for cooperation between the City and the LRC to fund public art as part of the South Street Gateway Project, within the Highway 42 Revitalization Area. Staff views this project as closely in relation to the prior LRC participation in the funding to construct the underpass, which was a significant redevelopment project eliminating and preventing blight within the Urban Renewal Area. The cooperation provides for a cap on the amount of project funds and anticipates the public art would be completed in 2021. The LRC should review the draft agreement and advise if staff should proceed to present the agreement for City Council approval. It is likely this item could appear on the Council's February 2 Regular Meeting agenda. If approved by Council, the agreement would be returned to the LRC for a final approval. Agenda Packet P. 17