David Carroll, Chair Melissa Henao-Robledo, Vice Chair Aan Coleman Beau Frail Samuel Franco Martha Gonzales Ben Luckens Josue Meiners Jessica Rollason Evan Taniguchi Bart Whatley Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison Aaron D. Jenkins Staff Liaison Patrick Colunga Staff Liaison City of Austin Design Commission DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20200622-01C June 26, 2020 Josue Meiners Seconded By: Evan Taniguchi Design Commission recommendation for the Hanover Brazos Street project. Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends that the Hanover Brazos Street project, located at 201 East 3rd Street, substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines. Rationale: Dear Director of Planning and Zoning Dept., This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s recommendation that the Hanover Brazos Street project, located at 201 East 3rd Street, as presented to us on June 22, 2020 substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines as one of the gatekeeper requirements of the Downtown Density Bonus Program. The applicant addressed many of the concerns identified by the Working Group’s previous review. Our review found the following: 1. Project includes restaurant/retail space with overhead doors that open to the public ROW. In addition, there is an adjacent patio with built-in planters and overhead protection at the intersection of 3rd and Brazos. These all serve to activate the public ROW. 2. The proposed design utilizes brick at street level, which breaks down the scale of the large building and pays homage to the existing structure. 3. The existing public art will remain 4. The Brazos Street side includes windows in and overhead protection. Additionally, the garage entrance doors are pushed back from façade to provide pedestrians with a better experience crossing the driveway. 5. Vertical landscaping has been proposed on the façade at the utility room to soften the hard building edge. Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: David Carroll, Bart Whatley, Evan Taniguchi, Melissa Henao-Robledo, Josue Meiners, Samuel Franco, Beau 8 - 0 - 0 Frail, Ben Luckens Against: None Absent: Martha Gonzalez, Jessica Rollason, Aan Coleman Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission 1 of 1 Design Commission - Recommendation for the Hanover Brazos Street Page 1
DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220822-4 Date: Subject: September 1, 2022 Design Commission recommendation for the project 5RR, located at 506 E 5th Street Commissioner Coleman Commissioner Whatley Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends that the project located at 506 E 5th Street, as presented to us on August 22, 2022, substantially complies with the City of Austin Urban Design Guidelines. Rationale: Dear Director of Housing and Planning Department, This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s recommendation that the project located at 506 East 5th Street substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines as one of the gatekeeper requirements of the Downtown Density Bonus Program. Our review found the following positive attributes: 1. PS1: Protect the pedestrian where the building meets the street: A large awning is indicated at the corner of 5th & Red River. 2. PS4: Reinforce pedestrian activity: ROW / sidewalk is activated with art, light and plants. 3. PS8: Install street trees: Eleven trees are indicated on East 5th Street and Red River as proposed. 4. PS9: Provide pedestrian-scaled lighting: Festoon lighting is proposed in the public plaza. 5. PS12: Provide generous street-level windows: Full-height windows are indicated at street fronts. 6. PZ11: Provide visual and spatial complexity in public spaces: Large murals, plants, and light are disbursed among the open space at the exterior ground floor. Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: 8-0-0 None None Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: Chair Weaver, Vice Chair Meiners, Commissioner Coleman, Commissioner Franco, Commissioner Luckens, Commissioner Salinas, Commissioner Taniguchi, Commissioner Whatley Commissioner Carroll, Commissioner Henao-Robledo, Commissioner Rollason Jen Weaver, Chair of Design Commission 1 of 1 ” 0 - ’ 0 3 T U C B R U C G N T S X E I I T S R E V R D E R I S. Stookey 05/14/2023
C i t y o f A u s t i n Design Commission Project Review Application Photo courtesy of Jorge E. Rousselin C i t y o f A u s t i n Design Commission Project Review Application The Design Commission provides advisory recommendations to the City Council to assist in developing public policy and to promote excellence in the design and development of the urban environment. The Design Commission reviews three types of projects: 1. City projects (see page 3 for process) The Commission reviews all municipal buildings and associated site plans to ensure they demonstrate compliance with city design and sustainability standards (Council Resolution No. 20071129-046), including those seeking Subchapter E Design Standards Alternative Equivalent Compliance (AEC) (Council Resolution No. 20100923-086). 2. Density Bonus projects (see page 4 for process) The Commission reviews density bonus projects for substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines for Austin in accordance with the Gatekeeper requirements of LDC 25-2-586 for the Downtown Density Bonus Program. 3. Advisory Recommendations for Private projects (see page 3 for process) The Commission will consider Project Review Applications from private projects during its regularly scheduled monthly public meetings and may issue an advisory recommendation in the form of a Project Review Letter to the Applicant. Page 2 Design Commission - Project Review ApplicationPhoto courtesy of Jorge E. Rousselin This Project Review Application must be submitted before your project can be presented to the Design Commission for their review. Design Commission requests project be presented in their Conceptual/ Schematic Design phase. This application primarily addresses inhabited buildings and structures and their effect on the public realm; please refer to Appendix A for infrastructure type projects. The Commission’s review of projects is based on the planning/design principles in the Urban Design Guidelines for Austin. Ensure that all applicable principles are addressed in the application questions and in your presentation. The Design Commission supports the vision and principles of Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, especially those that affect the urban environment and fabric. All projects should consider this vision and principles, many of which are similar to the Urban Design Guidelines. Refer to Appendix C for the most pertinent sections of Imagine Austin. The Design Commission expects the applicant’s design team to present their project with those most knowledgeable and encourages the inclusion of sub-consultants at the presentation, when deemed necessary. EXHIBITS TO PRESENT 1. Completed Project Review Application …
Downtown Density Bonus Packet Checklist The Downtown Density Bonus packet checklist outlines all the required elements in the applicant’s request. Completed DDBP Request Form Attached completed site plan application Vicinity plan locating the project in its context, and showing a minimum 9 block area around the project Location and nature of nearby transit facilities Drawings: • Site plan • Floor plans • Exterior elevations (all sides) • Three-dimensional views • Other items that may be submitted: additional renderings, photos, narrative, or anything that further helps describe the project Design Commission Recommendation Letter Urban Design Guidelines Approval Letter Great Streets Plan and Approval Letter Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) Letter of Intent Executed Restrictive Covenant Affordable Housing Certification Letter Downtown Density Bonus Program | 5 Request Form
DDBP Request Form This form should be used by a property owner or representative who wishes to request additional floor- to-area (FAR) entitlements as outlined the Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) per the Land Development Code (LDC) 25-2-586. 1 COMPLE TED SITE P L A N A PPL IC ATIO N Please include the completed site plan application as part of this DDBP request. Site Plan Number: Is the Completed Site Plan Application Attached? 2 PRO JECT NAM E & ANTIC IPATE D PROJ ECT A D D RES S 3 DENSI T Y BO NUS CA LCUL ATI ON Calculate the proposed additional FAR including the site area and amount per square foot according to the Community Benefits calculations described in § 25-2-586 (E)(1-12). Project Name: Anticipated Project Address: Site Area (sf): Proposed FAR (ratio): Proposed FAR Calculation: Total Gross Building Area (sq): If providing fee in lieu payment: Current Bonus fee ($/sq): Fee in lieu payment for density bonus ($): Existing FAR (ratio): Proposed Bonus area (sf): Total Fee in Lieu Amount (% or sq): If seeking additional FAR from City Council, a public hearing will not be scheduled until all gatekeeper requirements are complete. Downtown Density Bonus Program | 1 Request FormEXAMPLE DDBP Request Form 4 COMMU NIT Y B ENEFITS An applicant may achieve bonus area by providing community benefits as outlined below. A project must achieve at least 50 percent of the desired bonus area by providing affordable housing community benefits. Please indicate the selected community benefit(s) for this project, including the percentage allotted to each benefit. For more information on each community benefit please see Ordinance No. 20140227-054. Please describe which community benefit(s) will be used and how they will be applied (on site, fee in lieu, or a combination of the two). 1 Affordable Housing Rainey Street Subdistrict Historic Preservation Day Care Services 2 3 4 Cultural Uses 5 Live Music 6 On-Site Improvements for Historic Preservation Select % or SQ FT Select % or SQ FT 7 8 9 Development Bonus Fee for Off-Site Historic Preservation Green Building Publicly Accessible On-Site Plaza 10 Off-Site Open Space Development Bonus Fee 11 Green Roof 12 Other 5 GATEKEEPER REQUIREM EN TS The following gatekeeper requirements must be completed to participate in the DDBP. The applicant shall acknowledge these requirements by checking the boxes below. 1 Urban Design Guidelines Acknowledge To receive bonus area, the …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION January 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM Austin Energy, Mueller Assembly Rm 1111a (115). 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Some members of the ARTS COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than Noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Jesús Varela at jesus.varela@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-2444. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Celina Zisman - Chair, Heidi Schmalbach - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Acia Gray, Faiza Kracheni, Amy Mok, Nagavalli Medicharla AGENDA ADDENDUM DISCUSSION ITEMS 17. Presentation by Zac Traeger from Museum of Human Achievement on MOHA ~ state of the arts (process, grants, etc)
1. REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARY COMMISSION January 27, 2025 – 6 P.M. Carver Branch Library 1161 Angelina Street AUSTIN, TEXAS This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online virtual participation. Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Magen Davis Melissah Hasdorff Cristina Masters AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Sheila Mehta, Vice Chair Kezia Frayjo Andrea Herrera Moreno Mark Smith The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on December 16, 2024. 2. 3. 4. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on Austin Public Library School Partnerships by Jenny Stirrat, School Partnerships Librarian, Austin Public Library. Staff briefing on Library Community Engagement by Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian, Austin Public Library. Staff briefing on City of Austin Bond Update by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager, Austin Public Library. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Discussion of the January Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 6. Update from the Strategic Advocacy Working Group. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Laura Polio at the Library Department, at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Laura Polio at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov.
Haskell House and the story of Clarksville, Austin Parks and Recreation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzQ87mTftwU&ab_channel=AustinParksandRecreation
DIRECTOR’S UPDATE Jesús Aguirre, Director January 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Ensure Parkland Offers Relief from Urban Life Natural Resources Updates Parkland Development Updates Parkland Development Updates: Mile Zero Trailhead in Zilker Park: Construction has begun in Zilker Park on the Mile Zero Trailhead of Violet Crown Trail and the Barton Creek Greenbelt. The City of Austin and the Hill Country Conservancy have partnered to develop the Violet Crown Trail system. Through a Parkland Improvement Agreement, HCC has led the design, permitting, and construction of this trailhead. Funding is being provided through Hill Country Conservancy, Austin Parks Foundation, and City of Austin Parkland Dedication funds. Construction is anticipated to last through the end of 2025. District 8 austintexas.gov/department/violet-crown-trail R e n d e r i n g o f p r o p o s e d m e a d o w p a v i l i o n a t t h e Z i l k e r M i l e Z e r o T r a i l h e a d . C r e d i t H i l l C o u n t r y C o n s e r v a n c y , A u s t i n P a r k s F o u n d a t i o n , T B G P a r t n e r s R A G R A P H T E X T A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Agave Neighborhood Park: The installation of a 54ft x 50ft shade structure over the play area at Agave Neighborhood Park will begin on February 10 and is planned to be complete in early March. The play area will be closed to the public during this time, but the pavilions, drinking fountain and park areas will remain open and accessible to the public throughout. | District 1 austintexas.gov/department/agave-park-shade Metz Playground: The installation of a new playground at Metz Neighborhood Park will begin January 27 and is anticipated to be complete by the end of May 2025. The installation includes both a new playscape and nature play features. The play area, walkway, water fountain and …
Who do you think you are? What are your intentions with my daughter? ● I’m gonna meander a bit, but it all is connected ● Values ● SB689 and Nexus The Context ● Generosity of spirit ● Remember the good things and use these ● “Turn your fucking head” - Deborah Hay Why are we being weird about this? ● Staff - speak clearly ● Commission - use this ● Remember core values ● The machine is old and rigid What if? ● SB689 ● New Words and Tactics SB689 and Nexus ● Prepare testimonials, advocate to those who understand the systems ● Multiple choice grants ● Triangulation ● Greenlining / Qualified Census Tracts ● Ask for what you need Nexus Pt 2 ● Rapid change as a barrier to upward mobility ● Fiscal Sponsorship can be good! ● Lower grant amounts ● Sharing and support should be encouraged ● Using reference points like the NEA, TCA, Creative Capital Three Takeaways -Think about economics thoughtfully and consider the individual impacts of generalization, how to consider the economic and social conditions of the individual and communities. -Words are imprecise, but intentions can be clear, let’s get to what is real and what lives behind the words. Use the intent instead of the word itself. Use language as a description outside of popular or en vogue vocabulary. -Key to solving problems is to consider community as a partner throughout the process.
89TH STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION Rick Ramirez, Deputy Intergovernmental Relations Officer Intergovernmental Relations Office Agenda • Legislative Team & Legislative Agenda • 89th Session Overview • Key City Issues & Bills • Key Bills of Interest to the Commission 2 City of Austin Legislative Team Carrie Rogers Intergovernmental Relations Officer Carrie.Rogers@austintexas.gov 512.923.7577 cell Rick Ramirez Deputy Officer – Legislative Rick.Ramirez2@austintexas.gov 737.218.3668 cell Local / Regional Administrator Deputy Officer Grants / Legislative Funding Alison Ross Legislative Relations Senior Coordinator Alison.Ross@austintexas.gov 512.680.3631 cell Legislative Relations Senior Coordinator Valerie Gomez Coordinator Valerie.Gomez@austintexas.gov 512.689.8256 cell Annabel Osburn Grants Strategic Program Analyst Grant Writer Grant Writer 3 Legislative Agendas: At a Glance Legislative program focuses on primary City priorities: • Preserve Local Authority: Protect Austin’s control over zoning, ordinances, and local regulations, and ensure cities have appropriate tools to meet housing affordability challenges. • Financial Responsibility: Oppose unfunded state mandates or legislation that would place undue financial burdens on the City. • Community Health & Safety: Support access to healthcare, public safety funding, improved quality of life and protections for vulnerable populations. • Environmental & Infrastructure Resilience: Protect Austin’s natural resources, encourage sustainability, and invest in critical infrastructure. 4 Overarching Issues Influencing the 89th session Politically Charged, Overarching Issues Influencing the 89th session • Election results: New Administration • New House Speaker • New House Rules & Committees • School Finance / School Vouchers • Power Grid 5 State Leadership in the 89th Session The “Big Three” House & Senate Chambers Republicans will control House and Senate in the 89th Session Governor Greg Abbott Elected by voters for a four-year term. Not up for reelection this cycle. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick Elected by voters for a four-year term. Not up for reelection this cycle. House Speaker Dustin Burrows Elected by Texas House every two- years on 1st day of the regular session Speaker Burrows elected House Speaker for the 89th Session 89th Session • Senate 20 Republicans, 11 Democrats *3 Freshmen • House 88 Republicans, 62 Democrats *31 Freshmen 6 Changes in the House New Speaker • Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) New House Rules • No Minority Party Committee Chairs • No Majority Party Committee Vice Chairs • New Authority for Vice Chairs • 2 New Standing Committees • 6 Standing Committees Abolished • 11 New Standing Subcommittees New Members • 31 Freshman House Members – the most since 83rd Session in 2013 7 89th Bill Statistics …
HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX UPDATE JANUARY 27, 2025 C IT Y O F A U S T IN EC O N O M IC D EV ELO P M E N T 1 Hotel Occupancy Tax – November 2024 o Note: Disruptions delayed updated reporting o Total HOT Collections November 2024 = $5,806,193 o 18% of FY25 Approved Budget of $169,901,585 o Cultural Arts Fund November 2024 = $559,306 HOT Cultural Arts Fund - FY25 Approved Budget for FY25: $16,217,879 FY25 HOT Cultural Arts Fund to date: $2,997,205 HOT Collections (FY22-FY24) $15.65M $15.57M $12.87M Questions
Cultural Arts Funding Update Economic Development Department January 27, 2025 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Agenda 1. Contracts & Payments 2. FY 25 Nexus Update 3. Grant Funded Activities C I T Y O F A U S T I N Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (As of 1/24/25) FY23 Elevate FY23 Nexus (Fall/Winter) FY24 Nexus (Spring/ Summer) FY23-24 Thrive (Year 1) FY23-24 Thrive (Year 2) Total Contracts Signed & Processed Contracts Test payments issued & verified Payment 1 Issued Payment 2 Issued Payment 3 Issued 199 199 (100%) 199 (100%) 199 (100%) 196 (98%) 155 (78%) 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 49 (96%) n/a 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 44 (86%) n/a 36 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) n/a See year 1 N/A N/A 35 (97%) 2 (6%) n/a Total Dist. to date Total Allocation $5,811,750 (93%) $6,250,000 $254,000 (99%) $255,000 $251,500 (98%) $255,000 $3,901,500 (100%) $3,362,000 (86%) $3,901,500 $3,901,500 *Each grant has a different reporting deadline. Final Payments are issued upon successful close out of Final Report. C I T Y O F A U S T I N FY 25 Nexus Update FY 25 Nexus Timeline January 28, 2025 May 1, 2025 May 30, 2026 Nexus application opens Nexus activities begin Latest Nexus Final Report due date Nexus application closes Last day for Nexus activities March 6, 2025 April 30, 2026 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Grant Overview The Nexus program is designed to nurture new and emerging applicants in the creative community. This program funds art and culture activities of all kinds. Nexus will prioritize applicants who are economically disadvantaged. Applicants who have never received City of Austin Cultural Funding awards in the last five years $5,000 100 Awards (this is not a limit) of $5,000 C I T Y O F A U S T I N What's New? Previous Nexus Grant Application New Nexus Grant Application Two Cycles per year One Cycle Per Year Up to 6 months contract Up to 12 months contract Narrative Questions Scored by City of Austin Staff Multiple Choice Questions with some short answer responses, up to 4 work samples Auto-calculations in the Submittable platform, Cultural Funding Staff and our Third-Party administrators, The Long Center. C I T Y O F A U S T I N …
Maximizing Impact Evaluating Austin’s Hotel Occupancy Tax- Funded Programs TABLE OF CONTENTS Who We Are Purpose of the Evaluation Methodology Quantitative Findings Qualitative Findings Theory of Change Wrap Up W E A R E A B L A C K W O M A N - L E D Research & Data Activism Organization that transforms the stories of impacted communities into data that drives real change. Founded in 2015 by Jameila "Meme" Styles, Measure was created in response to the disconnect between the performance measures tracked by police and the day-to-day experience of her community. Measure grew out of a desire to bolster the Black community’s lived experiences with the power of data. W H Y W E E X I S T Lived Experience is Powerful Data that remains underutilized in the fight to eliminate social disparities in Black, Brown and Indigenous communities. Systemic racism and a lack of equitable data tools prevent these communities from effectively leveraging their own stories and data to drive change. This creates an environment where critical voices are oppressed, and solutions lack the foundation of lived experience. THE EVALUATION TEAM At Measure, we are proud to be an organization that works hard to showcase excellence in the advocacy, research and tech industry. We are proud to present our team of leaders, which includes a wide range of professionals with unique experiences and perspectives. MEME STYLES Founder & President PAULETTE BLANC Co-founder & Chief of Research LACOLE FOOTS Measure Evaluator DR. TIFFANY RICKS Measure Evaluator HANNA CHUN Measure Evaluator PURPOSE Evaluate the broader impact of Austin's Hotel Occupancy Tax-funded cultural programs through comprehensive assessment Combine community input with quantitative analysis to measure program effectiveness in addressing inequities and supporting underrepresented communities Generate actionable insights to optimize program investments and enhance cultural vitality across Austin METHODOLOGY How did we conduct our evaluation? QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS Conducted analysis of three HOT-funded programs in 2023, examining representation across race, gender, LGBTQIA status, and age categories Compared program applicants and awardees to the city’s population to spot any under- or overrepresentation. Created visual data comparisons tracking program outcomes by technical assistance utilization and council district distribution, highlighting key demographic patterns METHODOLOGY QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS Focus Groups: Conducted focus groups with individuals who have firsthand experiences of city-funded programs to gather detailed, qualitative feedback. Equity-Focused Research Tool: Used the Measure Equity Focus Group (EFG) Tool, a participatory research method co-designed …
• Project: St. John Site Redevelopment Project • Artist(s): TBD • Phase: Project RFQ Approval • Sponsoring Department: Financial Services Department • Project Budget: $250,000 • Council District: District 4 • Project Manager: Ryan Runcie AIPP PANEL MEETING AGENDA ITEM #5 DATE:1/13/2025 CALL TO ARTISTS Public Art Opportunity City of Austin (Texas): Art in Public Places St. John Site Redevelopment Deadline for Submissions – 5:00PM CST: March 14, 2025 REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS The City of Austin Art in Public Places program (AIPP) of the Cultural Arts Division, Economic Development Department (EDD) seeks to commission one artist or artist team to create a site-specific installation or artwork that highlights the history of the St. John neighborhood as prioritized by the Council-adopted St. John Community Vision (Resolution No. 20200729-0117). This opportunity is within the improved park space for the St. John Site located at 800 E. St. Johns Avenue, Austin, Texas 78752. BACKGROUND The St. John Site is roughly 19 acres of city-owned land located in Council District 4 at the northeast corner of the intersection of St. Johns Avenue and N IH 35. With a rich history as a Freedmen’s community dating back to the 1890s, the St. John Site has been a pivotal location for Central Texas’ African American community to date. PROJECT OVERVIEW As Austin works to acknowledge the grim events of the past, this in-depth effort to strengthen and provide a well- planned and community-focused addition to the St. John neighborhood is key. One artist or artist team will be selected to create an integrated installation or artwork to be placed within the redesigned and expanded St. John Park that welcomes, informs and excites the local community and visitors alike. The attached map (Exhibit A) highlights the proposed park improvements and potential locations for art opportunities within it. Final location of art installation or artwork to be determined with the developer, but the opportunity will be focused within the improved park space. The selected artist will design, fabricate, and implement one installation or artwork that pays homage to the past and links the site improvements and park space to the community today and tomorrow. BUDGET $250,000 One commission will be awarded for this project. The project budget is inclusive of design, fabrication, installation, engineering, permitting fees, travel, shipping expenses, insurance, and other project-related costs. ELIGIBILITY This opportunity is limited to teams of artists based in the State of …
•Project: Longhorn Dam Bridge •Artist: Reginald Adams •Phase: Final Design •Project Budget: $190,000 •Council District: District 3 •Project Manager: Lindsay Hutchens •Sponsoring Department: Transportation & Public Works Arts Commission Date: 01/27/2025 Longhorn Dam Bridge Project Background The Transportation and Public Works Department has partnered with the Parks and Recreation Department and Capital Delivery Services to develop a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Lady Bird Lake near the Longhorn Dam. Through community engagement, a "wishbone" shaped bridge was chosen to connect the Ann and Roy Butler Trail at Longhorn Shores, Canterbury and the Holly Peninsula in Town Lake Metropolitan Park. The bridge will provide an alternate option to the sidewalk on Pleasant Valley Road and fill a gap on the Butler Trail. This project began construction in early July 2024 and is anticipated to be complete in the summer of 2026. Community feedback requested AIPP artwork be installed in the new Pleasant Valley Underpass that connects the Butler Hike and Bike Trail, Country Club Creek Trail, and Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metropolitan Park. Final Design Presentation by Reginald C. Adams Absolute Equality: Unity Bridge Longhorn Dam Bridge Mosaic Mural Community Engagement Report Introduction The community engagement process for the “Absolute Equality: Unity Bridge” mural project aims to actively involve local residents in the design and concept development. Through workshops and feedback sessions, we gather diverse perspectives to ensure the mural reflects the community’s collective identity and values. Community Engagement Activities 1. Community Engagement Session 1 (July 17, 2024): • Location: Rudy Mendez Recreation Center. • Activities: Introduced the project and gathered initial ideas through brainstorming sessions and surveys. • Outcomes: Collected 19 responses emphasizing themes of equality, diversity, and community unity. 2. Community Engagement Session 2 (October 8, 2024): • Location: Rudy Mendez Recreation Center. • Activities: Presented refined design concepts based on community feedback. • Outcomes: Valuable feedback on cultural representation and historical elements informed the final design iterations. 3. Fabrication Workshops (March 2025 - August 2025): • Activities: Engaged community members in hands-on mosaic fabrication sessions to promote skill development and ownership of the project. • Outcomes: Strengthened community ties and deepened investment in the mural. 4. Installation Activations (December 2025): • Activities: professional artist team commence installation of artwork. • Outcomes: Completion of the final work. Artist’s Statement The “Absolute Equality:Unity Bridge” mosaic mural is designed to celebrate the overarching ideals of equality, unity, and community …
•Project: Beverly Sheffield Pool •Artist: Sun McColgin •Phase: Final Design •Sponsoring Department: Parks & Recreation •Project Budget: $100,000 •Council District: District 7 •Project Manager: Lindsay Hutchens Arts Commission Date: 01/27/2025 Beverly Sheffield Pool Project Background On July 28, 1956, the Northwest Pool and Bathhouse opened to the public. The pool was the first 50-meter regulation Olympic-sized pool in Austin, which allowed the city to qualify for national swimming meets. The Northwest Park Bathhouse was a modern-design circular bathhouse with open-air dressing rooms. The building is eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The name of the park and pool was later changed to honor former Parks and Recreation Director Beverly S. Sheffield. Updating the facility started with community engagement in 2022, culminating in an updated plan to ensure this site will continue to be a gem of the community and complement the future vision of Northwest District Park. “Shimmer” Final Design proposal for Sheffield Pool and Park By Sun McColgin November, 2024 ARTWORK DETAILS ● 16 – identical 8’ tall “tentacles” ● steel ● Painted ○ cobalt blue ○ powder blue ● 3’ tall hexagonal concrete base ● 4 tile sections tile ○ *handmade porcelain and limestone “Shimmer” tiles feature the sentiments, memories and ideas of the Sheffield Pool community – Great Horned Owl, Red Tailed Hawk, Monk Parakeet, Heron, Dogs, Dragonflies Aquatic life, Swimmers, and Swingsets (to name a few) Examples of Ryah’s handmade porcelain tiles depicting native Texas wildlife x X marks proposed sculpture site SCULPTURE SITE “Shimmer” in situ "Shimmer" preliminary design for Northwest Sheffield Pool In creating a design for artwork for the Sheffield Pool, I took cues from the neighborhood and community. I incorporated their many ideas and suggestions while staying true to my own artistic ideals. The themes of bright colors (especially blues), animals and community were extremely common during the input process. The sculpture I am proposing, "Shimmer," consists of 16 identical, ten foot tall, painted steel shapes that reference waves of water, tentacles, and aquatic plants that shimmer in the current. These steel pieces are alternately spaced forward and backward in a perfect circle and mounted on a circular, two foot tall, concrete base. This alternating spacing gives the illusion of the waves creating two different organic shapes, like a lotus flower simultaneously opening and closing.The sculpture makes use of space and light to evoke a sense of …
Project: Highland Park AIPP Project • Artist(s): Samara Barks Phase: Final Design Sponsoring Department: PARD Project Budget: 57,100 Council District: 4 Project Manager: Bryana Iglesias • • • • • • AIPP PANEL MEETING AGENDA ITEM #6 DATE: 1.13.25 Highland Neighborhood Park & Reznicek Fields Art in Public Places Project FINAL-DESIGN REVIEW Samara Barks COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT I wanted to connect the origins of the park space with the community that surrounds and interacts with it today. To begin, I spoke with Mr. Edward Reznicek, himself, to delve into the history of the park, what it's original purpose was and how he became the namesake. In 1970 University Hills Optimist Club was in search of land to develop for youth sports. Later that year, after petitioning the Austin city council, the UHO, along with parents, friends and local community, gathered funds, broke ground and set off to construct the fields. For the past 50 years, the UHO has facilitated youth baseball, kickball, football and soccer. Mr. Reznicek, a retired architect, who helped spearhead the park project, had the space aptly named after him by the UHO members, parents and community involved. “At it's peak UHO operations hosted over 1000 youth yearly and has provided millions of hours of manpower to accomplish these efforts.” -Edward Reznicek 2 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT RESULTS I took the history of the park, dictated to me by Mr. Reznicek, and created a mural showing the reason behind the park's creation. From the collected community stories, I created a shadow box that focuses on the diversity of the current residents and some of the important and fun facts about the Highland neighborhood and history. The whole piece is created to be an interactive gathering place for all that use the park. It's situated right across from the playground to foster interaction among neighbors. The seating area provides shade as well as place for neighbors to sit and view the art around the whole structure. The entire piece is accented with smaller murals of flora and fauna from central Texas. 3 DESIGN I feel I've created a piece that is visually appealing as well as interactive and functional. Currently, the park doesn't have much seating or shade. My piece offers both. Here is my concept for an art piece that offers a space to rest, take in the new additions at the park, as well as tell some of the …
• Project: South Lamar Corridor Project • Artist(s): Wanda Montemayor • Phase: Final Design Review • Sponsoring Department: Transportation and Public Works Department • Project Budget: $116,000 • Council District: District 5 & 9 (Artwork will reside in District 9) • Project Manager: Ryan Runcie AIPP PANEL MEETING AGENDA ITEM #9 DATE:1/13/20 25 SOUTH LAMAR CORRIDOR AIPP FINAL REVIEW Artist: Wanda Montemayor Budget: $116,000 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REVIEW May, 2022 Two virtual meetings were held. Dec, 2022 A meeting specifically for local residents and businesses. Guests were prompted with these guiding questions: • What are some things that represent South Lamar to you? • What are your favorite stories or historical landmarks? • Are you interested in volunteering with tile making or with the mosaic? A large portion of Wanda Montemayor’s community engagement happens during fabrication. She plans to invite community members of all demographics to use specified clay molds, scribe messages into wet clay, and learn about her communally creative practice. Sept, 2023 Family Day at Umlauf Sculpture Garden Wanda created approximately 100 ceramic flowers with about 100 community members and families during a workshop held at the Umlauf. The flowers will be utilized in the final installation and serve as inspiration for the to-scale 18" x 18" maquette. Nov, 2023 Fabrication of maquette frames Community members joined at the Community Arts studio to design and fabricate ceramic maquette frames. Respected ceramic artist Lisa Orr joined to help guide the designs. The maquette will highlight the differences between the framed stories and the hill country-inspired landscape in the background. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REVIEW Nov, 2023 Open House at Community Arts studio Community members joined at the Community Arts studio where people shared their South Austin stories while making tiles that will be integrated into the project. Dec, 2023 Austin Mosaic Guild community outreach / engagement Regional mosaic artists will engage with local area artists to create tiles and hear stories and history about South Austin. At our discretion, we may conduct additional tile-making workshops in the community at future dates. ARTWORK NARRATIVE The mural moves like the rapid expansion of the downtown Aus7n area toward the South through the turn of the century. Exploring the last century in South Aus7n to the present day, we find a wealth of musical history from musicians to shops to venues. But before that, South Lamar was an important commerce route for moving goods, caCle, …
