Focus Area: Quality of Life & Infrastructure
Staff Contact: Mike Sirna / Renee Rush / Mary Jaeger / Nate Baldwin
Subject: Presentation of Recommended Sculpture for 119th & Northgate Roundabout
________________________________________________________________________________
title:
title
Presentation of Recommended Sculpture for 119th & Northgate Roundabout. Body
________________________________________________________________________________
Summary:
As part of the City’s continued implementation of the Olathe Public Art Master Plan, staff will present a proposed public art installation for the new roundabout at 119th Street and Northgate. The Master Plan recommends incorporating public art into select transportation projects, such as roundabouts in high-traffic areas with strong visibility, to enhance the experience of driving or walking through the community.
The 119th Street, Woodland to Northgate, Improvements Project will include a new 4-lane divided arterial section of 119th Street between Woodland and Northgate, as well as intersection improvements at Lone Elm Road and 119th Street, Iowa and 119th Street, Woodland Road and 119th Street, with a new roundabout at 119th Street and Northgate Street. The Project will also include a bridge that spans the BNSF Railroad and Mill Creek. Substantial completion of the roundabout is expected by the end of 2026, with final project completion in early 2027.
To integrate public art into this new gateway, Infrastructure partnered with the Olathe Public Art Committee to commission a sculpture for the roundabout. A national Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued, resulting in 227 artist submissions. From those, three finalists were selected and provided stipends to develop site-specific concepts. The finalists presented their proposals to the Public Art Committee, which is recommending the concept Luminescence by Adam Buente of Project One Studios for the roundabout. Mr. Buente will present the proposed sculpture at the meeting for Council discussion.
________________________________________________________________________________
Financial Impact:
The budget for the sculpture is $500,000 and will be funded from the 119th Street, Woodland to Northgate, Improvements Project.
________________________________________________________________________________
Action Needed:
No action is requested at this time. A contract to commission the artwork will be brought forward for formal consideration at a future meeting.
________________________________________________________________________________
Attachment(s):
A: Public Art Proposal