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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.5 Francis Ranch Development Public ArtAgenda Item 5.5 DUBLIN CALIFORNIA STAFF REPORT CITY COUNCIL DATE: January 14, 2025 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM: Colleen Tribby, City Manager SU B.ECT: Francis Ranch Development Public Art Prepared by: Shaun Chilkotowsky, Parks & Community Services Manager EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The City Council will consider approving Trumark Homes' proposal for public art at the Francis Ranch development project that is now under construction. The proposed artwork, designed by artist Eric Powell, would be located in future public spaces, which the developer is constructing as part of the project. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Consider approving the artwork proposal by Trumark Homes for the Francis Ranch development project. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no impact on City funds as this is developer -installed artwork. Trumark Homes' public art obligation for this project is estimated at $1,534,000. DESCRIPTION: Background On December 7, 2021, the Dublin City Council adopted Resolution 140-21 Approving Vesting Tentative Map No. 8563, authorizing the development of a 165.5-acre site with a 573-unit residential project. More specifically, the project will include six neighborhoods, two neighborhood parks totaling 11 acres, and a two -acre public/semi-public site. The project site, owned by TH East Ranch Dublin LLC (Trumark Homes) and Arroyo CAP IV-3 (Arroyo), straddles existing Croak Road with Jordan Ranch to the west, Positano to the north, and undeveloped land to the east and south. The project includes the obligation to provide public art at a value of 0.5% of the project's building valuation, which equates to about $1.5 million. Page 1 of 3 1 Artist Selection Trumark Homes selected artist Eric Powell to create the artwork for the Francis Ranch project. Having previously collaborated with the artist on the Wallis Ranch development in Dublin, Trumark Homes was impressed by his innovative approach to artwork development and ability to collaborate to meet project goals. Eric Powell brings a unique vision that aligns with Trumark Homes' goal of enhancing community pride through art and his exploration of themes relevant to the community and location history. Design Proposal and Location The proposal is for a series of artworks located in the two public park spaces being constructed as part of the development project. Two of the artworks may be located along the section of Croak Road that connects the two parks, if feasible. Otherwise, all the artworks will be located within the two parks. The park spaces, currently in the design development phase, total 11 acres and include a mix of passive and active use amenities. The proposed artwork series comprises a mixture of sculptures and artistic park features. The two prominent sculptures, one located in each park and both 20 feet in height, are inspired by the vintage farm equipment once located on the property and are complimented by the theme of "Exploration"which is the basis of the park design. Ten artistic light poles, or Cloud Lanterns, are included, with four or five located in each park (two may be located along Croak Road, as noted above). These large-scale sculptures evoke the spirit of the surrounding rolling hills and ecosystem of the Tri-Valley, and each will stand approximately 15 feet tall. The forms and shapes of these sculptures convey native plants found in Dublin and are symbolic of the overlapping relationship with people and nature. Utilizing wood from four heritage trees harvested from the land, sculptural benches will be created and placed adjacent to the play areas at each park. Up to four benches will be created, two at each park, and plaques will be included detailing how the trees were transformed and are now preserved in the form of functional art. Lastly, an artistic, 17- foot-tall archway portraying birds in flight will be located at each park at the entrance to the play areas. A detailed proposal is included with this Staff Report as Attachment 1. The City will own the land where the future artworks will be located. Upon successful installation and project completion, Trumark Homes will transfer ownership of the artworks to the City. As the owner of the artworks, the City of Dublin will take on maintenance responsibilities, and Trumark Homes will provide a one-time payment to the City to cover future ownership and maintenance costs. Staff Review and Community Outreach On August 18, 2024, Trumark Homes and artist Eric Powell attended the Farmers Market at Emerald Glen Park to present the proposal to the community and solicit feedback. Overall, the community was supportive of the project and appreciated the deep connection to the surrounding landscape. A goal for the project was to further assist with defining the public spaces. Feedback noted how the artwork brought linkages to the site's past, surrounding architecture, and park themes. Parks and Community Services Commission Review At its November 18, 2024 meeting, the Parks and Community Services Commission reviewed the Page 2 of 3 2 Public Art proposal developed by Trumark Homes and artist Eric Powell. The Commission supported the proposal and expressed appreciation for how the artist was able to utilize art to connect the site's agricultural past with its vibrant, active future. Heritage & Cultural Art Commission Review At its December 12, 2024 meeting, the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission reviewed the proposal and voted unanimously to recommend the artwork to the City Council for final approval. The Commission expressed appreciation for the detail and thoughtfulness of the proposal, and for how well the artwork layout was balanced. Staff Review and Next Steps Staff from the City's Public Works, Community Development, and Parks and Community Services Departments have reviewed the artwork proposal and believe the artwork aligns with the City's Public Art Master Plan and does not create safety or design concerns. If approved by the City Council, Trumark Homes and the City will enter into a Public Art Installation and Maintenance Agreement. Staff will return to the City Council at a future meeting for approval of this agreement, including a detailed scope of work and schedule for completion. STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE: None. NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH: The City Council Agenda was posted, and a copy of the Staff Report was provided to the Developer. ATTACHMENTS: 1) Artwork Design Proposal by Artist Eric Powell Page 3 of 3 3 Attachment I ie rancis Rahch-!' Public Art Design/Concept - Dublin, C Eric Powell, Artist September 25, 2024 4 Attachment I Francis Ranch: Proposal for Public Art Artist: Eric Powell 12-12-24 Artist Statement Eric Powell is committed to enriching and beautifying places by creating site - responsive, integrated, resilient works of public art. These artworks enrich and enhance the places where they reside and inspire people to feel a sense of place. Every city that has integrated public art flourishes and becomes a destination, attracting a vital community and economy. Powell's previous project with Trumark Homes at Wallis Ranch in Dublin commemorates the rich agrarian and ranching history of the property and broader community. The artwork beatifies the park and entry area, bringing a unique, timeless identity to Wallis Ranch. Given Powell's established and successful relationship with Trumark Homes as well has his emphasis on integrating historical narratives into many of his works, he is uniquely placed to create artworks for Francis Ranch. Description of Artworks The Artwork at Francis Ranch will create a vibrant and uplifting visual identity and a strong sense of continuity that establishes the community as a unique, beautiful and inviting place to live. Interweaving natural forms with manmade forms the artworks will lend an exuberant energy for the parks and a new story and a new history for Francis Ranch. Words the describe the artwork: Clouds, lanterns, rolling hills, ephemeral, timeless, currents, beacons, birds in flight, farm equipment/tools, windmills, trees, pods, leaves, seeds, barn owls, native animals, native plants, wind. The artworks will include a series of sculptures and functional works that will be a destination within the two parks for the whole community to enjoy. Materials, Finish, and Maintenance The sculptures are made of steel, an extremely durable structural material. The surface is finished with a long-lasting industrial -grade primer and protective paint coating, which requires minimal maintenance. 5 Attachment I Location The artworks will be located within between the two parks and will be highly visible. They will create a common theme that connects the two parks through a visual, artistic continuity. Scale and Lighting The artworks will be scaled so that they are accessible and relatable, and at the same time visible from afar. During the day, the sculptures will allow light to pass through so that they are visually integral to the harmony of the land, the landscaping and the views of the Tri-Valley. At night, the glowing Cloud Lanterns will be lit from within and will illuminate the parks with a soft, warm glow at night, creating an inviting presence at night. Timeline The Artworks will be completed at the same time as parks and homes. 6 Attachment I Scope of Work for the Artwork for Francis Ranch: 1: 'Cloud Lanterns' (Ten total) Cloud Lanterns and Totem Sculptures are large scale sculptures that evoke the spirit of the surrounding rolling hills and quintessential California terrain and ecosystem of the Tri Valley Area. The designs integrate forms of medicinal plants, seeds, pods and leaves that are native to Northern California, and support all of life. The ten Cloud Lanterns are inspired by the rich surrounding habitat and by the vintage farming equipment that resided on the Croak/Francis Ranch property for well over a century. These objects embody the beauty of the surrounding terrain and the ingenuity and elegance of early American industrial design. Height: 15'-17'. 3: Larger Illuminated Sculptures (Two total): There will be two large scale sculptures, one at the entry of each park. The sculptures are inspired by historic objects that were found on the Croak Ranch land. Forms integrated into the artworks are inspired by tractor parts, plow blades, and other objects essential and ubiquitous on the ranch. The sculptures acknowledge and celebrate the history of the land, reminding residents and visitors of the lands' rich agrarian past. Height: 20'. 3: Bird Arches at the Play Areas These two entry arches create an inviting and uplifting energy to each play area, and let kids (and anyone who wants to play) know that they are now in the right place! The birds on the arches are in flight, casting shadows that revolve on the ground as the sun moves through the day. The birds are colorful and exuberant in their movement. Height: 15'-17'. 2: Heritage Tree Benches Four Heritage trees that were harvested from the land will be used to create two sculptural benches for each park. These engaging works will memorialize the trees and will include a plaque describing the process through which the trees were transformed into artworks. The trees will be carved and formed using chain saws, sanders and chisels. The Heritage Tree benches will provide places for gathering and playing. These works will celebrate the majesty and importance of trees in California and will add beauty and a unique element of play to the parks. The benches can each sit several people. Length: 12' - 15' each. 7 Attachment I Some notes on the history of Croak Ranch (now Francis Ranch): In 1850, Michael Murray and Jeremiah Fallon came to this area from Ireland. They purchased 1,000 acres of land from Jose Amador and built homes for their families. The area began to grow as many settled in the area. Amongst them were the Croak family, whose ranch abuts the Fallon property's eastern boundary. When the U.S. Department of Transportation laid plans for Interstate 580 and Interstate 680, intersecting at Dublin, they followed the roads' long-established circulation patterns and existing settlements with infrastructure. The boundaries of the Croak Ranch property have not changed since at least 1906. Although the Croak family ranch likely produced dairy products for their own consumption, like many agricultural families, the lack of a dairy barn suggests a production focused on cattle or possibly other ranching for meat and hide products. Trumark Homes is among discerning developers integrating art and culture into their projects, creating magnetism and enhancing and enriching people's experience. I very much appreciate the opportunity to work with Trumark Homes and the City of Dublin! Thank you, Eric Powell 8 Attachment I Art Locations Forest Park Context Location: Francis Ranch w�•rrxrxr 9 Attachment I Northern Park Art Integration Potential Art Locations THEME EXPLORATION CALIFORNIA 10 Attachment I Southern Park Art Integration THEME EXPLORATION BAY AREA • Potential Art Locations 11 Attachment I Sculptures Y A•Y f '4 4011101.1 The Inspiration for the two sculptures emerged from exploring the historic Croak Ranch property and experiencing the beauty of the natural surroundings, as well as from the vintage ranch equipment on the land. • There will be one sculpture in each park. q _. _ ti �-- 12 Attachment I Francis Ranch Public Art Sources of Inspiration Old Plow, Croak Ranch Iron Pillar of Delhi, from the 4th Century - ...u; Stone whael carved in the 13th Century Konark Sun Temple, Orissa, India Iron Pillar of Delhi (right) With concept drawing of sculpture inspired by the pillar Sculpture inspired by wagon wheels found on the Croak Ranch property 1 • LI°Iei Historic Objects Photographed at Croak Ranch, March 2021 Vintage Agricultural Equipment. Croak Ranch Heritage Oak Tree 13 Attachment 1 Sculpture 1 14 Sculpture 2 Attachment I .1111111 15 Attachment I MY• --treX100:4? . • . • "oz2.43,,. -Cloud Lanterns -04 00 • 4'"giL711*%. "-- , -K*7"'•_4eiOja' POW • There will be a total of ten Clod Lanterns, five for each ark. f-174. 40, .-wor41" I.\ • . 'AVaINP74- Attachment I Inspiration for Cloud Lanterns The ten `Cloud Lantern' sculptures are inspired both by the beautiful clouds that grace Dublin, and by native Northern California medicinal plants, all of which grow in the Dublin Area. • *• Cilantro Calendula Mullein Camomile California Poppy 17 Cloud Lantern 1 18 Cloud Lantern 2 19 Cloud Lantern 3 20 Cloud Lantern 4 21 Cloud Lantern 5 22 Attachment I Bloom III Artisan Crossing, Belmont, CA. 2023. Ht: 17' Example: Cloud Lanterns 23 Attachment I 41.1 'Bird Arches' at Play Areas The Bird Arches create an uplifting and welcoming entryway to the play areas. There will be one Bird Arch in each of the two parks. 24 Attachment I Francis Ranch Heritage Log Benches There will be three Tree Benches, tw❑ in each park. The final bench designs will be determined upon the shapes and sizes of the trees. Log bench examples Heritage Trees harvested from the Croak / Francis Ranch Property Log bench examples 25 Attachment I 26