Title
A Resolution approving the concept for a work of public art, by Arturo Berned, in conjunction with the Gables Station mixed-use project, at 215 and 251 South Dixie Highway in fulfillment of the Art in Public Places requirement for public art in private development. (unanimously recommended by the Arts Advisory Panel approval/denial vote: 6 to 0, and the Cultural Development Board approval/denial vote: 7 to 0)
Body
NP International with 251 South Dixie LLC (the “Developer”) is constructing a mixed-use project at 215 and 251 South Dixie Highway (the “Project”). The Developer has chosen the option of petitioning for a waiver of the Art in Public Places Fee requirement by commissioning and installing artwork within the project as specified in the Zoning Code, Article 3, Division 21.
The Developer selected Arturo Berned (the “Artist”) to proceed with a concept design proposal for the artwork. Mr. Berned was chosen for his work with monumental sculptural forms and his status in the international arts community. His unique work centers on the reinterpretation of geometric forms and metal, resulting in the creation of abstract masterpieces. Berned conceives sculptures in varying sizes but it is the monumental or urban format that best defines his work, perhaps influenced by his training as an architect and urban planner.
Headquarted in Madrid, Spain, Mr. Berned’s work is in various museums around the world. His work is included in the collections of: The Mori Museum, Mitsui Collection, Ivam Museum, Christian Dior Collection, BMW Collection, Gestamp Collection, Group Collection Caser, Iberdrola Collection, The Soller Museum, Palma De Mallorca, Loewe Foundation, Maraya Foundation, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and UNESID Union of Steel Companies.
The proposed artwork is a large scale sculpture proposed for placement on the west end of the Gables Station Project, on Grand Avenue between South Dixie Highway and Ponce de Leon Boulevard at Le Jeune Road. The pieces will serve as an entrance feature and gateway into the Project.
The concept proposal is attached as Exhibit A to the proposed Resolution.
The cost of the proposed art piece and installation is estimated to be $327,925, which is less than the required 1% of the Project’s total budget estimate of $73,823,165. The difference in cost is being applied toward additional artwork(s) being requested for waiver of the AiPP fee with the outstanding balance deposited into the Art Acquisition Fund.
The Arts Advisory Panel and the Cultural Development Board voted unanimously to recommend the art concept at their respective meetings on May 23, 2018 and June 05, 2018.
The Developer is required to provide for the perpetual maintenance of the artwork, which will be the sole responsibility of the Developer, in accordance with a restrictive covenant entered into with the City of Coral Gables and following the Art in Public Places: Funding, Goals, and Implementation Guidelines.