The City Commission on Aug. 11 approved BCT Design Group’s final schematic designs for the Chester Street parking garage and authorized staff to proceed with similar schematic work for the city’s remaining four garages, incorporating commission feedback on murals, signage and lighting.

What the package included: The Chester schematic presented a white paint field for the garage with targeted accent green paint around elevator lobbies and a small number of mural locations concentrated at pedestrian wayfinding points. The design team reduced the number of suggested murals from the earlier iteration and proposed signage bands and wayfinding panels coordinated with Corbin Design Group concepts.

Cost and lighting: Staff presented a preliminary lighting‑upgrade budget for discussion; the full lighting replacement (LED fixtures, accent lighting and stairwells) would require further competitive bidding. The commission did not approve any immediate larger lighting contract at the meeting; the schematic approval was design direction only.

Public art approach: Staff and the design team outlined three potential paths for mural/art work: commissioning local artists through the city’s Public Art Board, a design competition, or pursuing a program coordinated through the Detroit Institute of Arts. Commissioners asked staff to engage the Public Art Board and to return with options and themes (example suggestions included historical imagery for particular decks).

Vote: The commission approved the Chester schematic and authorized proceeding with schematics for the other garages. The action passed by unanimous voice vote.

Ending: With schematic approval the contractor will finish painting the approved white base and the budgeted accent paint will be installed; staff will bring back detailed mural proposals and cost estimates for future budget consideration.