The City Commission on Aug. 11 approved final schematic designs for the Chester Street parking garage and authorized the design team to proceed with schematic plans for the remaining four downtown garages using the Commission’s feedback.

Design highlights: The approved Chester Street design retains a primarily white painted finish with coordinated green accent colors tied to Birmingham’s signage palette. The design team reduced the number of proposed murals and focused artwork locations around elevator lobbies and pedestrian access points rather than covering broad wall fields.

The Commission discussed how to select art and messaging. Staff and BCT Design Group described three possible paths: (1) commission‑directed, city‑funded artwork, (2) a public‑art‑board selection or artist competition with design constraints, or (3) participation in a Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) program to obtain curated mural work. Commissioners asked that the public arts board explore themes and concepts (historic photos, coordinated motifs across decks, and durable materials) and return recommendations so the city can balance cost, durability and visual cohesion.

Lighting and signage: The design included LED accent lighting and wayfinding signs coordinated with Corbin signage concepts; a budget estimate for full accent lighting and installation was discussed as a high‑level planning number (on the order of $1.2–$1.6 million for full lighting replacement and accent work citywide). Staff said the construction contractor will paint the Chester garage white now and apply approved accent colors and mural bases later when installations are ready.

Outcome: The commission approved the Chester schematic designs and asked staff to engage the public arts board to produce coordinated art themes and to return with design details for the remaining garages.

Ending: With schematic approval completed for Chester Street garage, the city will finalize design and permitting tasks and seek costed proposals for lighting, signage and art installations for subsequent garages.