DDA approves 21‑foot sunflower sculpture for Children's Museum; project budget exceeds $70,000
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Summary
The DDA approved the exterior sunflower sculpture for the Children's Museum, a 21‑foot welded, powder‑coated installation with a total project cost the board said will exceed $70,000. The project requires Historic District Commission review and will be insured and maintained under specific terms.
The Coldwater Downtown Development Authority voted June 25 to approve a proposal to install a 21‑foot welded and powder‑coated sunflower sculpture on the exterior of the Children's Museum.
The board approved the museum’s exterior project request after staff and museum representatives described engineering reviews and a proposed installation approach. Audrey, the DDA director, said the total project cost "is going to exceed $70,000," and the installation will place the majority of the sunflower’s weight on the museum’s second‑story exterior wall; a non‑load‑bearing stem will extend to the ground for visual continuity.
Why it matters: The museum staff said the installation is tied to an indoor educational exhibit about solar energy and is intended as a visible, family‑oriented landmark to draw visitors to downtown. The sculpture will add durable, colorized metalwork to the façade; staff said they are reviewing powder‑coat color options to coordinate the sculpture with a new nearby mural.
Installation, insurance and approvals: DDA staff and the museum presented engineering drawings and said the city will obtain fine‑art insurance for loaned works where appropriate. Staff noted the HDC must still review and approve the exterior alteration; the museum expects to seek formal HDC approval at their next meeting. The DDA also approved moving forward with the project contingent on those regulatory steps.
Maintenance and longevity: The board discussed durability questions; staff said the engineering and powder coating were chosen for longevity and that the artist and fabricator will provide maintenance guidance. The artist will provide coloration options and a recommended maintenance plan; museum and DDA staff said they expect touch‑ups to be occasional and that the artist will provide a paint‑by‑numbers map for smaller future repairs.
What’s next: Staff will coordinate HDC review, finalize engineering and color choices, and schedule installation. The board authorized the project and directed staff to keep the DDA informed as HDC approvals and final engineering are completed.