The Coldwater Downtown Development Authority on June 25 approved a tri‑party agreement to fund and install a mural for the branch children’s museum and selected the museum’s preferred design option.

The approval authorizes Agreement DDA A 25‑0 3 under Resolution DDA 25‑04. The agreement names the DDA as sponsor, Courtney Clark as the artist, and Jenny Rakusi as the building owner; it requires the DDA to pay 50% of the artist fee up front and the remaining 50% at completion and grants the DDA the right to use images and video of the finished work in promotion.

Why it matters: The mural is part of a larger downtown public‑art push that officials say is intended to increase foot traffic, provide family‑friendly photo opportunities and support the children’s museum’s programming. The board’s action clears permitting and funding steps so the mural can be installed before a July 17 promotional video shoot the promotions committee has scheduled.

Board and staff described the agreement terms during the meeting. Audrey, the DDA director, summarized the payment and usage terms, saying, "it's our responsibility to to pay for that mural 50% upfront and 50% at completion." She also explained that the building owner must prepare the wall surface and that the artist agreed to install within a reasonable timeframe. The agreement includes a short termination window: any party may end the agreement on 10 days' notice.

The DDA displayed two design concepts prepared by artist Rhiannon (the museum requested permission for design number 2). Board members said they preferred design 2 as being more whimsical and better suited to children; the motion to approve the selected option passed on a voice vote.

Not a regulatory change: The action approved the specific mural agreement and design choice only. It does not change Historic District Commission (HDC) or other regulatory processes that may apply to other downtown projects.

What’s next: With the agreement in place, staff said they will finalize schedule and logistics with the artist and the building owner and coordinate the mural installation with other downtown promotional activities.