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Council approves $50,000 contract for Milagros Collective murals at Merriam Community Center stairs
Summary
The council approved a $50,000 contract with Milagros Collective to create exterior and interior murals on the Merriam Community Center parking‑structure stairs, with community workshops and a target completion date tied to the city's October birthday.
The Merriam City Council on May 20 voted to approve a $50,000 contract with the Milagros Collective to install murals and some three‑dimensional elements on the parking‑structure staircases at the Merriam Community Center.
The Public Art Committee recommended the project after a selection process that began with about 190 artist applications and narrowed to three semifinalists. "The committee unanimously selected the Milagros Collective for this project," the presenter said, noting the design is inspired by Midwestern seasons for the exterior stairs and native flowers for the interior stairs. The proposal includes community engagement such as artist talks and hands‑on workshops to create some of the three‑dimensional elements.
Safety and maintenance questions: committee members and councilors asked about stair visibility and slip resistance if tile were used. The presenter said code requirements will be met and staff raised the concern about tiles; an alternative is painted treads or modified materials to ensure safety. References from previous Milagros projects indicated "very minimal maintenance" on their other large murals, staff said.
Cost and schedule: staff said the total contract is $50,000 and the project is expected to be completed by Oct. 23, a city milestone date. The Public Art Committee and council liaisons indicated the artists are open to collaborative refinements to final colors and saturation to address visual‑contrast concerns.
Action taken: Council member Bennett moved to approve the contract; Council member Silvers seconded; the motion passed 8–0.
