Commission approves revised design for Dunbar School historical plaque near Murdoch Community Center

The Beautification and Public Art Commission on Aug. 11 approved a revised interpretive plaque design recognizing the historic Dunbar School that reduces obstruction of an existing mural and improves public accessibility of the foundation stones. Staff and artist Marie Jones presented an updated design after earlier commissioner concerns that the original plaque frame would obstruct a mural on the exterior of Murdoch Community Center and that the interpretive panel would not allow sidewalk-level viewers to see the foundation stones. The updated design shortened the frame, reduced the number of panels from four to three, condensed the explanatory text and moved the interpretive "peephole" to the center so the foundation stones are visible to sidewalk passersby. The Southside Community Association reviewed the design and provided feedback at a community meeting; staff said responses were overwhelmingly positive. The commission voted to approve the revised final design. Commissioner Michael Berlin said he liked the updates. Staff noted the project cannot address the building entry’s ADA accessibility in this scope and that broader access changes would require a separate project.