Board approves appropriateness of mural on annex building, tables final design to allow local artists to submit proposals

The Historic Architectural Review Board voted May 5 to approve the appropriateness of a mural on the downtown annex building and to table final design selection until the next HARB meeting so local artists can submit proposals.

Staff announced the project received $2,000 from an Alachua County Art Tag matching grant; staff had requested up to $5,000 but the county awarded $2,000 for this initial project. The board discussed matching funds from the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the project scope: a relatively small wall was selected for the first demonstration mural to fit available matching funds.

Ms. Umu (project presenter) said the team sought community input and had several renderings from artists; the selected artist team, Visionary Fam (Ken Cary and partner), offered to reduce their fee and contribute to the project’s success. Several board members and local artists said they wanted a fair, transparent process for local artists to pitch designs; one board member requested tabling the final design to allow local artists to submit concepts.

Board discussion agreed on a two‑stage process: the board would confirm that a mural on the annex wall is appropriate, staff would accept artist submissions and convene an internal review committee, the board would provide advice and the CRA would make the ultimate funding decision. The motion to approve appropriateness but table the design passed by voice vote; staff said the design and final selection will return to HARB and then to the CRA for final approval.

Staff provided cost estimates: researched mural costs of roughly $15–$25 per square foot, the county awarded $2,000 (of a requested $5,000) and CRA matching was discussed as a local funding source. The board asked staff to advertise an opportunity for local artists to submit renderings and indicated it would review top proposals at the next HARB meeting.