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Alpharetta arts commission defers approval of 20x20 mural at Terraces at Windward Parkway
Summary
After extended discussion about placement, visibility and context above dumpster enclosures, the Cultural Arts Commission voted to defer a decision on a proposed 20-by-20-foot mural by Margaret Perkins at the Terraces at Windward Parkway until the next regular meeting.
The Alpharetta Cultural Arts Commission voted to defer consideration of a proposed mural at the Terraces at Windward Parkway after commissioners raised concerns about placement, surrounding context and maintenance.
Greg Cato, vice president of design and construction for Seelig Enterprises, and Tana Kao, director of marketing and placemaking at Seelig, presented a proposed mural by artist Margaret (Margo) Perkins that would sit on the west facade of the shopping center above the dumpster enclosures and be visible from Windward Parkway. Cato said the mural is approximately 20 by 20 feet and is intended to provide a visual “pop” visible to passing traffic; he said an estimated 850 passersby per day can view the wall from several angles.
Commissioners questioned whether placing a vibrant mural directly above dumpster enclosures would create a visual disconnect with the rest of the shopping center and asked whether the mural could be moved to the larger CVS building façade, wrapped into adjacent windows or visually tied to the base of the wall. Several commissioners recommended painting the dumpster enclosures or integrating the mural so the lower portion did not read as a service area. Commissioner Chantal Foster and others said the mural’s single-wall placement risked feeling unconnected to the rest of the center.
Kim (arts staff, City of Alpharetta) explained the mural followed a condition imposed as part of Activate Games’ change-of-use permit: the city requested an art installation to accompany the new entertainment use. "They gave a condition that they create some type of art piece," Kim said, explaining the location was chosen because it was the widest blank wall without windows or awnings.
Seelig Enterprises said it would apply a clear coat for protection, would be responsible for maintenance and estimated touch-ups every five to seven years for a mural in a high exterior position. The presenters said no additional dedicated lighting is currently planned but could be considered.
After discussion, Commissioner Smeal moved to defer approval to the commission’s next regular meeting; Commissioner Foster seconded the motion. The commission voted to approve the motion to defer.
The commission asked Seelig to return with revised options that respond to concerns about site context and treatment of the dumpster enclosures, including potential paint treatments for the enclosures or alternate mural placement.
The commission’s public-art review committee had previously reviewed the proposal and recommended the mural with suggestions to reduce the visual prominence of the underlying service structures.
The permit condition that prompted the mural remains in force; staff said the change-of-use permit will not be finalized until the condition is satisfied to the city’s and commission’s standards.
