San Luis commission hires Designing Local to conduct historic survey and public-art policy; April 25 engagement planned

The San Luis Economic Development Commission on an April meeting heard a kickoff presentation from consultants Designing Local on a project to survey historic and cultural resources and to develop a public-art policy and implementation plan for the city. The department identified $30,000 in available funds from a previously budgeted Merrill Phase 1 project and transferred that amount to support the work.

Designing Local described a multi-month scope that combines a historic resources survey, recommendations for identifying potential historic districts, and a public-art policy with funding and implementation guidance. Megan Adornetto, historic preservationist with Designing Local, said the team will produce a final survey report and a public-art policy for Council consideration "in August or September." Anna Tallarico, Designing Local’s public art coordinator, told the commission the consultant team will recommend funding mechanisms scaled to San Luis and will provide examples and case studies.

The consultants said outreach will include stakeholder interviews, a bilingual digital survey, and an in-person engagement booth at Arte En La Calle. Josh Lapp, a Designing Local principal, is scheduled to attend the Arte En La Calle event to engage with residents and collect input on where public art and preservation work should be focused. The consultants said engagement materials will include visual boards, QR-coded digital surveys and paper copies, and translated materials to reach bilingual residents.

Commission discussion focused on local priorities and possible project sites. Commission member Marie Carmen Lopez suggested murals near Main Street entrances and other visible corridors. Commission member Eric R. Jones urged identifying and preserving historically significant properties such as Cesar Chavez’s former home. Commission member Oscar Franco recommended integrating digital wayfinding and QR codes to provide more layered historical information than a single plaque.

Designing Local described funding models the firm commonly recommends — for example, a percent-for-art approach that dedicates a small share of construction budgets to public art — but told commissioners they will tailor recommendations to San Luis. The department and consultants said the project will culminate in a plan and recommendations to be presented to City Council for adoption.

The team encouraged commissioners and stakeholders to attend the April 25 engagement event; the public booth will collect written and digital comments. The consultants will continue background research and stakeholder outreach before returning with interim updates and a draft plan for the commission and then Council.