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Commission conditionally approves contract with Marie Jones for Dunbar School plaque, raises accessibility and location concerns
Summary
The commission voted to enter a contract with artist Marie Jones to design and fabricate a larger, experiential plaque honoring Dunbar School, subject to final design review and incorporation of accessibility and placement feedback from commissioners.
The Beautification of Public Arts Commission voted to authorize staff to enter a contract with artist Marie Jones, doing business as Idea House, to design and fabricate a commemorative installation honoring the historic Dunbar School, contingent on one additional design review by the commission.
Staff described the proposal as an expanded, experiential plaque and installation for the Murdoch Community Center that would incorporate etched and laser‑cut steel panels, a circular viewing aperture with a mirrored element intended to reflect remaining foundation stones, and a QR code linking to the Historic South Side website. Staff said Doctor Ricardo Guthrie drafted the plaque text and that the South Side Community Association had approved the wording.
The commission debated the installation’s proposed location and accessibility. One commissioner said they liked the concept but “I don't like the location,” and several commissioners raised concerns that the placement near the Murdoch ramp would limit visibility to people not entering the building, require pedestrians to walk across landscape material to see the full installation and could be awkward for older or mobility‑limited visitors. Staff acknowledged those concerns and said revisions to layout and orientation could address some issues.
Staff clarified the Dunbar School background used in the plaque: the original Dunbar School was built in 1926 and dedicated in 1927; a portion of its foundation stones remains at the site and inspired the mirroring element in the design. Staff noted the original plaque is missing and that the new installation aims to make the site’s history more experiential.
Commissioners agreed they could approve the contract to begin design and fabrication with a contingency: Marie Jones would return with final designs addressing accessibility, circulation and the user experience around the ramp and the viewing element. A motion to approve the contract with the stated condition passed on a voice vote.
Staff asked that commissioners document specific comments; commissioners suggested staff collect concerns about pedestrian access, fence placement on Butler Avenue, and whether the installation obscures an existing mural. Staff will incorporate the commission’s feedback into the scope for the final design review.
The contract includes a presentation and concept revision step with the South Side Community Association as part of the scope; staff said the piece will be powder‑coated steel with etched and laser‑cut inserts. The commission did not set a final schedule or contract budget at the meeting; staff said those details will be included in follow‑up materials and in the final design submission.
