Planning Commission approves tile gateway art at 1861 E. Route 66 to satisfy community art requirement

The Glendora Planning Commission on a 5‑0 vote approved a public art allocation and design for a gateway artwork at 1861 East Route 66, fulfilling the Community Art Program requirement tied to the development’s building permit valuation.

Assistant planner Aaron told the commission the associated medical office permit exceeded the program threshold — initially set at $1,500,000 — and the applicant estimated the permit valuation at about $1,800,000. The applicant proposed a corner gateway mural of fired ceramic tiles at the northwest corner of Lone Hill and Route 66 formerly occupied by a gas station.

Artist and Glendora resident Michael Hillman presented the design and materials. Hillman described a circular, tile‑based gateway using locally referenced imagery — citrus, bougainvillea, foothills and historic “Googie” roofline motifs — and a color palette that matches other public art in the city. He said the tiles are produced with a sgraffito/porta seca technique, fired to roughly 1,880 degrees, and are chosen for durability and graffiti resistance.

Several commissioners praised the design. Commissioner Kos said she found the work “very beautiful” and noted the continuity with other city pieces; Vice Chair Cremins said uplighting was planned and that the piece would “add a nice little element to that corner.” Commissioners asked about the timeline and maintenance: Hillman estimated fabrication would take about three to four months after final authorization, and staff confirmed conditions of approval require the property owner (applicant) to maintain and repair the monument wall if tiles are damaged.

The commission adopted Resolution PC2025‑04, “A Resolution of the Planning Commission approving art allocation (artwork) pursuant to the Community Art Program for development located at 1861 East Route 66,” by motion and unanimous vote. The assistant planner recommended adoption; the motion and second were made from the dais and the clerk recorded a unanimous 5‑0 vote.

Votes at a glance

• PC2025‑04 — Approve Community Art Program artwork for 1861 E. Route 66 (file CAP240002). Outcome: approved, 5‑0. Conditions require owner maintenance and replacement procedures for damaged tiles; final fabrication and installation timeline estimated at three to four months post‑approval.

What happens next

Staff will finalize conditions of approval and the applicant will begin fabrication once permits and final details are processed. Hillman and staff said the ceramic tile approach is intended to be low‑maintenance and graffiti‑resistant; the property owner is responsible for repairs if tiles are vandalized or damaged by vehicles.