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Council reviews proposed ‘Luminescence’ sculpture for 100th & Nineteenth roundabout; artist selected
Summary
The Olathe Public Art Committee recommended Project 1 Studio (Adam Buente) to design a large illuminated sculpture called 'Luminescence' for the roundabout at 100 and Nineteenth and North Cape; council members asked about durability, maintenance, paint and lighting lifespans and funding.
The Olathe City Council on July 1 heard a detailed presentation and concept from Project 1 Studio (artist Adam Buente) for a commissioned sculpture to occupy the roundabout at “100 And Nineteenth And North Cape” as part of the 100th Street extension project.
City Engineer Nate Baldwin explained the intersection was determined to be a roundabout during the 100th Street extension planning and that the roundabout presented an opportunity for a gateway art installation. Renee Rush, events and rentals manager and staff liaison to the Olathe Public Art Committee, summarized the selection process: the committee issued a request for qualifications in January 2025, received about 227 submissions, shortlisted candidates, invited three finalists to prepare site-specific concepts and unanimously selected Project 1 Studio.
Project 1 Studio (lead designer/artist Adam Buente) described the proposal, summarized as "Luminescence," which uses a sweeping central form wrapped by orbiting, ribbon-like elements, painted aluminum skin over a galvanized-steel structural core, and integrated dynamic LED lighting. Buente said the concept seeks to "visualize the city's dynamic and purposeful energy" and cited community interviews and site visits as inputs to the design.
Council members questioned materials, durability and maintenance. Buente and staff said the paint system proposed is a high‑end automotive/architectural coating (a Matthews/PPG system) with warranties the presenters described as typically between 10 and 20 years, and that the design approach allows for replacement of outer panels if damage occurs rather than disassembly of the entire structure. On lighting reliability, Buente said the LED systems specified are the same class used on major bridge and public-lighting projects and are intended to be serviceable; he noted the contractor holds multiyear warranties and the artist’s team conducts significant preinstallation testing.
Funding and project budgeting: staff said the sculpture would be funded from the capital project budget for the 100th Street extension and that artwork is budgeted at roughly 1% of capital project costs under the city’s public‑art policy; the presenter said in‑house fabrication helps maximize value within the provided budget. Staff confirmed next steps are to refine final form, site logistics and a contract; the council will receive the contract for formal approval at a future meeting.
Councilmembers praised the concept and stressed the importance of reliability and maintainability of the lighting and coatings before installation. Councilmember Vakas asked specifically about paint warranty and long-term repainting; Buente responded that warranties range from 10–20 years and described approaches to on-site touch-up or panel replacement. Councilmember Essex encouraged a palette that complements the Olathe flag and night sky; staff said landscaping and interior curb design will be coordinated to protect the sculpture and reduce the risk of vehicle strikes.
Ending: The council did not vote on the art contract at the July 1 meeting; staff will return with a contract and final details for council approval.
