Committee directs CDBG funds to Freeman Alley, names Riverfront Street second priority

Waukesha City’s Arts & Culture Committee voted to make Freeman Alley its first priority for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, and to designate Riverfront Street as the second choice if other funding sources become available.

The committee’s action followed a staff update on possible projects for 2026 CDBG funds, including completion of Freeman Alley murals, additional utility-box wraps and an artscape concept for portions of Main Street and Riverfront Street. Committee members discussed an RFP process for artist selection, options for permanent versus board-mounted murals, display cases and benches, and concerns about vandalism and durability.

The committee was briefed that the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has awarded the city a Vibrant Spaces grant of $50,000 (matching), intended to support elements of the Freeman/Friedman Alley work such as signage, lighting, seating and some murals. Committee members were told the city has budgeted about $50,000 this year (borrowed) for lighting and infrastructure and that an additional roughly $130,000 has been identified by staff, which together could allow substantial completion of Freeman Alley depending on final mural costs and bids. Staff said an artist RFP will be issued this summer and will include site photographs and specifications so respondents can price work.

Committee members discussed whether murals should be painted directly on building masonry or affixed to removable boards; owners of alley properties generally preferred boards to protect existing masonry and to allow off-site painting. Members asked whether the city would apply protective clear coats to finished pieces; staff indicated the city has used protective coatings on past public-art projects and would consider consistent finishing. The committee also discussed lifelike or interactive installations and a longer-term idea to establish a sculpture walk or park at an underused city park.

Staff reported an extension for the utility-box wrap project (originally planned for 2024) and said contractors have provided digital mockups; installation of wraps was planned for late May or June. The staff update included a summary of expected CDBG award timing: the county administers the federal funds locally, 2025 contracts were expected but not yet received at the time of the meeting, and 2026 funding remained less certain.

At the committee’s close of new business, a member moved that Freeman Alley be the first choice for CDBG funds and Riverfront Street the second choice; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The committee asked staff to return a draft RFP and additional design materials to the group for review at its next meeting, scheduled for June 3 at 5 p.m., so members can give feedback on mural proposals, display-case designs and other alley furnishings.

Votes at a glance - Motion: "Our first choice for CDBG funds is Freeman Alley; second choice, if other funds become available, is Riverfront Street." Moved and seconded during the meeting; approved by voice vote.

Background/why it matters CDBG funds require projects be located in low- to moderate-income (LMI) areas; staff noted the alley and many downtown blocks shown in draft plans fall within eligible census tracts. The committee’s prioritization will guide staff if 2026 CDBG allocations are received and helps the city coordinate matching grants and local capital allocations now being planned.

What’s next Staff will issue an RFP for mural artists and return draft proposals and display-case/lighting plans to the committee at the June 3 meeting. Implementation depends on final bids, the timing and size of CDBG awards from the county and on matching grants and local budget decisions.