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Coral Springs delays decision on downtown mural after commissioners raise fit and timing concerns
Summary
The City Commission agreed to continue consideration of an exterior downtown mural and did not move a second proposed mural forward after commissioners said the designs don't yet fit downtown timing and identity. Staff said the selected artist was chosen from an open call of 64 applicants and proposed the piece under museum-led rebranding.
The Coral Springs City Commission on Nov. 6 agreed to continue consideration of a proposed exterior mural for the downtown museum and did not advance a separate interior mural after members raised concerns the artworks do not yet reflect Coral Springs’ identity or the timing for downtown activation.
Tina (public art liaison) told the commission the downtown mural project was included in the city’s five-year public art plan and came from an open call that produced 64 applications. "Ultimately the mural by CJ Hungerman named 'We Rise' was chosen," she said, adding the installation was proposed at $38,000 and that staff had worked with Mill Creek and the museum on license and artist agreements.
Commissioner Sarah said she was uneasy about moving forward now. "Aesthetically, it just wasn't aligning in my head with our strategic plan," she said, arguing the timing ahead of full downtown activation made exterior murals premature. Several other commissioners echoed concerns about timing and fit; Commissioner Simmons and Commissioner McHugh both said they supported waiting until downtown businesses and promoters are more established.
Vice Mayor Mateo Bowen said he supports exterior art generally and emphasized opportunities for local artists, but he agreed the commission should continue the conversation as downtown development proceeds. City Manager Catherine Givens asked staff to relay the commission’s feedback to the public art committee and developers.
Procedurally, the commission voted to continue item 6 (the exterior mural) for further review; a separate proposal listed as item 7 was not moved and therefore did not advance at this meeting. City staff indicated there was some support for an interior panther piece (item 7) but no motion was made to approve it.
The discussion came after a public commenter earlier in the meeting urged commissioners to choose art that reflects Coral Springs’ local character and cited the Everglades and local history as potential themes. Commissioners asked staff and the public art committee to revisit both the proposed designs and the public-engagement/timing plan before bringing the item back.
What’s next: Staff will report back with an adjusted timeline and additional options for artwork that more directly reference Coral Springs’ local features and the commission’s downtown strategy.
