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Design Assistance Team recommends approval for Dolphin Playhouse mural in Empire district
Summary
The Coos Bay Design Assistance Team recommended the Dolphin Playhouse mural proceed 'as exhibited,' subject to Engineering Division requirements and a final land-use inspection. Applicant said work is likely to occur in about a year due to weather.
The Design Assistance Team recommended on Oct. 9 that an artist-designed mural of dolphins be allowed on the Dolphin Playhouse at the northwest corner of Newmark and Wall in the Empire district, with staff conditions before final land-use sign-off.
The recommendation followed a presentation by Alice Carlson, manager of the Dolphin Playhouse, who said the project—created in collaboration with artist Simon White Owl—aims to increase public awareness of the playhouse and to bring more art to Empire. "We submitted this project... to paint dolphins on the outside of the building," Carlson said, describing the dolphins as primarily outlined shapes that would not cover existing murals.
Chelsea Schnabelo, Coos Bay community development director and staff presenter, described the parcel as being in a Commercial Zone and inside the Empire Urban Renewal District and explained that paint is treated as development under the Empire Waterfront design-review standards. Schnabelo noted the Empire Historic District color palette (Exhibit B, p. 23) does not explicitly list the proposed blues but said similar coastal colors are consistent with the district. "Staff doesn't see any reason why it wouldn't be, couldn't be approved," Schnabelo said, while asking that approval be conditioned on compliance with Engineering Division requirements and a final land-use inspection.
Committee members supported the design in discussion. Judith said the proposal "blends in with the surroundings," and MJ Carriva and Andrew Locati said the blues complement the existing Empire mural palette and help expand public art in the downtown cores. The team did not take a formal roll-call vote; the chair recorded a consensus recommendation to move the project forward "as exhibited." Carlson said the painting is likely to occur in about a year because of weather concerns and that the project plans to use local artists and volunteers.
Next steps: staff will apply the noted engineering and land-use inspection conditions before issuing final approvals. The Design Assistance Team will forward its recommendation to the land-use decision process as required under local procedures.
