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Artists revise Chestnut Avenue I‑5 underpass designs after community input and maintenance concerns
Summary
Green Meme and city staff presented revised public‑art concepts for the Chestnut Avenue I‑5 underpass, proposing gateway sculptures at the four corners to reduce maintenance issues from winter puddling; commissioners and residents urged stronger cultural references and native plant color palettes before final approval.
The Arts Commission on Feb. 5 received revised public‑art concepts for the Chestnut Avenue I‑5 underpass from program manager Crystal Roa and the Green Meme artist team, which said community feedback and winter maintenance concerns have prompted a move from long‑wall treatments to sculptural gateway elements at the underpass corners.
"We have a kind of desire to connect more deeply with the Barrio and its history and community and also this kind of rich, diverse ecology of Carlsbad," an artist from the Green Meme team stated, describing a color story and plant‑based imagery that traces local ecologies and migration histories.
Staff said the project is in collaboration with Caltrans and is funded through capital improvement project number 6098, with $400,000 allocated for the work. Artists explained that winter rain puddling at the underpass would damage long‑wall treatments over time (causing erosion or calcification of painted or metal‑applied surfaces), so the revised approach concentrates durable sculptural elements at corners to reduce exposure and simplify maintenance.
Resident Laurie Robbins, a painter and former architectural designer, supported the new direction but urged stronger native coastal plant choices and color continuity. "I suggest adding some color to the east side imagery to improve this continuation," Robbins said, listing native options such as monkey flower and California fuchsia and asking for a clearer link across the underpass.
Commissioners emphasized cultural resonance as well as durability. Commissioner George highlighted Carlsbad’s flower‑field history and the city flower, the bird of paradise, and suggested incorporating imagery that both communities can identify with. Commissioners also asked about materials and durability; artists said powder‑coated stainless steel is the anticipated material and that roughly 16 powder‑coat colors are feasible within budget constraints.
Artists said they will return to the commission in spring (anticipated April) with revised designs and community feedback to prepare a final recommendation for City Council. The commission did not take a formal vote on the design tonight; staff indicated the next step is community outreach to refine choices (flowers, orientation, and exact placement of corner sculptures).
