Final plans for Claral Looper Civil Rights Center advance to bid with public‑art RFQ under way

Colin Fleck of Bacas Paint presented final plans and specifications for the Claral Looper Civil Rights Center and asked the board to approve the package for advertisement and bidding.

Fleck reviewed the site context (between Madison and 25th on Martin Luther King Avenue), confirmed substantial site preparation and soil remediation for former dry‑cleaner/gas‑station contamination, and described exterior materials (Flemish bond brick, fiber‑cement panels) and internal storytelling elements developed with Gallagher & Associates. He walked members through the pre‑function gallery, the main lounge/gallery, Freedom Hall event space with portrait installations, the gallery spine that will anchor future exhibits, maker and digital classrooms for K‑12 groups, and administrative spaces.

Budget and schedule: Fleck said the project’s construction limit of $11.8 million plus supplemental TIF funds and property‑acquisition surplus bring the current budget to $13.242 million, with $487,000 of bid alternates staff hope to capture on bid day. The public‑art RFQ is open and selections are anticipated in mid‑April; the team expects council approval the week after the MAPS board meeting, bid advertisement on April 8, bids late April, contract award in early June, and construction start in July with a groundbreaking later in the summer.

Board action: The board approved final plans and the team will proceed to advertise for bids.

Why it matters: the project is the culmination of multi‑year planning, includes education and community spaces, and integrates local storytelling and artifacts. The board’s approval moves the project from design to procurement and construction preparatory work.