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Commission reviews sand‑blasted text proposal for new library garden; estimated cost up to about $24,000
Summary
Staff and a consultant presented a sand‑blasting option for text and artwork at the new library garden; sand‑blasting was presented as the fastest option to meet the concrete schedule and was estimated at about $100 per square foot, potentially totaling up to about $24,000. The library director supports the concept; one commissioner declared a conflict as a library board member.
Commission staff and the commission’s consultant presented a sand‑blasted text and artwork proposal for the new library garden and discussed next steps.
Staff said the library director requested a text treatment for the new garden and relayed the proposed wording, a passage attributed to the Roman philosopher Cicero: "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need." Because the garden’s concrete work has a tight timeline, consultant Diane said sand‑blasting the text into the concrete is the most feasible option rather than waiting for an inlaid mosaic.
Diane told the commission sand‑blasting runs about $100 per square foot and could total as much as roughly $24,000 for the proposed treatment, with color options available. She cited local Arizona contractors and noted examples of sand‑blasted walks in the Phoenix area.
Commissioners generally expressed support for walkable, engaging artwork at the library garden and said the piece could reinforce community use of the space. Commissioner Catherine stated she serves on the library board and said she had a conflict of interest on the item; staff confirmed no formal vote was required at this introductory stage and that design recommendations will later be forwarded to city council for approval.
What’s next: staff will use the artist roster to form a selection panel when design procurement begins, present recommended designs and, if the commission approves, forward a recommendation to city council.
