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Commission allocates up to $65,000 for University Avenue Caltrain underpass mural
Summary
The Public Art Commission approved up to $65,000 to support a mural program for the University Avenue Caltrain underpass, aiming to cover about 25% of wall surfaces and to leverage grant and partner funding; commissioners emphasized materials and lighting strategies to address moisture and visibility constraints.
The Palo Alto Public Art Commission voted unanimously June 18 to allocate up to $65,000 to support a mural program for the University Avenue Caltrain underpass and adjacent pedestrian walkways.
Staff said the underpass lighting has been upgraded to LED fixtures and that the conduit replacement and brighter lighting create a new opportunity for surface-level artworks, but cautioned that moisture and seepage in wall substrates remain a limiting factor. Staff proposed covering roughly 25% of the wall surface with artwork—either pocketed vignettes or coordinated panels—to avoid chronic water-affected areas and to keep much of the light-reflective white surface that helps bounce light in the tunnel.
Commissioners suggested a range of materials and approaches to improve durability and visual impact: ceramic or architectural tile to resist moisture, reflective or light-enhancing materials on ceilings, site-responsive work that acknowledges the tunnel’s history, and multiple-artist strategies so each corridor can present a distinct but coherent experience. Staff noted that if the city is awarded a VTA grant it may need to use Santa Clara County artists for that portion of the funding, but a plurality of funding partners could expand the artist pool.
By approving the $65,000 allocation, the commission intends to use city funds to leverage additional grants and partner contributions and to proceed with more detailed outreach to downtown stakeholders and potential artists. Staff said work would likely take place in 2027 if grant and partner funding align with the timeline.
