Developer previews public-art opportunities for 762 San Antonio Road project

Acclaim Companies presented an initial review of public art options for a new 228-unit, eight-story apartment project at 762 San Antonio Road during the Palo Alto Public Art Commission’s June 18 meeting.

Gary Johnson, the developer’s presenter, said the two-acre site would include 228 units, of which 30 are designated as below-market-rate, and sits behind a 33-foot setback from back of curb that may be reduced to 25 feet by a future roadway easement. He described storefront-facing elevations, a setback plaza and several potential facade locations for integrated artwork, and showed examples of work by an artist the team is considering, Giles Miller.

Commissioners focused on siting and visibility. They advised against placing artworks inside the portion of the site that could fall within the city’s future 25-foot roadway easement, saying such placement risks “orphaning” the work if the city widens San Antonio Road. Commissioners preferred exterior, architecturally integrated pieces that read from vehicle approaches and from multiple directions, noting tree canopy and travel speed on San Antonio Road can obscure lower-level elements. One commissioner recommended a prominent corner or wrap gesture so the art “is seen from either direction.”

The commission also reminded the applicant that an artist may hold a maximum of two public-art-in-private-development commissions in Palo Alto, and suggested materials be non-reflective and scaled for distant viewing. Johnson said the project team will take the feedback into account as they develop final design proposals and return for a final review.

Because this was an initial, non-action review, the commission offered comments but did not vote on the project. Staff said the applicant will refine site proposals and return for a future final review prior to permitting.