Johns Creek committee debates bronze vs. aluminum composite for public-art signage, defers decision

City staff recommended that Johns Creek adopt standardized signage for public art and parks and favored aluminum composite material over cast bronze — citing lower replacement costs and easier on-demand ordering — but the advisory committee declined to make a final choice and asked staff to bring samples and more durability data to a future meeting.

Olivia, a city staff member, told the committee the city has not previously had consolidated art-signage guidelines and is modeling the process on existing parks wayfinding standards. She said the city budgeted and plans a national two-stage call for artists for the Town Center Boardwalk and that staff’s current recommendation for most signs is ACM. "The warranties for the aluminum composite material are 1 year, and the warranty for the cast bronze is 1 year for the polish, coat, and paint, and then it's a lifetime warranty on the piece," Olivia said, while noting warranties do not cover vandalism or storm damage.

Committee members pressed staff on trade tariffs, long-term discoloration and repair logistics. Chairman Zach said he expected the committee to be divided: "I wouldn't be surprised if our committee is kind of split on this decision," he said, noting the visual impact of a small ACM plaque next to larger bronze sculptures. Committee members asked whether a 10% tariff scenario would materially change choices; staff provided an example that a 10% rise would increase cast-bronze costs by roughly $67 per sample in one comparison and about $6 for ACM in the same example, underscoring that bronze carries the larger absolute price risk if tariffs rise.

Staff framed trade-offs this way: cast bronze has a longer perceived lifespan and a lifetime guarantee on the piece if not damaged, but replacement can take weeks and be expensive; ACM is highly durable in outdoor use, easier and faster to replace, and carries a shorter manufacturer warranty but much lower replacement cost and turnaround time. Olivia also said the city will avoid placing ACM flat to the ground when longevity is required and may reserve bronze for ground-level memorials or very large, permanent commissions.

Members asked for visual examples and data. Multiple members requested photo samples of installed ACM and a physical ACM sample before voting; staff agreed to return with samples, photo references for bronze installations and additional warranty and durability information. The committee signaled general support for the proposed design direction but tabled a formal decision until the next meeting.

Procedural items: the committee approved the February 13 meeting minutes by motion and second. The meeting concluded after the chair moved to adjourn and the motion was seconded.

The committee asked staff to provide cost-breakdown scenarios, warranty details and installed-photo examples to inform the next discussion and potential vote.