Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Commission to Approve the Recommendation by the Future Arts Subcommittee for the R Street Undercrossing Mural to Saul Gonzalez Laureano’s Mural Bajo El Mismo Cielo
REPORT IN BRIEF
Commission to approve the recommendation by the Future Arts Subcommittee for the R Street Undercrossing Mural to Saul Gonzalez Laureano’s mural, Bajo El Mismo Cielo.
RECOMMENDATION
Arts and Council Commission - Adopt a motion approving the recommendation by the Future Arts Subcommittee for the R Street Undercrossing Mural to Saul Gonzalez Laureano’s mural, Bajo El Mismo Cielo.
Body
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the City Council Goals and Priorities: Public Works & City Beautification.
DISCUSSION
As part of the 2024/25 Budget, the City Council allocated $100,000 for art installations across Merced. Staff received approval for a public art mural installation along the R Street and Fahrens Park multiuse path undercrossing and issued a Call for Art Projects for a mural project to enhance the undercrossing beneath R Street and Fahrens Park.
This mural will transform the frequently used pedestrian and bicycle path into a vibrant community space. The design should depict a lively scene to engage the public. The goal is to foster a sense of pride and ownership within the community by celebrating local culture while making the space more welcoming and enjoyable for all.
The dimensions will span one side of the undercrossing from the entrance to the from Fahrens Park to the end of the tunnel on the north wall, approximately 86 linear feet by 10 feet high.
Eight proposals were submitted by the March 6, 2026, 5:00 PM deadline in accordance with the requirements outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP). The City also received four electronic submissions prior to the deadline and two submissions via U.S. Mail after the March 6, 2026 deadline. The Future Arts Subcommittee was made aware of these submissions but proceeded with reviewing and evaluating the eight timely proposals using the scoring criteria established in the RFP. Based on the results of this evaluation, the Subcommittee recommends awarding the project to Saul Gonzalez Laureano’s mural, Bajo El Mismo Cielo
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
A total of $20,000 in funding is available within the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget for this expense in the City Manager’s Professional Services Account Line 10001000-511012.
ATTACHMENT
1. R Street Undercrossing Artist Design Proposals