Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Report on the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission's Selections of the R Street Undercrossing Mural Design and the Recycle Sculpture Design Awards
REPORT IN BRIEF
City staff to report on the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission's Selections of the R Street Undercrossing Mural Design and the Recycle Sculpture Design Awards.
RECOMMENDATION
Information Only.
Body
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-26 Council Goals and Priorities: Public Works & City Beautification.
DISCUSSION
R Street Undercrossing Project: 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 multiuse path undercrossing and issued a Call for Art Projects for a mural project to enhance the undercrossing beneath R Street.
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 Fahrens Park entrance 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 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 eva...
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