SUBJECT: AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF SAN JOSE,
PROPERTY OWNERS OF PASEO VILLA CONDOMINIUMS AND EDWARD L. SMYTH, INC. (“Ned
Smyth) TO FABRICATE A WORK OF ART FOR THE PASEO VILLA CONDOMINIUMS
COUNCIL DISTRICT 3
Adoption of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to
negotiate and execute an agreement between the City of San José, property
owners of Paseo Villa Condominiums and artist Ned Smyth to fabricate and
install a work of art for the Paseo Villas Condominiums in an amount not to
exceed $177,600.
A $143,000 budget for public art, including administrative funds, was identified as part of the development of the Paseo Villas Condominium project. At the conclusion of the schematic design phase, the developer, upon staff recommendation, increased the project budget by $75,000 that had been held with the possibility of use for an additional site. This newly developed residential complex is bordered by Third, San Fernando and Fourth Streets, and the Paseo de San Antonio. The Public Art Program staff, along with the Redevelopment Agency and the project developer, agreed that the artist should develop a public artwork for the exterior of the complex.
At its August 3, 1999 meeting, the Arts Commission recommended that the City Manager negotiate and execute an agreement with Ned Smyth in the amount of $25,200 to design a public artwork for the Paseo Villas Condominium development.
ANALYSIS
The artist proposed a design that includes six glass mosaics to be installed in the arched niches located on the east and west building elevations. The proposal depicted a conceptually-based series of metaphoric drawings that reference San José past and present. The artist’s intent was to evoke the viewer’s curiosity and encourage exploration. At its April 25, 2000 meeting, the Public Art Committee reviewed and recommended Arts Commission approval of that design. At its May 2000 meeting, the Arts Commission reviewed the design and requested the artist reconsider his proposal in consideration of the fact that new condominium purchasers had not had an opportunity to participate in the project.
Three additional community meetings were held and the artist was provided any additional community feedback. Mr. Smyth chose to alter his design from drawings to color fields and to use all glass block versus glass tile with concrete.
On October 23, 2001, the Public Art Committee recommended Arts Commission approval of the revised design. The Arts Commission approved the new proposal on November 14, 2001.
The Paseo Villas public art program was promoted through a call for artists, which included direct mailing, regional and national press releases, and posting on the Office of Cultural Affairs’ website and to national arts organization’s. The artist worked closely with the developer, the Redevelopment Agency, and representatives of the Downtown Resident’s Association to develop the designs. Council member Chavez hosted three community meetings to present the design.
All presentations and approvals for the project have been advertised and noticed. Meeting are open to the general public.
This item has been coordinated with the Redevelopment Agency, the City Attorney’s Office, the Risk Manager and the Budget Office.
The funding for the contract is not to exceed $177, 600.
Fund: Fund Services for Redevelopment Capital Projects Fund 450.
Amount: $177,600.
Appropriation: 4681 (Paseo Plaza Public Art).
CEQA: Exempt status.
NANCY JOHNSON
Director, Conventions, Arts and Entertainment