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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Design Review Committee
DATE: May 7, 2021
SUBJECT: Title
Certificate of Appropriateness to install a mural on the north side of the BNSF viaduct wall located on New York Street near LaSalle Street
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PURPOSE:
Aurora Public Art is requesting a Certificate of Appropriateness to paint a community heritage and history mural on the on the north side of the viaduct wall on New York Street beneath the BNSF Railroad.
BACKGROUND:
Four local artist will paint a Mexican Folk Art mural on the north concrete wall under the BNSF tracks at New York Street near LaSalle Street. The project will use a portion of the wall approximately 80 feet by 15 feet. The theme of the mural is a celebration of Mexican Heritage in Aurora represented by large-scale alebrijes of varied animals, colors and patterns. Alebrijes are brightly colored Mexican folk art of fantastical creatures. Public Art is seeking to have all 2021 murals painted simultaneously, creating a mural festival. Downtown Maintenance will power wash the concrete, and Aurora Public Art will provide paint, primer and anti-graffiti sealant. The mural is partially funded by a grant from the Burlington Northern Foundation. Public Art is providing approximately $6,000 in materials and labor. The owner BNSF Railway has an agreement with the City allowing the City to install and maintain the mural.
DISCUSSION:
The mural has been reviewed by the City Public Art Director and approved by the Aurora Public Art Commission. This recommendation goes to the FoxWalk Design Review Committee for recommendation, and finally to the Building, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee for a final decision.
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES:
The recommendation is based on Section 8.4 "Murals" of the FoxWalk Overlay District
Design Guidelines adopted on June 28, 2016.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Design Review Committee recommended APPROVAL of a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a mural on the nort...
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