HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-16 Public Art Comission Agenda PacketPUBLIC ART COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Community Meeting Room & Hybrid
7:00 PM
Public Art Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by
teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintaining
transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home or
attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is
located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. The
meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on
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Meeting ID: 886 2784 1441 Phone: 1(669)900-6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
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amount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes
after the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to
pac@PaloAlto.gov and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on the City’s
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CALL TO ORDER
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
The Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.March 19, 2026 PAC Regular Meeting Minutes
CITY OFFICIAL COMMENTS
ACTION ITEMS
2.Downtown Parking Garage - Approval of conceptual design of artwork by Amy
Landesberg and approval of funding in the amount of up to $237,000 for the fabrication
and delivery of artwork for the new Downtown Parking Garage.
3.Sherman Ave Parking Garage Temporary Mural Project - Approval of artist for the
Sherman Avenue Garage Mural project.
NON-ACTION ITEMS
4.Public Art in Private Development - Initial review of a public art in private development
associated with the 4103 Old Trace Road development project. Presentation by project
developer Melanie Griswold, Steel Bridge Capital LLC.
COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND
AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
PUBLIC LETTERS
Public Letters – April 2026
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
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teleconference, or by phone.
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CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 886 2784 1441 Phone: 1-669-900-6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
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service.
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Public Art Commission
Staff Report
From: Elise DeMarzo, Manager Community Services Sr Programs
Meeting Date: April 16, 2026
Report #: 2604-6235
TITLE
Downtown Parking Garage - Approval of conceptual design of artwork by Amy Landesberg and
approval of funding in the amount of up to $237,000 for the fabrication and delivery of artwork
for the new Downtown Parking Garage.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Public Art Commission approve Amy Landesberg’s conceptual
design for public art integrated into a new 274-space parking garage at 375 Hamilton Avenue,
and approve funding in the amount of $237,000 to allow staff engage artist Amy Landesberg in
a professional services agreement for the fabrication and permanent placement of the artwork.
BACKGROUND
The Downtown Parking Garage project was initially included in the Council’s 2014 Infrastructure
Plan. The City intended to construct a new parking garage on an existing City-owned surface
Parking Lot D located at 375 Hamilton Avenue on the corner of Waverley Street in the
Downtown Business District. In 2017-18, Watry Design, Inc. (Watry) conducted the preliminary
design and environmental review for a six-level parking structure. City Council certified the
Environmental Impact Report (SCH # 2017052040) and approved the project’s planning
application in February 2019.
In 2017, the Public Art Commission reviewed the proposed project design to consider
opportunities for the integration of artwork on site and directed staff to proceed with artist
selection for an integrated public art component. Following an artist selection process, artist
Amy Landesberg was chosen to develop a design that would enhance wayfinding and reflect
the character of downtown Palo Alto. Her concept, inspired by Palo Alto’s topography, was
approved by the Commission in 2018.
Later that year, the garage project was placed on hold to evaluate alternative parking
strategies, and the term for artist’s design contract ended in 2020. In 2023, Council directed
staff to resume the project, and in 2024 authorized a consultant team to advance design and
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environmental review. In April 2025, Council selected a preferred garage concept that reduces
the parking footprint to accommodate future adjacent housing while maintaining parking
capacity and creating interim public space at the corner of Hamilton and Waverley. Public Art
staff reached out to artist Amy Landesberg to inform her about the resumed development
project and confirm her interest and availability as the project artist to continue development
of artwork for the garage structure. The artist confirmed her interest in re-engaging with the
project and met with the staff and design team. Upon reviewing the current design plans and
discussing the project with the team, the artist explained that the focus of her artistic practice
has evolved, and given the new footprint and constraints of the garage, her preference was to
create a new design for the Downtown Garage.
In June 2025, PAC allocated funds in the amount of up to $30,600 to allow staff engage artist
Amy Landesberg in a professional services agreement to develop conceptual design for public
art integrated into the new parking structure1.
ANALYSIS
1 Public Art Commission; June 19, 2025; Agenda Item #2 SR # 2506-4839;
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=9609&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
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FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Upon approval of the conceptual design direction by the Public Art Commission, Amy
Landesberg will begin her detailed design under her existing design contract. The fabrication
and delivery of artwork contract with artist Amy Landesberg will be funded from the City’s
pooled public art Capital Improvement funds in the Art in Public Spaces CIP (AC-86017). The
estimated construction budget is $23 Million, with construction forecasted for fiscal years FY
2026- FY 2027, creating an estimated public art budget of $237,000.
Once construction at the site commences, it is anticipated to take 12 months to complete the
construction, with the estimated timeline for sculpture installation in Fall 2027. Because the
contract amount exceeds $85,000, the contract will need to go to City Council for approval. The
Public Art for Municipal Projects Ordinance (Ordinance Number 5301, Municipal Code
2.26.070)3 requires that 1% of the CIP budget for municipal projects is allocated for the
commission of public art.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Conceptual Design Proposal for Artwork for the Downtown Parking Garage by
Amy Landesberg.
3 Ordinance No. 5301 Amending the Municipal Code to add Section 2.26.070 (Public Art for Municipal Projects) to
Chapter 2.26 (visual Art in Public Placed);
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=47301&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
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Marking the Biome; the Climbing Biome
Downtown Parking Garage, City of Palo Alto Public Art Program
Living in the City, even the suburbs, inevitably separates us form the natural world
around us. Art can’t replace that, but it can mark and celebrate it.
Palo Alto is situated within a biological region that is stunningly diverse: Coastal Scrub,
Pacific Coniferous Forest, Riparian, California Grassland, Chaparral, Mountain Meadow,
and Juniper Pine Woodland overlap and converge nearby. Within this world there are
struggles for survival. The California Native Plant Society - Santa Clara Valley Chapter,
has worked diligently since 2004 to identify vulnerable and endangered species, and to
make their causes known.
Throughout its history, art has entwined itself with representations of the natural world.
This has taken every form that art manifests, and when it is situated as part of the built
environment, it often takes an ornamental turn. At its best, this work is not merely
decorative. It can be enriched through storytelling, and that is what the Climbing Biome
strives to do: illustrate and celebrate the endangered local biome. Inspired by the
complex geometry of Moorish tessellation, the lush ornamentation of Louis Sullivan, and
the woven foliage of Willaim Morris, the project will intertwine cut stainless steel
representations of as many of the critical plant species as possible.
The Climbing Biome will rise fifty feet high by sixteen feet wide on a concrete surface.
Accompanying signage will tell the biome story to the public.
Amy Landesberg
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Palo Alto Downtown Parking Garage Conceptual Design: Climbing Biome building shear wall proposed artwork site
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Palo Alto Downtown Parking Garage Conceptual Design: Climbing Biome highly diverse natural environments
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Palo Alto Downtown Parking Garage Conceptual Design: Climbing Biome some of the vulnerable and endangered species in San Mateo County
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Islamic architecture reflectional and rotational
symmetries; tessellations.
These are largely monochrome.
William Morris natural pattern configuration
Louis Sullivan designs
Palo Alto Downtown Parking Garage Conceptual Design: Climbing Biome building ornamentation has a rich history
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Palo Alto Downtown Parking Garage Conceptual Design: Climbing Biome ai generated non-local plants sketch at the building shear wall
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Palo Alto Downtown Parking Garage Preliminary Concept: Climbing Biome plant diagrams available from the California Board of Regents
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White Rayed Pentachaeta
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Palo Alto Downtown Parking Garage Conceptual Design: Climbing Biome vector drawings for composition and fabrication
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Palo Alto Downtown Parking Garage Conceptual Design: Climbing Biome images manifest as solids and voids
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Palo Alto Downtown Parking Garage Conceptual Design: Climbing Biome ideas for color behind stainless steel
possibilities: integral color for concrete
behind stainless; colored meshes add
color and thwart birds
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Palo Alto Downtown Parking Garage Conceptual Design: Climbing Biome ‘climbing’ frame supporting art can be playfully configured
art supports climbing
plants and
emerges from them
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6’
Palo Alto Downtown Parking Garage Conceptual Design: Climbing Biome diagram illustrates opportunities for 40 plant varieties
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6’
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Palo Alto Downtown Parking Garage Conceptual Design: Climbing Biome plants indicated by diagram
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Palo Alto Downtown Parking Garage Conceptual Design: Climbing Biome plants intermingle at scale
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Palo Alto Downtown Parking Garage Conceptual Design: Climbing Biome preliminary sketch in situ
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Public Art Commission
Staff Report
From: Elise DeMarzo, Manager Community Services Sr Programs
Meeting Date: April 16, 2026
Report #: 2604-6236
TITLE
Sherman Ave Parking Garage Temporary Mural Project - Approval of artist for the Sherman
Avenue Garage Mural project.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Public Art Commission approve the project artist identified by the
selection panel to create a digital design for a temporary mural printed in mesh banner material
to be displayed on the exterior wall of the Sherman Ave Parking Structure.
BACKGROUND
The California Avenue District Public Art Plan, adopted by the Public Art Commission in March
2021, recommends the integration of temporary and permanent public art to enhance
wayfinding and pedestrian experience, reflect district identity, and support economic vitality.
Consistent with these recommendations, and following the successful implementation of the
Temporary Murals Pilot Program on California Avenue in 2023, the 2024/25 Council-approved
Public Art Commission Workplan identified the Sherman Avenue Parking Garage as a priority
site for temporary public art.
In 2025, public art staff, in coordination with the Public Works Department, evaluated the
feasibility of installing a permanent mounting system to support rotating large-scale, digitally
printed temporary murals on the garage exterior. Staff completed structural analysis,
coordinated support system design with a structural engineer, and obtained Building
Department approval and permits. Staff also obtained vendor proposals and cost estimates for
hardware installation and banner production.
ANALYSIS
In February 2026, PAC approved funding in the amount not to exceed $35,000 for the
installation of hardware and design and production of artwork on the Sherman Avenue Garage,
including mounting hardware, permits, banner production and installation, and artist design
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fees1. With funding approved, staff proceeded with the artist selection process. Staff utilized
the City’s pre-qualified artist pool and identified 27 artists with relevant experience to develop
conceptual mural designs as digital artwork. A selection panel comprised of Public Art
Commissioner Robin Mullery, artist Liv Unger-Losee, community members Lara Ekwall and
Susan Light, and City of Palo Alto Police Department staff member Eric Jensen evaluated artists’
applications online and held a panel meeting on April 14 to review and discuss the their
evaluations and recommend a finalist based on the overall artistic excellence of the applicant’s
submitted work samples and demonstrated ability to create visually engaging designs for large-
scale murals.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
1 Public Art Commission; February 12, 2026; Agenda Item #6; SR #2602-5904
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=85387&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
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Public Art Commission
Staff Report
From: Elise DeMarzo, Manager Community Services Sr Programs
Meeting Date: April 16, 2026
Report #: 2604-6237
TITLE
Public Art in Private Development - Initial review of a public art in private development
associated with the 4103 Old Trace Road development project. Presentation by developer
Melanie Griswold, Steel Bridge Capital LLC.
BACKGROUND
The project it 4103 Old Trace Road qualifies for the Private Percent for Art Requirement
under Municipal Code chapter 16.61. The applicant has met with Public Art staff to discuss the
options for integration of public art into the project and has submitted a public art
application indicating a public art 1% allocation of $160,000 – $200,000. For more detail on the
project, please review the applicant’s submittal and project description (ATTACHMENT A). Note
that the applicant packet also outlines their intended location for a new media artwork.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
The project is anticipated for review by the Architectural Review Board later this Summer. The
project will return to the Public Art Commission for Final Review and approval prior to the
issuance of a Building Permit. The estimated start of construction is the Fall of 2026, with
public art installed around Spring of 2027
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: 4103 Old Trace Road Project Description Submittal for PAC Initial Review.
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STEEL BRIDGE HOMES
PALO ALTO, LP
Elise DeMarzo
Palo Alto Public Art Program
1313 Newell Rd.
Palo Alto, CA 94303
April 9, 2023
Dear Ms. DeMarzo,
I am pleased to provide you and the Palo Alto Public Art Commission with a summary of the Steel
Bridge Homes’ project at 4103 Old Trace Road in Palo Alto.
Overview of the Development
Located on Arastradero Rd. at the corner of Old Trace Road, 4103 Old Trace Road is a 1-acre
vacant lot that has never been developed. The project has gone through a major redesign since it
was presented to the Architectural Review Board in early March of 2026 from 6 single-family
structures and 2 attached single-family units to 9 lots total, 5 of which will contain single-family
units (Lots 1 through 5) and 4 of which will contain two attached three-story single-family units
(Lots 6 through 9). The re-design of the units is underway and is not ready to be presented to the
Public Art Commission at this time, but it will include unique facades for each home with a mix of
Spanish, contemporary and transitional units with nicely articulated facades and porches and
extensive landscape improvements to the frontages of each unit, which will be maintained by a
HOA.
The developer has opted to commission public art and is inspired by the natural beauty and scenic
context of the Arastradero corridor.
Art Locations
Two potential locations have been identified for installation of public art, both of which are visible
from Arastradero. The first location would be to install the public art in the transition area
between the bike path and public right-of-way and Lots 6 and 8 where a new sidewalk is also
planned. The fence separating the subdivision from the street has been identified as a potential
substrate for the public art installation and would offer a potential canvas of approximately 5’ x
60’. This placement would offer an intimate experience for pedestrians, while also being visible to
bicyclists and vehicles passing by on Arastradero without creating a distraction or a physical
impediment in what is a relatively tight space.
The second potential location is on the exterior façade of building located on Lot 9. This would be
prominent location where a vertical installation could be placed on the second and third level and
add a “pop” of color to the natural colors and materials that are planned for the exteriors. The
building is still in design, but it is likely that an area that is 6’ x 15’ could be identified for
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STEEL BRIDGE HOMES
PALO ALTO, LP
installation of a vertical panel. The artwork at this location would contribute to creating the
building’s unique identity and will call out this section of University Avenue as a gateway to
downtown Palo Alto.
Approximate Budget and Timeline
Based on current estimated construction costs, the approximate public art budget is $200,000.00.
The tentative map is scheduled for hearing before the PTC on April 29, 2026 and the streamlined
housing permit will likely go before City Council in August of 2026. The estimated start of
construction is the Fall of 2026, with public art installed around Spring of 2027. This schedule is
subject to change.
Art Selection Plan and Consultant
We are considering hiring a public art consultant for this project who will facilitate the process of
commissioning public art, from developing an art plan and selecting an artist through art
installation. We are also considering hiring Stephen Galloway, an artist who has already done
public art within the City of Palo Alto and who is experienced with the requirements of a public
art installation.
Given the importance of the natural environment to the project team as well as to the Palo Alto
community, the selected artist may choose to reference nature in the proposed artwork, but the
specific subject will be determined by the artist after s/he has learned more about the building,
site, and context. Following the Public Art Commission’s approval of the artist’s conceptual
design, we will hire the artist to execute the proposed artwork.
While a variety of media are possible for the art locations identified, the project team is most
excited about the idea of tile, glass, or mosaic artwork, and the potential of including some
lighting to illuminate the work at night. This would result in a durable outdoor installation that can
be easily maintained, while also offering the opportunity for lasting color and a variety of imagery.
This medium will be a nice complement to the building’s natural finishes while bringing something
special to a scenic corridor within the City.
We look forward to working with you and the Public Art Commission to bring this new public
artwork to fruition. If you have any further questions or concerns, I can be reached at 415-265-
1086 or mg@steelbridgecap.com.
Thank you,
Melanie Griswold, Principal
Steel Bridge Homes Palo Alto, LP
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T H E
O A K S
Steel Bridge Homes Palo Alto, LP
4 1 0 3 O L D T R A C E R O A D , P A L O A L T O
2 5 P L N-0 0 2 9 6 . 2 5 P L N -0 0 2 9 8
[ PROJECT RENDERING
OR SITE AERIAL ]
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A B O U T U S
Steel Bridge
Homes Palo Alto
—Local developer with deep roots in the San
Francisco Bay Area
—Nearly 25 years of Bay Area residency,
currently living in the South Bay
—Worked for several years in Palo Alto; deep
appreciation for the City's character and natural
beauty
—Committed to creating something lasting and
proud —a permanent contribution to Palo Alto
T H E N A M E
The Oaks
Chosen as a nod to the natural beauty and mature tree
canopy that defines the character of Palo Alto and this
neighborhood.
T H E S T R E E T
Rose Drive
The proposed private street is named after my daughter
—desire is to create a project that I can be proud of.
T H E C O M M I T M E N T
Long -Term Legacy
Bay Area resident invested in the quality and legacy of
every home on this street. Not a production builder or
large corporation
T H E O A K S · 4 1 0 3 O L D T R A C E R O A D , P A L O A L T O · A R C H I T E C T U R A L R E V I E W B O A R D · M A R C H 5 , 2 0 2 6
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P R O J E C T O V E R V I E W
9
Single -Family
Residences
7
Junior ADUs
(JADUs)
16
Total
Dwelling Units
1.02
Acres
(Vacant Site)
P R O J E C T D E T A I L S
Location 4103 Old Trace Road, Esther Clark Park
Zoning Residential Estate (RE)
Access Rose Drive —private road connecting Old
Trace Rd to Arastradero Rd
Process/Timing PTC 4/29 (Map) CC (Housing Permit)
[ SITE PLAN / LOCATION MAP ]
T H E O A K S · 4 1 0 3 O L D T R A C E R O A D , P A L O A L T O · A R C H I T E C T U R A L R E V I E W B O A R D · M A R C H 5 , 2 0 2 6
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[
D E S I G N P H I L O S O P H Y
Individual Character.
Enhanced Landscape.
Each home at The Oaks is designed with its own
distinctive architectural expression —creating a
cohesive, visually engaging streetscape that adds
genuine beauty to Palo Alto while respecting the scale
and character of the neighborhood.
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T H E A R C H I T E C T U R E ·
[A ]
[][ SITE PLAN ]
T H E O A K S · 4 1 0 3 O L D T R A C E R O A D , P A L O A L T O · A R C H I T E C T U R A L R E V I E W B O A R D · M A R C H 5 , 2 0 2 6
A R C H I T E C T O F R E C O R D
Taylor
Carpenter
Ponderosa Architecture
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[
Potential Art
Locations
#2 -Lot 9
Exterior Building
@ Upper Floors
# 1 -Arastredero
Transition Area
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Thank You
We are grateful for the opportunity to present The Oaks to the
Public Art Commission and look forward to the Board's guidance
and feedback on this project.
D E V E L O P E R
Melanie Griswold
Steel Bridge Homes
Palo Alto, LP
A R C H I T E C T
Taylor Carpenter
Ponderosa Architecture
A P P L I C A T I O N
25PLN -00296
A D D R E S S
4103 Old Trace Road
Palo Alto, CA
S T E E L B R I D G E H O M E S P A L O A L T O , L P · T H E O A K S · P U B L I C A R T C O M M I S S I O N A P R I L 1 8 , 2 0 2 6
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