HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated September 8, 2026ITEM #:11
DATE:09-08-26
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:RE-ACCESSION OF CERAMIC RELIEFS INTO PUBLIC ART INVENTORY
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
In 2023, the City Council and Public Art Commission (PAC) discussed the removal of the brick
piers along Fifth Street in the downtown area. The brick piers were installed in the late 1990s,
and incorporated ceramic reliefs produced by the artist David Dahlquist. In 2023, concerns
arose that the placement of the piers in the sidewalk resulted in accessibility issues for
individuals using mobility devices or with visual impairments.
The City Council approved the removal of the piers and the deaccession of the reliefs, which
occurred in August 2024. Of the 32 original reliefs, the two commemorating the Martin House
were turned over to the Martin family for a future project at Martin Hall on the ISU campus.
Two others were damaged beyond repair in the removal process. The remaining 28 reliefs
were wrapped and placed into storage in a City facility for a potential future project. There are
15 unique images represented among the 28 reliefs. Thirteen are duplicates.
With the opening of Schainker Plaza, an opportunity has arisen to incorporate the
reliefs into a project to return them to public view. East of the restroom/mechanical
building in the plaza, there is a north-facing concrete wall that screens mechanical
equipment from view. It would be possible to install a brick facade over this wall, which
would incorporate the ceramic reliefs.
Sufficient space exists for installation of one representative sample of the 15 distinct
relief designs. An additional space would be included for a plaque, which would
describe the relocation of the reliefs from Fifth Street to the plaza for display. The
remaining 13 reliefs would continue to be stored until another project opportunity arises or in
the event one of the reliefs on display must be replaced. Sketches illustrating the location and
concept for the installation are attached.
Staff solicited quotes for the masonry work to complete the installation. The estimated cost
to complete the work is $5,000, which would be financed from the Public Art
Commission's operating budget.
In order to proceed with the project, the City Council must agree to re-accession 15
ceramic reliefs into the City's Public Art Inventory. At its meeting on September 1, 2026,
the Public Art Commission recommended that the City Council take this action.
1
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the re-accession of 15 ceramic reliefs into the City's Public Art Inventory and
authorize staff to proceed with the installation of the reliefs at Schainker Plaza.
2. Refer this item to staff and/or the Public Art Commission for further information.
3. Do not approve the re-accession of these works, and do not proceed with the project.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The removal of the brick piers along Fifth Street took place over two years ago. At that
time, the City Council expressed interest in attempting to preserve the ceramic reliefs,
if possible, for use in a future installation. The screening wall at Schainker Plaza
provides an opportunity to integrate the reliefs into the plaza in a manner that will allow
examples of each remaining relief to be viewed in a single location. The Public Art
Commission is supportive of proceeding with the re-accession and installation as
pro posed. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council
adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Plaza Wall.pdf
2
3
4
Wall
5