HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 04 - Kugal Floating SphereMEMOTO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BRUNO RUMBELOW, CITY MANAGER
MEETING DATE: APRIL 7, 2020
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF KUGEL FLOATING SPHERE
PUBLIC ART
RECOMMENDATION: City Council to consider the purchase and installation of a Kugel Floating
Granite Sphere at the northeast corner of South Main Street and East
Wall Street (in front of Cotton Patch Restaurant).
FUNDING SOURCE: Funds are available in the Public Art Fund (114-44686-101-001) in the
amount of $25,000 for the art and $42,272 for the installation.
BACKGROUND: The 100 block of South Main Street has been a challenge to get
pedestrians to cross Wall Street and explore the shops and restaurants
located there. Research has been ongoing for best possible methods to
draw foot traffic across Wall Street to merchants and restaurants in the
100 block of Main Street.
The proposed interactive and unique feature of this floating sphere
fountain will draw pedestrians across Wall Street and will allow for even
the smallest child to move the granite ball, weighing almost two tons, on a
microscopically thin layer of water. This distinctive fountain is further
enhanced by the etching of Grapevine's location on the Northern
Hemisphere on the globe, distinguishing it further. Its size fits well on the
northeast corner of South Main and East Wall Streets.The piece is self-
contained, with a majority of the plumbing located inside the pedestal
base. Water is currently plumbed to the site via irrigation for the planter
bed.
While this piece will go in the public right of way, the adjoining property
owner is in support of the project.
Staff recommends approval.
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