Park design and sculpture plans advance; architect selection to be finalized in weeks

A project manager for the CRA told the advisory board that Provident Park design is nearing completion after the previous design firm went out of business, and staff are negotiating with a replacement architect. "Within the next three weeks, we should have that summarized with the new architect," the contractor manager said, adding that once building-department comments are addressed the project will move toward permitting and a construction bid.

The contractor manager clarified that sculptural and artwork contracts were procured separately from the base architect contract and said the sculptor will collaborate with the awarded architect to integrate the sculpture's structural requirements into final drawings. "So once we award the architect, then we're gonna have a collaboration between the architect and Mr. Gaskill for his structures," the project manager said.

An artist who described work for the archway told the board the gateway will include bronze pictorial plaques and a pedestal that incorporates an egg element and a Sankofa motif; the artist said the pedestal would also carry a plaque honoring a local community leader. "The Archway would encompass bronze pictorial plaques... as you enter into the archway ... the egg," the artist said.

Staff also reported updates on nearby site work, saying the Alltree apartment project is essentially complete with on-street parking in place and that staff are exploring additional off-street parking and private partnerships for garage development. The CRA is also preparing to move office space and expects to occupy a new first-floor space at 5017 by fall, with drawings and design work being expedited to meet that timeline.

The board asked for clarification on procurement sequencing and whether particular design elements were included in architect bids; staff reiterated that the sculptor's contract remains part of the park scope and will be coordinated in the design phase. Staff will return with the architect summary and revised drawings as they become available.