Arts Commission approves Chestnut Underpass public art design with $400,000 capital allocation

The Carlsbad Arts Commission voted unanimously April 2 to approve the final design for the Chestnut Underpass public art project, a gateway installation under I‑5 at Harding and Chestnut avenues funded as Capital Improvement Project number 1698.

Program manager Crystal Rowe told commissioners the city allocated $400,000 for the project and that the design team, identified in the presentation as the artist team Green Me, revised earlier concepts after community feedback and site constraints. "We have allocated $400,000 as a capital improvement project number 1698," Rowe said.

The artist team presented layered sculptural panels translating photographs of local flower fields and coastal landscapes into painted metal panels with targeted tile elements. Artist Brian described the concept as rooted in local ecology and community history: "Flowers offer us a metaphor to the human condition in the community of Carlsbad," he said.

Commissioners and staff discussed several practical issues before the vote. Commissioners pressed the team on materials and long‑term upkeep; staff said maintenance plans and specific frequencies will be determined once construction documents identify exact materials and that the contract requires the artist to provide maintenance recommendations. Staff and artists also noted that Caltrans will require some micro‑adjustments to the west wall treatments and has declined installation of new lighting; the design will rely on the underpass’s existing soffit lighting. Artists confirmed the team will pursue anti‑graffiti coatings and protective films to limit vandalism and key‑scratch damage.

Several commissioners raised concerns about color balance and community representation. One commissioner said public feedback flagged a lack of explicit Barrio cultural references and recommended a plaque to explain plant and color choices; staff indicated plaques are typical in the city's permanent collection and would be considered. The artists said mirror‑image treatments were proposed for cost efficiency and gateway symmetry but that layer positions and colors can be varied so the two sides are not identical.

A motion to approve the final design passed unanimously. Staff and the artist team said next steps include refining materials with Caltrans, completing construction documents, and returning as needed for permits and coordination.