Placement: New Business
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Review the Selection Committee’s Recommendation for the Installation of Sculptures for Two Roundabouts Located on Paar Drive
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Submitted By: Bethany Grubbs, AICP, Senior Planner/Public Art Program
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal to enjoy culture, nature and fun activities.
Executive Summary (General Business): The City is commissioning sculptures for two new roundabouts at Paar & Darwin and Paar & Savona. Construction completes late 2026; installations follow in Spring 2027. The Artist Selection Committee reviewed proposals and identified top submissions for placement within each roundabout’s 42-foot central circle.
Presentation Information: Designing Local, the city’s consultant will provide a presentation.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Board recommend forwarding a recommendation to City Council to endorse the purchase and installation of two sculptures under one motion:
1. Paar & Darwin Roundabout: Select Michael McLaughlin’s proposal for installation at this site.
2. Paar & Savona Roundabout: Select Di Bari & Associates’ crane sculpture for installation at this site.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Board amend the recommendation and provide staff direction.
Background: The City of Port St. Lucie is commissioning sculptures for two new roundabouts at Paar & Darwin and Paar & Savona. Construction will finish in late 2026, with installations planned for Spring 2027. A Call to Artists was issued November 13, 2025, in alignment with the City’s Public Art Plan to reflect PSL’s character and enhance the visual landscape.
As part of the review of submission packets, an Artist Selection Committee was formed consisting of various city employees from the Public Works, Planning and Zoning, Special Events, and Communications Departments, and representatives from the St. Lucie County Cultural Alliance and Public Art Advisory Board.
The committee evaluated submissions based on artistic excellence, context, community engagement, durability, technical feasibility, and cost. The selection committee reviewed the received Request for Qualifications (RFQs) and shortlisted the top four ranked submissions to submit a Request for Proposals (RFPs).
Issues/Analysis:
Paar & Darwin Roundabout
The committee recommends selecting Michael McLaughlin for this location. McLaughlin will conduct public engagement with area residents to help finalize the artwork concept. The contract will be structured to cover the entire project, with the understanding that the final proposal will return for approval by the Public Art Advisory Board, incorporating input from Councilmembers through one-on-one discussions.
Michael McLaughlin’s Proposed Artwork Specifications:
• Three (3) sculptures
• Each viewed as distinctively independent
• Primary objective is that they all playfully relate to each other in such a way that they could be regarded as one
• Modeled as 3D, life-size native animal species
• 6.5 to 9.5’ H x 5’ W
• Cast in silicon bronze (or aluminum)
Paar & Savona Roundabout
The Artist Selection Committee strongly supports the crane sculpture by DiBari & Associates.
Di Bari & Associates Proposed Artwork Specifications:
• 3D, 360-degree experience
• Hidden heart constructed of colored translucent acrylic panels
• 17’ H x 10’ W
• 1/2” hot-rolled round mild steel, hot dip galvanized and finished with a silver paint
Financial Information: $300,000 ($150,000 per sculpture)
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: Southwest Paar Drive & Southwest Darwin Boulevard and Southwest Paar Drive & Southwest Savona Boulevard
Attachments:
1. Michael McLaughlin - Selected Artwork
2. Michael McLaughlin - Full Submission
3. Di Bari & Associates - Selected Artwork
4. Di Bari & Associates - Full Submission
5. Request for Proposals (RFP)
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: N/A