MESA ARCHITECTURE STUDIO has been working with the City of Durango, Creative Economy Commission, and Durango Creative District on a proposed public art piece we’re calling “Durango Arches”.
MESA’s proposal is for a public furniture fixture and sculpture centrally located within Durango’s North Main District. The structure is an interactive sculpture comprised of a walking path through a series of folded metal plates that form arches, benches, and a planter. Pedestrians will be able to engage with the sculpture by walking through it, enjoying the garden, and by sitting on one of its benches. The sculpture will also be visible to motorists driving along Main Avenue and may be lit in the evening, serving as a landmark at the center for the North Main District.
PROJECT GOALS
SUPPORT THE CREATIVE COMMUNITY
This project will directly support our economy by sourcing materials from local vendors and employing local tradespersons and artisans to build and landscape the sculpture. Once complete, the sculpture will support the creative community by acting as a venue for curated outdoor events such as The Animas Night Bazaar, farmer’s and art markets, and performances or movies in the park.
ENGAGE WITH THE PUBLIC
The structure will attach to an existing walking path and will support daily interactions with pedestrians traversing and exercising in the area. It will also serve as a gathering destination for students and patrons from nearby schools, sports fields, and the recreation center. It will have the capacity to host any number of outdoor public events in the lawn surrounding the sculpture.
BEAUTIFICATION
The sculpture will serve as a physical landmark for the North Main District. It will activate an area of our community that is presently underutilized and will introduce a significant public art piece to the City of Durango. Additionally, it will provide identity to an otherwise nondescript landscape.
SECONDARY AND CROSS-OVER OPPORTUNITIES
The sculpture’s planter can be utilized by the public as a community garden to produce food and provide learning experiences.
LOCATION
The proposed location is along the existing pedestrian path between the La Plata County fairgrounds and the Durango Recreation Center. The site is in proximity to the Boys and Girls Club, Durango Recreation Center, River Trail, La Plata County Fair Grounds, and three public schools.
This site was selected for its visibilty, pedestrian access, and to make use of the large lawn and adjecent parking that can be shared with the sports complex and La Plata County Fair Grounds during events at the sculpture.
IMPLEMENTATION
Mesa Architecture Studio, LLC (MESA) completed pro-bono concept design of the project. Prior to fabrication, the project will require city and county approval, and structural engineering for the foundation and structure. MESA will pursue city and county approval and will coordinate construction detailing with the structural engineer.
The team will consist of a structural engineer, artisan metal fabricator, carpenter, site work contractor, and landscaper. All team members will be from our local community. MESA will coordinate the team and oversee construction and installation.
FUNDING
The project will primarily be funded through grants and private donors. It is believed that grant funding through La Plata County, the City of Durango, and CDOT may be available for this project due to its location. Funding may also be offered by the city if this project is determined to align with their comprehensive plan and the city council’s 2019 - 2020 agenda.
PROJECT TIME LINE
Finalize construction detailing and structural engineering: 2 - 4 weeks
Permitting and review process: 3 - 4 weeks
Shop drawings and fabrication: 2 - 4 weeks
On-site construction: 2 - 3 weeks
Total projected time line range: 9 - 15 weeks
BUDGET
Construction detailing and coordination: $1,200
Structural Engineering: $2,000 - $3,000
Materials and fabrication (metal): $15,000 - $20,000
Excavation and foundation: $4,000 - $5,500
Landscaping: $2,500 - $4,000
Carpentry labor and materials (wood): $2,000 - $2,500
Misc. materials and labor (fasteners, paint/stain and accessories) $800
Lighting and Electrical: $4,000 - $6,000
Permitting fees: $0 - presumed to be waived
Contractor’s overhead, insurance, and fee: $1,000
Total range: $32,500 - $44,000
*Note that the ranges provided are best guess estimates and will need to be revisited after structural engineering is performed. The range provided for the electrical and landscaping are contingent upon trenching requirements and the proximity of electrical service and irrigation to the sculpture.
View the Durango Arches project page