City of San Jose Parking Garage Facade Enhancement

The City of San José Public Art Program, in conjunction with the City of San José Department of Transportation's Parking and Downtown Operations Division, is seeking an experienced artist or artist-led team to develop an artwork for the exterior façade of the Market/San Pedro Street Parking Garage in downtown San José. The garage is a prominent facility adjacent to the vibrant San Pedro Square commercial district. The goal is for an enhancement that has a visual presence 24 hours a day.

As part of San José's Illuminating Downtown program, this creative placemaking project aims to: enhance the facility and enliven the streetscape through use of illumination and other elements; increase safety, visibility, and encourage active use of the parking facility at all hours; and engage residents, business owners and visitors in this vibrant downtown district. The artist or artist team must have experience in the design, programming and operation of energy-efficient lighting effects and systems. Design that is sustainable and maintainable will be an important consideration.

The Market/San Pedro parking garage is located between St. John Street, Market Street, and North San Pedro Street. The structure features horizontal and diamond-pattern cross bars and a circular car ramp. Approximate measurements of the cross bars are about 400 feet in length along the garage at North San Pedro Street and cover three floors in height or approximately 30 feet. The circular car ramp that faces St. John Street is a curved surface that is roughly 210 feet long and 60 feet high.

The total project budget is $600,000 for design, fabrication and installation, and a mandatory contingency. Design allocation is 15% ($90,000) for all costs related to background research, concept development through final design, budget creation, and construction documents prepared by a licensed engineer. Fabrication and Installation allocation is up to 85% ($510,000), with a mandatory 10% contingency (up to $51,000) held by the City for unanticipated costs. All project funding must cover research, design, fabrication, installation, transportation, accommodations, equipment, permits, insurance, and all other project-related expenses. Submissions must be made through CaFE, the online artist call system.