Traverse City commissioners will consider approving the installation of an artistic memorial on Park Street for the late Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Executive Director Bryan Crough at their 7pm meeting Tuesday at the Governmental Center.

The recently formed Traverse City Arts Commission is seeking approval to solicit proposals from artists across the country for the memorial through an open request-for-qualifications (RFQ) process. It would be the Arts Commission's first public art project. The planned site for the memorial is outside the new Radio Centre III development planned for the east side of Park Street between Front and State streets.

"The artwork is envisioned as either a stand-alone piece installed close to a sidewalk, or potentially installed onto the new building at street level," according to a memo from Arts Commission Chair Mary Bevans Gillett. "The work is envisioned to be an original, modern sculpture...of a size that is harmonious to the surrounding environment, yet substantial enough to serve as a significant piece for downtown and the city of Traverse City." 

Gillett notes the piece is "not planned as a traditional bronze sculpture or rendition of Bryan Crough's likeness," but instead is envisioned as an "interactive, innovative, responsive, whimsical" work that would "attract viewers and community to engage with it." A small plaque would be placed near the piece describing the project and Crough's contributions to Traverse City, similar to memorials placed at the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market, Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck, Perry Hannah statue and Con Foster building.

No public funds are proposed to be used for the project, which is estimated to cost $50,000. Rotary Charities of Traverse City has committed a $25,000 matching grant to the project, and private donors have contributed the remaining $25,000. The DDA is holding the donations and will transfer them to the city's Art Trust Fund pending commission approval for the transfer and spending of donations out of that fund.

Should commissioners approve moving ahead with the RFQ process, a proposed timeline for the project includes soliciting artist bids this spring, selecting and interviewing finalists this summer, hiring an artist this fall and giving the selected artist October through May 2017 to complete the work. The memorial is planned to be installed and dedicated in June 2017.

Crough served as head of the DDA from 1990 until his death in 2013 of a heart attack. He is credited with helping lead the revitalization of downtown Traverse City and championed innumerable cultural projects and improvements during his tenure, including Friday Night Live, the City Opera House, the History Center and the State Theatre. Under his watch, the city's two downtown parking decks were constructed, tax increment financing was introduced and a handful of key developments brought new life to downtown, including Radio Center, River's Edge and 101 Park Street.

"Brian was a catalyst, a connector and a community builder," says Gillett. "We believe this work should spark the same essence of energy, creativity and engagement."

Note: Due to the federal holiday Monday, the city commission's normally scheduled Monday meeting will be moved to Tuesday night.