Livable Streets Plan
Fayetteville Street Renaissance
Jaume Plensa Public Art Proposal

Cultural / Convention District Strategic Development Plan

Fayetteville Street Renaissance

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Proposed concept for public art on Fayetteville Street by Jaume Plensa

 Background:
Jim Goodmon, president of Capitol Broadcasting, has offered to donate $2.5 Million to the City to make possible the creation and installation of artwork by internationally-recognized artist Jaume Plensa in the 400 block of Fayetteville Street.  Mr. Plensa has created a concept involving a grid of overhead LED lights, a mist fountain, a powerful vertical light beam, columnar trees and a grassy square placed in a black granite plaza.
News: Images:
  • September 12, 2006 - Donor Jim Goodmon of WRAL retracts his offer to fund project.
  • September 5, 2006 - Arts Commission presents parameters for new public art design to Council.  Mr. Plensa is interested in continuing with a new design.  Council holds item to wait for return to country of the donor for his agreement to proceed.
  • August 8, 2006 - City Manager presents feasibility study and cost estimate.  Manager issues report that raises concerns about Jaume Plensa art project in 400 block of Fayetteville Street and recommends that this design not be pursued further - Mockup of LED lights was erected on street on the 7th for viewing.  Council asks Arts Commission to move ahead with a re-design process. 
  • February, 2006 - Jaume Plensa presents concept to the City Council as well as to public groups.  Council asks for more detailed plan and cost estimate.
  • September, 2005 - Director of the NC Museum of Art Larry Wheeler announces that a donor has offered to present the City with a major public artwork by Jaume Plensa - Plensa is engaged by Council to develop a concept.
  • March -September 2005 - Kimley-Horn Associates creates a series of alternative schematic designs for what is being called City Plaza in the 400 block of Fayetteville Street, based on the outcome of the Cultural-Convention District Strategic Development Plan.
From original Plensa proposal


LED grid suspended on steel support structure


Plan for plaza showing black granite pavers in grey, grass in lighter color, water feature illustrated by vertical line in middle of grass


Section through plaza showing overhead grid


Mist fountain typical of water feature proposed


Mock-up of LED grid 50' x 20'.  Actual art will be 100' x 140'


Night view of mock-up


LED grid from underneath