21 st Century Waterfront, Chattanooga, TN

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1 21 st Century Waterfront, Chattanooga, TN OPEN CALL FOR DESIGN TEAMS: Request for qualifications only Deadline: Friday, November 25, 2016 by Noon. Proposal Honorarium: $5,000 (funding secured) Design Development Fee: $30,000 (funding secured) Project Implementation Budget: $750,000 (fundraising goal) River City Company is seeking multi-disciplinary artists + design teams qualifications. Up to three teams will be selected and awarded $5,000 stipends to develop site specific proposals (design concepts) for the re-design of the First Street steps and incline area from Market St. to Cherry St. The implemented artwork / landscape will enhance the connection between the TN Aquarium and the Bluff View Art District, utilizing unique, innovative design concepts with a cohesive artistic vision. This opportunity is open to design teams internationally. The receipt deadline is November 25, 2016 by 12:00pm EST. For more information visit:

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS OVERVIEW:... 0 VISION... 2 (FUTURE) ARTWORK / LANDSCAPE GOALS... 2 (FUTURE)BUDGET:... 2 THE SITE... 3 RFQ SELECTION PROCESS... 4 DESIGN TEAM ELIGIBILITY... 4 SELECTION COMMITTEE... 4 REVIEW CRITERIA... 4 ESTIMATED PROJECT TIMELINE ( )... 5 PROJECT BACKGROUND... 6 EXISTING SITE PHOTOS... 7 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (DOWNLOADS & LINKS) PUBLIC / PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS ABOUT RIVER CITY COMPANY ABOUT PUBLIC ART CHATTANOOGA: PROJECT SUPPORTERS APPLICATION GUIDELINES First Street Steps - Redesign Request for Qualifications Page 1

3 VISION (FUTURE) ARTWORK / LANDSCAPE GOALS The First Street project is an opportunity to create a major work of art, at an urban scale, that incorporates artistic, architectural, and landscape components. The project will visibly and physically enhance the experience of the urban environment leading from Cherry St. down to the Market St. crossing that leads to Aquarium Plaza. While seeking to strengthen the sense of connection from the Bluff down to the Aquarium Plaza, the project is also intended to create a unique destination for public enjoyment rooted in the notion of artistic place-making at the city scale. We are seeking innovative interpretations of the First Street Steps and Walkway. As currently envisioned, the basic concept is a new urban-scaled stair that takes advantage of the dramatic change in grade to frame views and create enjoyable spaces with terraced seating. The Ramble Master Plan* concept for this space takes cues from a mountain stream, suggesting that pedestrians can meander through the space with opportunities to sit or stroll among landscape features or works of art. The concept builds upon the already popular outdoor art space between Walnut and Cherry Streets. There are various opportunities to integrate art and innovation into the infrastructure needed to create this space, including walls, the stairs themselves, and storm water conveyance systems, amongst others. *See additional information links regarding The Ramble Chattanooga Arts Promenade, Urban Design Study and Master Plan. (FUTURE) ARTWORK / LANDSCAPE DESIGN PARAMETERS The artwork / landscape must not obstruct pedestrian and vehicle right of ways and must generally meet the safety standards of the City of Chattanooga. As this is an intensively used public space, the artwork / landscape elements must be constructed of materials that are highly resistant to theft and vandalism as well as appropriate for Chattanooga s four season climate. The artwork and landscape should be designed for permanent installation. (FUTURE)BUDGET: $750,000 is the budget goal for project implementation. Funding is committed for the Proposal (Concept Design) and Design Development phase. River City Co. is currently seeking grants and donations for project implementation and construction. The budget includes expenses related to completed artwork/landscape, including (but not limited to) professional fees, site preparation and restoration, engineering & technical consultation, travel to the site, artwork fabrication, insurance, installation, permit fees, documentation, all applicable taxes, etc. First Street Steps - Redesign Request for Qualifications Page 2

4 THE SITE: First Street steps and incline area from Market St. to Cherry St. KEY: 1. Entry to Aquarium Plaza (note heavy landscaping around electrical transformer blocking view) 2. Market Street Pedestrian Crossing 3. Four Seasons Sculptures (Fall and Winter) 4. Access Drive to Riverset Apartments and Public Parking Lot (to remain) 5. Funicular Pit and Track (equipment removed) 6. Steps 7. Access Drive to Museum Bluffs Condominiums (to remain) First Street Steps - Redesign Request for Qualifications Page 3

5 RFQ SELECTION PROCESS DESIGN TEAM ELIGIBILITY This is an international competition open to professional artists and design teams interested in developing integrated concepts for the First Street Steps and walkway. Multi-disciplinary teams are encouraged to apply and should include at least, but not limited to, (1) artist and (1) landscape architect. Other trades, such as multi-media, lighting, sound designers, architects and/or engineers are encouraged to collaborate as well. PROPOSAL HONORARIUM: Up to three design teams may be selected from this RFQ phase and an honorarium of $5,000 (funding secured) will be provided for proposal development, which should include travel costs for one site visit, and all costs associated with developing a complete and thorough site specific proposal. SELECTION COMMITTEE The Selection Committee will include at least, but not limited to, one artist, one architect, one landscape architect, a Public Art Chattanooga representative, staff members from City of Chattanooga Public Works Department, River City Company and a representative of the First Street neighborhood community. REVIEW CRITERIA Design Team qualifications will be reviewed by the selection committee. The committee will review applications on the basis of: Artistic excellence and professional experience of the artist and design team Expressed sensitivity to the site and context Ability to complete the project Demonstrated ability of the team to work collaboratively with professionals Demonstrated ability to successfully execute a project of this scale under the criteria developed and within the budget set forth Experience with and expressed desire to work collaboratively with a team to create an integrated artwork/ landscape for and in the public realm Consideration of the The Ramble Master Plan and demonstrated effort to connect the First Street Steps to the communities along The Ramble. The selection committee will select up to three design teams who will be invited to visit the site and develop a project proposal consisting of conceptual drawings and documents outlining a timeline and budget. First Street Steps - Redesign Request for Qualifications Page 4

6 After selection, finalists will have approximately three months to complete the proposal and will then be invited to present the conceptual proposal to the selection committee. The committee will recommend proceeding with one project. The design team selected for the final commission will be required to enter into an agreement with the City of Chattanooga, which will contain provisions including but not limited to rights of ownership, City/State permits, use, warranty, and insurance. ESTIMATED PROJECT TIMELINE ( ) RFQ: Selection Phase - October 7, 2016: RFQ Distributed - November 25, :00PM EST: Deadline for Submissions - November 30 December 9, 2016: Selection Committee review of submissions and selection of finalists for concept development. Proposal Phase: Concept Design and Preliminary Budget - January 9 January 13, 2017: Site Visits - January March, 2017: Proposal Development - March, 24, 2017: Proposals Presented - March 27, 2017: Selection Committee selects winning design team Design Development Phase: Construction Documents and Updated Budget - April 2017 September 2017: Finalize Fundraising for Construction Phase - September 2017: Enter contract with selected design team (fees to be negotiated) - September 2017 December 2017: Finalize Construction Documents Construction/Fabrication + Installation - January 2018 July 2018: Construction + Installation - July 2018: Project Completion - September 2018: Grand Opening First Street Steps - Redesign Request for Qualifications Page 5

7 PROJECT BACKGROUND Opening in 1991, the TN Aquarium Plaza is considered one of Chattanooga's first major public artworks and artist/design team collaborations, SITE: landscape architect, Jack Mackie and artist, Stan Townsend was commissioned to create the award-winning Aquarium Plaza. In 2002 planning began for the 21 st Century Waterfront. The visioning processes involved unprecedented public involvement with more than 1600 Chattanoogans providing input. The resulting vision became a series of closely coordinated projects that comprised a complete redevelopment of the waterfront. The 21st Century Waterfront Plan included the creation of 39+ acres of new Public Park on both sides of the river, the salt water aquarium at the TN Aquarium, Expansion of the Hunter Museum of American Art, Realignment and narrowing of Riverfront Parkway, the Holmberg Pedestrian Bridge connecting the TN Aquarium to the Hunter Museum, the First Street stairs and funicular (no longer operating)* and over $1.2 million in public art projects which include: the Luminous Light Masts for the Chattanooga Pier, by James Carpenter; The Passage, by team Gadugi; and the inauguration of a rotating sculpture garden along First Street which is now in its 6th iteration. In 2009 The Four Seasons, a series of four sculptures by Daud Akhriev were placed at the south end of the Market Street Bridge and at the foot of First Street, approaching the north end of the Market Street Bridge. Each figure represents a woman in a different stage of life in each of the four seasons (Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall).The sculptures serve as a gateway to the rotating First Street Sculpture Garden and pedestrian corridor that connects Market Street with Walnut Street, the Hunter Museum and the Bluff View Art District. Most recently, River City Company (with the support of the Lyndhurst Foundation) engaged a local landscape architect (WM Whitaker & Associates) and an internationally acclaimed urban design firm (Urban Design Associates) to study the pedestrian corridor between Bluff View and Ross s Landing creating The Ramble Chattanooga Art Promenade (Master Plan Document): This master plan details the elements needed to create an urban pedestrian promenade of distinguished and memorable character for the city of Chattanooga. The master plan builds on the great efforts of the last three decades that transformed Chattanooga into the welcoming destination it is today. The art promenade, or "The Ramble", will create a new destination as it connects the already treasured downtown destinations. This plan recognizes there is more work to be done and that we should not rest on the great work of those who came before us. *See Additional Information Links for the First Street Package 3 portion of the Chattanooga 21 st Century Waterfront Construction Documents First Street Steps - Redesign Request for Qualifications Page 6

8 EXISTING SITE PHOTOS Looking northeast from bottom of hill at Market Street Looking northwest from top of hill at Cherry Street First Street Steps - Redesign Request for Qualifications Page 7

9 Looking east up stair at mid-block drive to parking lot Looking west at top of hill at Cherry Street First Street Steps - Redesign Request for Qualifications Page 8

10 Looking east from bottom of hill at Market Street Looking west from top of stairs at Cherry Street First Street Steps - Redesign Request for Qualifications Page 9

11 Looking northeast from across Market Street First Street Steps - Redesign Request for Qualifications Page 10

12 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (DOWNLOADS & LINKS) A. The Ramble Chattanooga Art Promenade B. 21st Century Waterfront Plan Construction Drawings (excerpts) C. Public Art Chattanooga Application, Policies and Procedures First Street Steps - Redesign Request for Qualifications Page 11

13 PUBLIC / PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS ABOUT RIVER CITY COMPANY For over 30 years, River City Company, a private non-profit, has worked in partnership with local government, the private sector, and the philanthropic sector to support Downtown Chattanooga. River City Company's Board of Directors represents the community at large with City and County Mayors, representatives from City Council and County Commission and numerous community leaders. Created as a private non-profit in 1986 to implement a 20-year twenty-two mile blueprint for Chattanooga's riverfront and downtown development, River City Company has supported and developed key real estate projects in Downtown Chattanooga. From the fulfillment of the initial recommendations of the Moccasin Bend Task Force for the development of the Tennessee Riverwalk, to the development of the Tennessee Aquarium, the redevelopment of the Kirkman High School site, fulfillment of the 21st Century Waterfront Plan, the Majestic Theater and recently The Block, River City Company is a successful public purpose development company. ABOUT PUBLIC ART CHATTANOOGA: Public Art Chattanooga (PAC), a division of the City of Chattanooga, is dedicated to introducing a wide variety of high quality public art into the community, enhancing the civic environment and enriching the lives of visitors and residents. Celebrated as one of the greatest mid-sized cities in the United States, Chattanooga is regarded as a leader in place making, urban planning and revitalization. Through community visioning and planning, Chattanooga has transformed a once dormant urban core and surrounding neighborhoods into a thriving residential, business and tourist city center. Public art has been central to each of these. Strategically integrating public art throughout the city has contributed to its distinct sense of place, its livability, quality of life, and its economic health. PAC manages a first-rate permanent public art collection of over 153 works of art as well as several national juried temporary exhibits. Some of PAC s signature permanent projects include: The 21 st Century Waterfront Passage by Team Gadugi; Luminous Light Masts for the Pier, by James Carpenter; The Main Terrain Urban Art Park by Thomas Sayre, ClearScapes; and The MLKing Mural, by Meg Saligman. PROJECT SUPPORTERS City of Chattanooga: Mayor s Office, Public Works, Department of Transportation Chattanooga Design Studio Lyndhurst Foundation Benwood Foundation First Street Steps - Redesign Request for Qualifications Page 12

14 APPLICATION GUIDELINES Team s qualifications must be submitted in hard copy by mail (five copies) and in digital format on a flash drive. Printed materials should be single-sided and must include the following: 1. Completed application form (found here). 2. Current Résumé for all team members (two-page limit). 3. Letter of Interest briefly addressing how your team would approach the project. This document should be no longer than one page (single-spaced, 1-inch margins, 12 pt. font). 4. List of professional references (at least three): Please include name, address, phone number, and address for each individual. 5. Ten digital images of previous work saved to flash drive. The specifications for the digital images are as follows: All flash drives must be labeled with the team s name. Every image file must be titled first with the number of the image in the order to be viewed (use 0 in front of singledigit numbers), followed by the team name [for example: 01_Smith; 02_Smith]. The numbers must correspond to the annotated image list. Do not embed images into a PDF, PowerPoint presentation or other document. Acceptable digital images must be: Dimensions: Minimum 800 x 600; Maximum 1600 x 1200 File Format: JPG (do not use Progressive JPGs, GIFs, or TIFFs) at 72 DPI 6. Annotated Image List (two-page limit): Please include the team s name as a heading, and a brief description of each image including title, date, medium, dimensions, and budget or price. Applications must be received by mail or hand-delivered by November 25, 2016, 12:00 pm EST. No exceptions. Send application materials to: ATTN: First Street Steps - Redesign River City Company 850 Market Street, Second Floor Chattanooga, TN Questions? Contact: Jim Williamson (423) jwilliamson@rivercitycompany.com First Street Steps - Redesign Request for Qualifications Page 13