3.1 Vision:

This project offers an exciting opportunity to enhance the Government Center facility’s front lawn with a large-scale sculpture that incorporates the vision for the space. The New Hanover County Government Center Front Lawn is envisioned to serve as a welcoming and interactive outdoor amenity to New Hanover County employees and citizens alike. The design incorporates numerous themes which will be both functional and aesthetically pleasing to those visiting the Government Center Complex and the design is intended to accommodate a myriad of potential uses. The space is designed such that it’s functionality can evolve over the years just as easily as it may evolve day to day. The lawn space, walls, and seating can be used for casual conversations over lunch as well as small and large gatherings, more formal in nature. The space will be landscaped with native plantings. Rainwater will be diverted to a bioretention pond on the southern end of the space, which will feature the benefits of natural storm water treatment and infiltration. Walkways around the space will connect to exterior sidewalk networks, offering employees and visitors the ability to walk a loop around the complex for exercise. The location of the space along the eastern front of the Government Center lobby will allow for doors to be opened along the face of the building for indoor and outdoor events if desired. The space will offer an ideal location for meeting with local school groups as they arrive to visit the Government Center or could host official county events and public announcements. The New Hanover County Government Center Front Lawn will be an inviting space for all to enjoy, today and well into the future, and it is envisioned that the artwork displayed in this area also be timeless.

Location:

Please see end pages of commission document

Timeline:

It is estimated that the next phase of development would include the public art component. The construction on this phase will begin with the demolition of the current Government Center in April 2023. The site would be completed fourteen months later. Upon the selection of an artist(s), the Selection Committee may elect to proceed with negotiations or conduct a formal Request for Proposals process. Visioning session(s) will be conducted with the finalist and final selection of public art is subject to the approval of the Board of County Commissioners.

Artist Fee and Projected Budget:

The maximum budget shall not exceed $150,000 and shall include all costs associated with the design and installation of this work of public art, including, but not limited to, artist(s) fees, travel, lodging and per diem, insurance, materials, shop drawings, graphic design, and transportation costs.

Submit Statements of Qualifications by mail to:
New Hanover County
Attn: Lena Butler, Purchasing Supervisor
230 Government Center Drive, Suite 165
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403

Please see commission document for full project information and please see this addendum for the most recent project schedule.