Street Art to Adorn New County Parking Structure as Local Artist Recommended
*KALAMAZOO, MI — A new wave of public art is coming to downtown Kalamazoo as Patrick Hershberger, a local muralist known by his artist name Go Bonus Saves*, has been selected to create a massive mural series for the county's newest parking garage.
The project, which will wrap around three sides of the parking structure at 440 N. Church St., represents one of the largest public art installations of its kind in the area. The design combines portraits of notable community residents with images of native flora and fauna, celebrating Kalamazoo's unique character and natural heritage.
"A number of large examples of street art have popped up around Kalamazoo in the past year, and a possible design for the largest mural of all has just been selected," said reporter John McNeill.
The Selection Process: 29 Proposals Narrowed to One
The mural project began when Kalamazoo County received 29 proposals from local and regional artists. These submissions were carefully screened by the Arts Council and the Public Arts Commission, which reduced the pool to five finalists.
An ad hoc committee, comprised of local residents, members of local arts organizations, and county board members, was tasked with selecting the final design. The committee's goal was to choose the proposal that best reflected community history, identity pride, and would enhance the public space.
"They had three good finalists," said county board chair Jen Strebs. "Picking a local artist was also a priority."
Patrick Hershberger's proposal emerged as the top choice. The local artist, who is himself a Kalamazoo native, had participated in the city's Brush the Block festival last year. His design features depictions of notable Kalamazoo residents mixed with images of native flora and fauna.
The design will wrap around three sides of the parking structure and is expected to cost about $50,000, with most of the budget going toward printing 31 large fabric panels based on Hershberger's original designs.
Parking Garage: County Employee Facility with Public Access
The parking garage at 440 N. Church St. is being built primarily to serve county employees at the nearby Kalamazoo County Administration Building and the Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center. The facility will also be open to the public, though it is not being constructed to support the downtown events center.
"It will also be open to the public, but is not being built to support the downtown events center," the news outlet clarified in a correction following reader questions.
Groundbreaking ceremonies for the parking garage are expected to take place within the next few weeks, with construction overseen by Miller-Davis Company, which the county tapped to manage the project.
The entire project is estimated to cost $26,825,136. County Administrator Kevin Catlin confirmed that the garage will still come in under the original estimate, despite some last-minute adjustments to subcontractor selections.
Local Preference Policy: Subcontractor Decisions Adjusted
The county had recently revised its approach to subcontractor selections, addressing a policy oversight. Kalamazoo County established a local preference policy in September that gives an edge to local firms that pay a living wage and have apprenticeship programs.
However, the policy initially did not apply to subcontractors, creating confusion. The county commission decided to go with local subcontractors in four cases, though this decision would increase costs slightly.
"The county decided to go with the local subcontractors in four cases, though it will cost a little more," reported NowKalamazoo.
County Administrator Kevin Catlin confirmed the whole project would still come in under estimate, with a price tag of $26,825,136.
Next Steps: County Vote Expected in April
County commissioners will make the final decision on Hershberger's mural proposal at their next meeting in April. Once approved, the contract will be signed and construction of the mural series will begin.
The 31 large fabric panels will be printed from Hershberger's design and installed on the parking structure's exterior. The project represents a significant investment in public art and community pride.
"The design will wrap around three sides of the parking structure," according to county officials.
About Patrick Hershberger
Patrick Hershberger, also known by his artist name Go Bonus Saves, is a muralist and Kalamazoo native. His work combines portraits of community residents with images of native plants and animals.
Last year, Hershberger participated in the city's Brush the Block festival, where his entry featured local elements and community themes. His selection for the parking garage mural continues his commitment to creating art that reflects Kalamazoo's unique character.
The mural project is expected to be a major addition to Kalamazoo's growing collection of public art installations, which have become increasingly prominent throughout the past year.