Title
Resolution to Support Installation of the “Murals That Bridge” Project on the North Main Street Railroad Overpass and Approve an MDOT Permit and Maintenance Agreement
Memorandum
Murals That Bridge is a two-fold public art initiative aimed at creating landmark attractions for all who live in and visit Ann Arbor. Two prominent railroad overpass locations owned by WATCO were identified as “Gateways” to the Ann Arbor community - the first location on West Huron Street near First Street, and the second location on North Main Street near the entrance to M-14. Both locations were identified as blighted and generally unsightly fixtures located over major transportation arteries in Ann Arbor. The West Huron Street location was completed in 2024. The North Main Street location will be the second installation.
The North Main Street Murals That Bridge project, which was endorsed by the Ann Arbor Public Art Commission (AAPAC) during their June 4, 2025 meeting, will physically restore the North Main structure in a way that furthers the AAPAC’s mission to improve the quality of public spaces and structures in the Ann Arbor community.
The Murals That Bridge team, spearheaded by Lucie & Larry Nisson, TreeTown Murals, Constellations Consulting, and NorthStar Painting, plans to hire several Michigan based artists, including youth artists, to assist with painting the North Main Street mural, thereby creating local jobs and contributing to the vibrancy of Ann Arbor’s creative economy. The estimated budget for the North Main Street project is $150,000.00, which includes five years of maintenance and upkeep. The Murals That Bridge team has raised a portion of the capital and plans to begin the mural in summer/fall of 2025. Murals That Bridge is fiscally sponsored by Artrain, Inc. a 501c3 organization.
Because the Murals That Bridge project involves North Main Street, a state trunkline highway, it requires an Alternative Use of Highway Right-of-Way permit from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and must be consistent with MDOT’s Highway Aesthetic Element Guidelines. MDOT requires that the City be the permit applicant given the mural’s location. The permit application requires a resolution from City Council supporting the project. Finally, MDOT requires an Operations and Maintenance Agreement with the City, as the local agency, to ensure long-term upkeep of the mural.
The City approved a similar resolution of support and agreement for the West Huron Street installation.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: No City funds are anticipated to be used for this project.
Staff
Prepared by: Erin Donnelly, Environmental Services Manager
Reviewed by: Jordan Roberts, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Murals That Bridge project is endorsed by the Ann Arbor Public Art Commission;
Whereas, The Murals that Bridge project team will raise all required funding for this project;
Whereas, The Murals That Bridge project requires a permit from MDOT to complete the work; and
Whereas, The MDOT permit requires a Council resolution supporting the proposed project;
RESOLVED, That City Council approves the proposed installation of the Murals That Bridge project on the WATCO railroad overpass on North Main Street;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator is authorized to apply for and obtain an MDOT permit to allow the Murals that Bridge project at the proposed location and to execute all required agreements and documents, including an Operations and Maintenance Agreement with MDOT, for the completion and ongoing care of the project; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator is authorized to take all appropriate actions to implement this resolution and allow for completion of the project.