To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: ELIZABETH HAUSE, WATERFRONT AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
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DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING TERMINATION OF THE GATE WAVE ART PROJECT AND REALLOCATION OF THE $275,000 OF PROJECT FUNDS TO OTHER POTENTIAL PUBLIC ART PROJECTS
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On December 16, 2025, the City Council approved a $275,000 agreement with Volkan Alkanoglu of Volkan Alkanoglu Design LLC (Artist), funded by the John Parsons Public Art Fund (JPPAF), to fabricate and install the public artwork "Gate Wave" at Gateway Parkette following more than fourteen-years of planning and design. Although City staff worked closely with the Artist to advance the project, unexpected fabrication delays led to a requested four-month schedule extension. However, before the amendment could be finalized, the artist informed staff that he could no longer complete the project and requested termination of the Agreement. A termination letter was provided to the Artist on July 7, 2026.
Staff is requesting the City Council provide direction on whether to redirect the Gate Wave Project funds to other potential public art projects, return all or a portion of the funding to the JPPAF, and/or pursue a new public art installation at Gateway Parkette.
BACKGROUND
At the City Council's December 16, 2025 meeting, the Council approved an Agreement with Volkan Alkanoglu Design LLC to commission and install the artwork "Gate Wave" at Gateway Parkette, located at the intersection of Harbor Drive and Herondo Street. The total cost for the piece was $275,000, utilizing funding from the JPPAF. Included below is a rendering of the final design:
This Agreement was the culmination of fourteen years' worth of research, planning, envisioning, and relocation of the piece from its original site at the Transit Center. The Artist has been heavily involved throughout the process and has worked with staff over the years to refine the piece to its final design, ensu...
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