We are pleased to announce that four design teams have been selected as finalists for the Congress Square Redesign project. Twelve submissions were received for the design contract, four will proceed to round 2 of the selection process which will include interviews with the selection committee, a site visit, and a public presentation.
The four finalist design teams are (in alphabetical order; click on the name to view the finalist applications): CRJA – IBI, Michael Boucher Landscape Architecture, Terry DeWan & Associates with Olin Studio, WRT.
The scope of work will include developing a schematic design for the entire Congress Square in coordination with an artist who will create a concept for public art. The artist selection for the public art commission is still under review and will be announced in the Spring.
The finalists will speak at a public forum on Wednesday, May 4th from 5:30-7:30pm at the Portland Museum of Art auditorium. Each finalist will present about their past relevant experience and thoughts on the opportunities for Congress Square, followed by a question and answer session. The public forum will create an opportunity for the community to learn about the prospective consultants, and provide input on the finalists by completing a public survey ranking the finalists following the presentation. The City wants to hire design professionals that the community will be excited about and who will be good partners with the City, selected artist, and community.
The event is free and open to the public, but RSVP will be required for capacity reasons. Click here to RSVP today!
The project partners -the Planning & Urban Development Department, the Portland Public Art Committee and the Friends of Congress Square Park – are excited about the unique opportunity to combine urban design and public art to transform Congress Square into a welcoming, accessible public open space in the heart of the city with a focus on arts and performance.
We hope you join us on Wednesday, May 4th at the PMA!
Note: The City currently has funds to develop schematic level concepts for the Congress Square intersection and public artwork. The concepts developed by the winning design team and artist will be used to help raise money to implement the project. You can visit the project webpage to find a full history of the redesign project: http://www.portlandmaine.gov/1113/Congress-Square-Redesign