Broadway Chapter Art Commission
Broadway Chapter Apartments
401 Hemphill Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
(Artist Drigo, pictured in front of Cosmic Journey. More images below press release)
June 29, 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACTS:
Amanda Cienkus, acienkus@taylorjohnson.com, (312) 267-4524
Gretchen Muller, gmuller@taylorjohnson.com, (312) 267-4511
Glenn LaFollette, lafolletteg@realcrg.com, (312) 286-6494
PHOTOS: Click HERE to view images and captions that accompany this release.
CRG Unveils Public Art Installation at Broadway Chapter in Fort Worth’s Near Southside Cultural District
North Texas-based artist Eric ‘Drigo’ Rodriguez completes one of the city’s largest public-facing murals for new 242-apartment development opening this month
FORT WORTH, Texas (June 29, 2021) — CRG, the real estate development and investment arm of Chicago-based Clayco, today announced a new public art installation gracing the facade of the five-story parking garage at Broadway Chapter, its recently completed multifamily development in Fort Worth’s Near Southside cultural district. The 242-unit community at 401 Hemphill St. will welcome its first residents in July.
CRG partnered with Near Southside’s ArtSouth to select and commission a mural from North Texas artist Eric ‘Drigo’ Rodriguez. The artist selection was driven from a community-led vetting process in February that resulted in 89 applications during the region’s historic ice storm. CRG supplied a $50,000 budget and worked closely with ArtSouth program administrators, who extended the application deadline and supported artists as many completed applications from their cars, warming centers and other public spaces available during the statewide power failures.
CRG worked with a selection committee consisting of Near Southside arts and cultural leaders, including architects, studio artists, gallerists, public artists and art education professionals. The vetting process yielded four finalists. According to the committee, Drigo was awarded the commission due to his immense talent and creativity and the important cultural voice he offers as a Latinx artist representing a historically marginalized community.
“We believe that art can inspire and enhance the daily living experience of our residents,” said Shawn Clark, president of CRG. “Our buildings are canvases and an important way for us to give back to the communities we join. We were delighted to work with Drigo and ArtSouth to create a vibrant artwork that resonates with the community.”
The 5,000-square-foot mural covers the southern facade of Broadway Chapter’s parking garage, visible from Peter Smith Street. Titled Cosmic Journey, the original work reflects the supportive spirit and positive evolution of the neighborhood.
“In so many ways, the Near Southside’s creative community is leading our district in exciting new directions, and Drigo’s mural at Broadway Chapter perfectly captures the neighborhood’s creative energy and personality,” said Mike Brennan, president of Near Southside, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing the Near Southside. “Art in general, and specifically this type of highly visible public art that we all engage with on a daily basis, plays such a major role in connecting our community and enhancing our shared experience living and working in such a great place. Drigo’s work and CRG’s partnership set a new standard for privately funded and publicly accessible art in Fort Worth.”
Drigo, a native of McKinney, Texas, has been painting for eight years. His figurative contemporary mural at Broadway Chapter depicts a colorful scene with tropical imagery that spans five massive concrete panels. Over a months-long time span, Drigo completed all of the work by hand — from priming the concrete panels, to sketching the large-scale work using a meticulous grid system, to painting the intricate design — using a mechanical lift supplied by CRG.
Intended to pay homage to the collaborative and friendly atmosphere the artist discovered in his first interaction with the Fort Worth community, the artwork is infused with imagery, some of which appears in previous works, that imbues positive energy and represents the diverse people and cultures found in the neighborhood.
“I’m honored to have this opportunity to collaborate with CRG and ArtSouth to bring this vision to life,” Drigo said. “Murals offer a special opportunity to spontaneously impact people’s lives, as anyone can walk by and not only enjoy the work, but also find inspiration in it. Near Southside is this melting pot kind of neighborhood, so I’ve used imagery of plants from all over the world and different cultures coming together. There’s always meaning within every element of my work, but I hope people find their own inspiration and interpretation for what it means to them.”
Drigo completed the mural in just under three months, partnering with friends and fellow artists Stephanie Cortes, Joshua Romero, Hatziel Flories and Will Harpham. Each supported Drigo through priming, sketch work, color fill and final detailing.
Fort Worth’s Near Southside cultural district is a walkable, mixed-use neighborhood located less than a mile from downtown. It boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene, some of the city’s most celebrated restaurants, and a concentration of design-focused small businesses.
This installation is CRG’s third major art installation and second for its Chapter residential brand. The firm partnered with Chicago-based artist Brandin Hurley for a triptych interior art piece at its Upshore Chapter development in Chicago’s historic Uptown neighborhood. Elsewhere in Chicago, CRG partnered with artist Mauricio Ramirez for a mural at A.M. 1980, a rental community in the Bucktown neighborhood.
“These installations are really a dialogue with the community,” Clark said. “We want to be a part of the communities where we develop, and we hope these projects reflect the character and culture of each.”
The additional finalists for the Broadway Chapter mural were:
- Josef Kristofoletti: Kristofoletti is an internationally working mural artist, whose creations have appeared in several publications, including Wired, PBS NewsHour, The New York Times, The Guardian, Boston Globe, Fast Company and Symmetry Magazine.
- DAAS: Based in Austin, Texas, DAAS is an American contemporary artist internationally recognized for his vibrant, engaging paintings and murals, which utilize abstract and representational imagery.
- Christin Apodaca: Apodaca is an illustrator and muralist living and working in El Paso, Texas, who creates black-and-white line drawings that weave native plants and human existence into surreal, dreamlike compositions.
Chapter is CRG’s national collection of upscale apartments designed to provide spaces and experiences that help residents write their own life story with greater intention. Designed by Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC) and built by Dallas-based Cadence McShane Construction, Broadway Chapter offers studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, including 15 one-bedroom lofts boasting 20-foot ceilings, as well as 4,500 square feet of indoor amenity space that houses a library, state-of-the-art fitness center with Peloton bicycles and a yoga area, and resident lounge with coffee bar. Outdoor amenities include a landscaped courtyard and sun deck with an infinity-edged swimming pool, in-pool loungers, grilling stations, dining areas, fire pit and terrace seating.
The spacious, open-plan apartment homes feature oversized windows with expansive views of downtown Fort Worth; wood-style plank flooring; chef’s kitchens with stainless steel appliances; bedrooms with large walk-in closets and custom shelving; full-size in-unit laundry; and private balconies per plan. Floor plans range in size from 547 to 1,195 square feet and are priced from $1,300 to $2,700 per month.
For leasing inquiries, prospective residents may contact the leasing team, Kairoi Residential, at (817) 415-1000 or BroadwayLeasing@kairoi.com, or visit the leasing office at 401 Hemphill St., which is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays; 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays; and 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. Prospects can also view property photos at www.broadwaychapter.com.
About CRG:CRG is a privately held real estate development firm that has developed more than 9,000 acres of land and delivered over 200 million square feet of commercial, industrial, institutional and multifamily assets exceeding $12 billion in value. CRG leverages a powerful North American platform with local market expertise and offices in Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Southern California, Phoenix and Philadelphia. CRG’s philosophy of developing for the future and anticipating the enhanced needs of next generation users led to the creation of its industrial brand, The Cubes, and its multifamily brand, Chapter. For more information, visit CRG’s website at www.realcrg.com.
About LJC:
LJC is a full-service design and architecture firm committed to enhancing the quality of the human experience and to improving how design and architecture can impact each individual’s emotional being. By harnessing the power of integrated design, including architecture, workplace strategy, interior design, landscape architecture, urban planning and engineering, the company achieves its clients’ goals and aspirations. For more information, please visit www.theljc.com.
About Cadence McShane Construction Company:
Cadence McShane Construction Company is the builder of choice in the state of Texas and its surrounding region, specializing in the Education, Multifamily, Senior Living, Commercial, and Industrial market sectors. As a highly-experienced provider of general construction, design- build, and construction management, Cadence McShane deploys a culture of relentless service with an entrepreneurial spirit that originates from the inside of each individual and helps constantly deliver reliable results of excellence. Since 1985, our dedication and commitment to this philosophy have built a solid foundation of expertise for everything we do. For additional information, visit the firm’s website at www.cadencemcshane.com.
About Art South:
Art South is an innovative public-facing art program of Near Southside Arts facilitating public-private partnerships to offer selected artists commission and exhibition opportunities in Fort Worth’s Near Southside district. Art South helps to connect and facilitate private art investment to public-facing calls for artists to broaden access to opportunity for artists within the community and elevate dialog about why arts investment matters and is beneficial.
About Near Southside, Inc.:
Near Southside, Inc. (NSI), a 501(c)4 flagship community organization widely recognized for its 25-year track record of progress, serves as the community captain steering economic and cultural initiatives benefiting Fort Worth’s 1,400 acre Near Southside district. Sister organization, Near Southside Arts (NSA), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization managed by NSI, is aligned in mission and governance with NSI and tasked with representing the Near Southside Cultural District that was formally designated in 2020 by the Texas Commission on the Arts. Both organizations share a 53-member board of directors, officers, and staff representing a cross-section of district stakeholders and community-minded leaders. Whether working toward complete streets, public parks, community events, historic restorations, urban villages, homes for eclectic local businesses, multi-purpose spaces, or anything with a “coming soon” sign, Near Southside, Inc. and Near Southside Arts collaborate with business owners and residents to usher progress within the neighborhood.
For over two decades, the Near Southside has placed cultural investment at the center of its revitalization. The district hosts arts-centric community events including ArtsGoggle, Open Streets, Friday on the Green, and Park(ing) Day that together attract over 100,000 attendees from around North Texas annually. In addition, the Near Southside district is home to many of Fort Worth’s notable theaters, live music venues, galleries, recording studios, film companies, chef-led restaurants and visual art schools. Info at www.nearsouthsidefw.org and www.nearsouthsidearts.org.
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Editors:
For more information, contact Amanda Cienkus, acienkus@taylorjohnson.com, (312) 267-4524.
Image captions:
Broadway Chapter Mural - Cosmic Journey by Drigo: Covering 5,000-square-feet of concrete panels, a new public art installation has been unveiled at Broadway Chapter, a 242-unit apartment community located at 401 Hemphill St. in Fort Worth’s Near Southside district.
Eric ‘Drigo’ Rodriguez: North Texas-based artist Eric ‘Drigo’ Rodriguez was tapped to design and install the public art gracing the southern facade of Broadway Chapter’s parking garage.
Broadway Chapter Mural in Progress: The months-long installation process for Cosmic Journey was completed entirely by hand. Artist Drigo used a mechanical lift to prime the panels, sketch the design and completing all detailing.
Click HERE to view images and captions that accompany this release.
February 2021:
In partnership with the Near Southside’s community art program Art South, CRG/Clayco is seeking to commission an artist for a mural on the concrete facade of a 5-story parking garage at their multi-family project, Broadway Chapter, currently under construction at 401 Hemphill Street. The garage facade is not a single monolithic wall but instead comprised of five horizontal concrete bands, separated by open air segments dedicated to ventilation. The mural walls are estimated to total 5,000 square feet in surface area. The goal is to create an iconic piece of public art that is both engaging and inspiring. Paint is sure to be the primary medium due to budget and scale, however artists are encouraged to think creatively and incorporate other materials as they see fit so long as they are durable and sustainable for maintenance. The artwork should be representative of the Near Southside’s unique culture.
TO APPLY
FIRST you are requested to please read the full project brief https://portal.nearsouthsidefw.org/downloads/Broadway_Chapter_RFQ_Project_Brief.pdf
NEXT the following via an online application at portal.nearsouthsidefw.org
Once logged in, press the BROADWAY CHAPTER COMMISSION button to get started.
1. Artist Statement providing information about your personal practice and approach - submitted in a text field
2. Brief Project Approach (no more than 500 words) - submitted in a text field
3. Artist provides previous large scale work experience and lift operations information
4. CV/Resume - .doc or .pdf is preferred (Optional attachment, not required)
5. Two professional references
LOCATION
District: Fort Worth’s Near Southside
Building: Broadway Chapter Apartments
Address: 401 Hemphill Street Fort Worth, Texas 76104
BUDGET $25,000 + $25,000 value of materials provided
• $25,000 artist fee
• $5,000 Access to discretionary support budget for non-paint supplies, assistant or commercial support (all expense must be substantiated with invoices and receipts to CRG)
• Paint will be provided to the artist, ordered by CRG to artist specifications
• Mechanical lift and operator provided to artist for use during painting above-grade work.
SCHEDULE
DEADLINE EXTENDED
Friday, February 26 Application Deadline
Monday, March 22 Selection announced
Thursday, March 25 Final concept approved
March 30 - May 3 Mural production period + completion date
BROADWAY CHAPTER
Broadway Chapter is Fort Worth’s newest apartment community located in the Near Southside neighborhood. Broadway Chapter is designed to be a hub for bold minds and a launchpad into the vibrant experiences and energy of the Near Southside. Built on the heritage of Fort Worth’s rich cultural history and the Near Southside’s creativity and cultural diversity—those uplifting influences that open our minds to life’s greatest possibilities—Broadway Chapter calls those of us who want more out of a home than simply a place to rest our head. Broadway Chapter is part of the national Chapter collection of unique apartments, each designed to provide spaces and experience that help residents not only live well but to grow as people. Broadway Chapter is a 5-story wood-framed multifamily housing complex located at 401 Hemphill Street in Fort Worth’s Near Southside district. This 320,000 SF development consists of 242 one and two bedroom rental apartments together with 4,500 square feet of first class amenity space facing a vibrant courtyard. The project will offer high quality interior finishes and full amenities for its residents.
COMMISSION GOALS
• To create an iconic high-quality one-of-a-kind public art landmark
• To add value and artistry the Broadway Chapter in keeping with their community
• Art that is representative of our Near Southside culture and/or community
• Showcase regional talent
• Offer opportunity to regional artist/s
• Promote artistic point of view
• Catalyze public awareness of this new project by creating a sense of place
THEMATIC INSPIRATION
• Reflect local culture’s past and community’s future ambition.
• Add a creative aesthetic to the built environment which energizes the neighborhood’s principles and personality.
• Though the building’s name includes ‘Broadway’, we are not seeking theatrical inspiration. Instead, the name refers to the historic Near Southside street.
• Highlight diversity and resilience, grit and hope, celebration and joy.
• Create a sense of motion, action, and visual thrust with the artistic content.
• Emphasize the new Fort Worth culture. We are not looking for the imagery of traditional western themes - boots, hats, cowboys, etc. The artist should instead take inspiration from the Modern West, an eclectic mix of heritage and contemporary style.
MOST IMPORTANTLY...The artist must be eager to explore design that inspires engagement, from photos to physical interaction as the site plan allows.
ARTIST REQUIREMENTS
Selection of the right artist is not just a matter of talent or experience, but instead a combination of those skill-sets and attitude.
We are looking for a partner who will think and act collaboratively when designing and producing the mural. The developer is seeking an artist who will listen to and involve the public, as needed, and will consider the Art South and CRG/Clayco teams as partners. Equally as important, the artist must be accommodating to feedback or requests from the project’s program managers and art director (see meet our team), as well as champion the process for themselves and the community.
We believe this mural offers an opportunity for narrating our community’s history and future, values and vision, through the unique perspective of the selected artist. It is our expectation that the artist can and will retain the artistic vision - as we are not proposing a design by committee or design by community process. However, through thoughtful assessment and collaboration the artist can provide impact to the community. Murals tell stories, create experiences, inspire engagement, increase foot traffic, welcome tourism, spark appreciation for the arts and artists, and improve attractiveness of the place. These are principles we hold true and expect the artist to as well.
• Artist must have previous large-format experience or 12’ x 12’ or greater
• Artist must live in, work in, or have significant connections to Texas to apply.
• Artist must be confident working on a lift in various elements. While it is not required to apply, the committee looks favorably on artists who previous experience operating a lift as it may eliminate the need for a lift operator to work with the artist.
• Artist must utilize professional written and verbal communications skills to successfully coordinate with project managers, on site construction team, and CRG/Clayco art director in order to navigate construction demands, supplies management, on site needs and scheduling.
• Artist must commit to working directly with CRG/Clayco to secure necessary supplies for the project, including testing materials prior to placing full order.
• Artist must provide remaining supplies and paint color codes to CRG/Clayco upon completion of the project to ensure maintenance in the event of mural damage.
• Artist must be capable of thinking both practically and whimsically as a designer, problem-solver, and partner. For example, if the artist wishes to incorporate mixed media, they should ensure that the mosaic, found materials, reflective materials, photography, and can be successfully applied to be durable for outdoor conditions and maintenance. How can every day materials that meet both the budget and the technical needs deliver visual and artistic impact.
• Artist must have a unique and personal artistic point-of-view.
• Artist is encouraged to engage the community throughout the artistic process.
OUR SELECTION PROCESS.
Art South facilitates the selection process. Once the application has closed, project administrators review all applications to identify qualified artists. The Selection Committee then meets to review qualified artists to establish “artists of interest.” Artists of interest are invited to participate in an interview and casual discussion via Zoom with a Selection Committee Core Team to discuss the project and hear more from the artist about their proposed project approach. After the interviews, the Core Team commissions 2-3 finalists concept renderings for a fee of $250 each. The artist concepts will submit these renderings to the program administrators for review in advance of the concept
presentation meeting. Artists are then be invited to present their concept renderings to the Core Team at a second and final interview via Zoom. A selection will be made following the interview and all artists who applied for the opportunity will be notified of the results. The commissioned artist will then meet with the program managers to discuss any concept modifications requested by the committee and establish a final concept rendering for approval. Upon approval of final concept, the artist will be provided with a contract to enter into agreement with CRG/Clayco. The artist will coordinate the mural production directly with CRG/Clayco. Artist meet the deadlines of the project for an unveiling date that both the artist and program administrators agree upon.
OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY
Near Southside is committed to championing equity and ensuring opportunity for historically marginalized communities in Fort Worth and the North Texas region.
In that effort, our selection process ensures that at least 50% of selected finalists identify with a historically marginalized community. Examples of historically marginalized communities include, but are not limited to, Black, African American, Indigenous American, Native American, First Nations, Inuit, Métis, American Indian, Native Alaskan, Latinx, Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, Persons of Color, Disabled, LGBTQQ2SPIAA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Two-Spirit, Pansexual, Intersexual, Asexual, Allies, and + representing anyone that uses other language to dis-identify with heterosexuality or heteronormativity), and females. These are just examples and you are invited to express your identity in your own words on your application if you wish to be considered as such for our selection process.