Art-wrapped utility boxes are part of larger placemaking effort
The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand is excited to announce North of Grand neighbor Ramona Muse Lambert as the featured artist selected to transform a pair of utility boxes at 2714 Ingersoll Ave.
A call for local artists resulted in more than a dozen submissions, but a committee representing local business and property owners ultimately selected Muse Lambert’s whimsical designs to spotlight. The art-wrapped utility boxes are part of an alley activation project made possible by a Community Betterment Grant from Prairie Meadows and partnership with nearby property owners.
The committee narrowed Muse Lambert’s work down to two designs and asked the community to help choose the final design via a social media vote. Ultimately the yellow design was selected!
One of two designs that the public is invited to vote on for a pair of utility box wraps at 2714 Ingersoll Ave.
The committee felt Muse Lambert’s work reflected the optimism of the district and would help create a fun, family-friendly destination in the new public space. The resurfaced alley, accessible from the newly completed streetscape, will also feature lighting and public seating. The utility boxes are adjacent to the alley in the lawn of Ingersoll Flats.
The entire project is expected to be complete this summer and will then be open for the public to enjoy while patronizing local businesses – contributing to The Avenues’ goal of creating a clean, safe, beautiful and healthy environment within the commercial, cultural and residential district.
The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand, recognized as a Cultural & Entertainment District by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs in 2020, continues to add public art and urban recreation opportunities to the corridor.
Expect to see these projects later this spring and summer in the district:
- The Avenues will unveil the first two of eight DART art bus shelters featuring work from two Iowa artists
- A public art staircase will be created at 2300 Ingersoll to connect Ingersoll and Grand Avenues via an active pedestrian pathway
- Art Week 2023 will activate on The Avenues on Wednesday, June 21 highlighting permanent and pop-up art exhibitions
